Tenerife Designates Mercatenerife as Critical Infrastructure to Bolster Food Security

Food security has become a top priority for Tenerife’s civil protection authorities. The Cabildo de Tenerife has formed a strategic partnership with Mercatenerife to ensure the island’s main food distribution hub remains operational during a crisis. By including the wholesale market in the Island Emergency Plan (PEIN), officials are working to protect this vital infrastructure, which is essential for public health and economic stability.

This collaboration marks a significant change in how the Canary Islands manage risk. By adding Mercatenerife to the island’s Basic Services committees—alongside energy, water, and telecommunications—authorities are addressing the vulnerability of supply chains in an island territory. Blanca Pérez, the Minister of Natural Environment, Sustainability, Security, and Emergencies, explained that the goal is to prepare for emergencies, particularly potential power outages. A prolonged blackout could halt the distribution of perishable goods, prompting the Cabildo to demand a comprehensive review of current safety protocols.

The agreement, finalized at the Island Operational Coordination Center (CECOPIN), establishes a clear roadmap for the future. This includes upgrading early warning systems and conducting joint emergency drills to ensure faster response times. Integrating the wholesale market into the civil protection system is a necessary step to protect the island’s food supply, as any disruption would immediately impact the public.

Ultimately, this strategy focuses on prevention. By officially designating Mercatenerife as critical infrastructure, the Cabildo ensures that contingency plans are constantly updated and that coordination remains a priority. Through these measures, island authorities aim to safeguard the food supply chain against disruptions, ensuring that Tenerife can continue to function even during challenging times.