The Canary Islands Parliament this week unanimously approved a proposal to launch a specialised vocational training course in dairy technology and management in Lanzarote. The initiative, backed by 57 votes from all parties, aims to enhance skills and promote generational change in the island’s cheese-making sector.
Oswaldo Betancort, the deputy from the Canary Nationalist Group and president of the Cabildo, championed the proposal. He emphasised the need for advanced training in fields such as dairy biotechnology, quality control, food safety, and industry management to meet the demands of local farmers and cheesemakers.
“The cheese industry in Lanzarote is a source of pride, consistently receiving international recognition at events like Agrocanarias. Yet, our region was not among those offering this specialised training,” he stated.
Betancort highlighted the importance of providing young professionals with opportunities to train locally, rather than having to leave the Canary Islands for their education. “We cannot rely on families to shoulder this burden alone or compel our youth to seek training elsewhere. The future of our agriculture depends on knowledge, training, and opportunities,” he asserted.
He also pointed out existing agricultural training programs at IES Teguise and CIFP Zonzamas, which offer pathways to employment for students. Additionally, he noted the collaboration with the Agricultural Experimental Farm, where students can gain hands-on experience. The Cabildo supports educational institutions with €10,000 grants for practical activities and training exchanges.
Events like the Field Day, which brought together over 400 secondary school students to explore career opportunities in the primary sector, were also highlighted. Following the vote, Betancort expressed gratitude for the support from all parliamentary groups, stating, “The future of our farmers, the education of our youth, and the protection of our traditional products transcend ideology.”
He concluded that this initiative positions Lanzarote to host advanced education, benefiting not only the island but also serving as a strategic resource for students and professionals across the archipelago.
