Urban Sprawl Forces Last Goat Herder to Quit
La Matanza de Acentejo's last goat herder and cheesemaker, José Manuel Martín, has been forced to sell his herd and stop working due to neighbor complaints and urban development, highlighting the growing conflict between traditional farming and modern expansion.
José Manuel Martín, the last goat herder and cheesemaker in La Matanza de Acentejo, has been forced to stop working. This highlights a growing conflict between traditional farming and new urban development in the countryside. He has reportedly sold his herd, which had supported his family for more than 30 years.
This deeply personal decision came after neighbors complained and he felt he didn't get enough support from the local Town Council. Martín now faces significant financial problems and isn't sure how he will pay for his farm's expenses.
Martín lives in La Resbala, an area traditionally used for grazing. He has faced constant pressure as more buildings have gone up around him. Neighbors complained about noise and animal droppings in public spaces. Even though the Canary Islands' Department of Agriculture, Livestock, and Fisheries received no official complaints about animal welfare, the Town Council fined Martín 90.15 euros for breaking a local public order rule. This official decision, which has been made public, told him to move his farm. However, Martín couldn't do this because he didn't have the money or resources.
Selling about 100 goats doesn't just end a family tradition that started with his great-grandfather. It also puts a 15,000 euro loan, taken out to improve his farm, at risk. On top of that, his son received a 50,000 euro grant to update the milking and cheesemaking equipment, which might now have to be paid back. This could lead to serious debt. Martín, who is 60 years old and has a physical disability, is worried about what he will do for work.
Miguel Ángel Pérez Pío, the first deputy mayor, said that the Town Council doesn't directly handle livestock issues and that there isn't an ongoing case against Martín. However, he added that the council intends to offer advice and support where it can.
José Manuel Martín's situation highlights the difficulties faced by traditional industries in the Canary Islands. The growing conflict between urban growth and traditional farming and livestock activities is becoming more complicated, threatening the survival of important local trades and products that have significant cultural and economic value.