ApiGranca Calls Out Lack of Support for Beekeeping in Canary Islands
ApiGranca, the beekeepers’ association from Gran Canaria, has raised concerns over the distribution of government funds for veterinary medicines aimed at controlling varroosis. They claim that only Gran Canaria and Tenerife will benefit from these subsidies, leaving five other islands without support.
In a statement, ApiGranca noted that approximately half of the £170,000 allocated by the Canary Islands Government for the beekeeping sector remains unclaimed, with only £85,482 being utilised. This funding is part of a wider initiative supported by the European Union and Spain’s strategic agriculture plans.
ApiGranca lamented that while funds were available, many beekeepers missed out on assistance. They pointed out that only 666 out of an estimated 1,315 beekeeping operations in the region would receive aid, covering just 16,466 of the total 31,884 registered beehives.
The association also criticised the fact that only Gran Canaria and Tenerife will receive veterinary medicine subsidies, which they argue contradicts the aim of improving overall health within the Canary Islands’ beekeeping sector.
ApiGranca has called on the Canary Islands Government to reassess the funding distribution, urging them to seek a more equitable allocation and amend the criteria for next year’s support, ensuring more beekeepers can access the funds.
