Tenerife Invests €1.6M in Post-Fire Chestnut Reforestation

The Tenerife Island Council is replacing nearly 4,000 chestnut trees that were destroyed in the large forest fire of summer 2023. This 1.6 million euro investment aims to restore a crucial agricultural system in the island's mid-altitude areas.

Farmers have contributed 19,000 chestnuts of nine different varieties. These chestnuts will be used to grow young, hardy trees called rootstocks, onto which traditional chestnut varieties will then be grafted. A total of 3,770 chestnut trees are part of this reforestation effort, which is a project from the Department of Primary Sector, led by Valentín González.

The initiative, budgeted at 1,667,136 euros, will run until the end of 2027. It involves several stages: engaging with local communities in the affected municipalities, genetically identifying a hundred traditional chestnut trees, and establishing a nursery for grafted plants.

Before planting the new trees, the most severely damaged plots were prepared by clearing away branches, stumps, and other debris.

Councilor Valentín González explained that "in recent months, farmers from all over the Island have donated around 19,000 chestnuts that will be used to obtain the rootstocks onto which the varieties will be grafted." He added that "the grafted plants will be given to those affected by the fire, this being key to the regeneration of the agricultural system."

González emphasized that this project is not only vital for recovering fire-affected areas but also for "strengthening the Island's agricultural heritage."

He also highlighted the work of technicians from the Cabildo's Agriculture Service who, together with Tragsa, "have worked hand in hand with producers to select the chestnuts that will allow for obtaining the rootstocks onto which the traditional cultivation varieties will be grafted."

This project is part of broader efforts to protect Tenerife's chestnut agricultural system following the 2023 fire. Other initiatives include 250,000 euros in immediate restoration aid from the Cabildo, and 136,000 euros for updating land records in the affected area, managed by Segipsa.

Valentín González concluded by stating: "The Cabildo reaffirms its commitment to the environment, the recovery of our agricultural systems, and support for farmers."