Tenerife Launches €427,000 Strategy to Modernize Agriculture in Teno Rural Park

The Tenerife Island Council has launched a new strategy to modernize agriculture and livestock farming in Teno Rural Park. Backed by a €427,290 investment through the European RENATURMAC program, the initiative aims to balance farming with environmental conservation between 2026 and 2028.

The 25-month project focuses on two main areas. First, it will use scientific research to study how native plants affect animal nutrition and the quality of local dairy products. This research is designed to improve livestock health, boost the value of local cheeses, and measure how these farming systems can help capture carbon and restore soil health.

Second, the program promotes a circular economy to overcome the challenges of the park’s rugged terrain. Key measures include testing fog-harvesting systems to provide water in remote areas and turning livestock by-products, such as whey, into biofertilizers for volcanic soil. The project also plans to integrate native fruit trees into pastures to create a more sustainable, "dehesa-style" landscape.

The Department of Natural Environment, Sustainability, Security, and Emergencies explains that the goal is to help farms become more self-sufficient. By reducing reliance on imported animal feed, the council hopes to lower the carbon footprint of local farms and move toward food sovereignty.

Ultimately, this initiative is about supporting the people who live and work in Teno’s hamlets. By making traditional farming more profitable and modern, the council aims to protect the park’s cultural and ecological heritage, ensuring that local agriculture remains a sustainable way to preserve the landscape in the face of climate change.