The Association of Packaging, Export and Trading Businesses of La Palma (Asepalma) has accused the Government of the Canary Islands called on 12 October for a working meeting at short notice. The aim is to set a timetable and secure funding for the implementation of four measures already designated as priorities for the reconstruction of agricultural farms in the Valle de Aridane According to the organisation, clear deadlines and responsibilities are lacking, even though key steps have been identified since the 2021 eruption.
Asepalma stresses that this is not about debating priorities again, but about activating the existing roadmap. The association refers to a meeting with the regional government that was “promised” and recalls that, at the end of December 2025, a total of 1,136 grant applications were processed in 29 days. It says the same pace should now be achieved in carrying out the agreed plans. According to consistent reports, Asepalma has made no new demands for additional funding in its latest statement.
The Canary Islands Government recently announced, on 8 October, support under the PEPAC as well as measures for removal of volcanic ash programme. Asepalma welcomes these signals, but expects a binding timetable for planning, procurement and the start of works to be agreed at short notice. From the industry’s perspective, outstanding issues include specific deadlines, the flow of funds and the design of individual grants.
The background is the phased reconstruction of the agricultural infrastructure destroyed in the Valle de Aridane since the 2021 eruption. Official statements from the regional government have put figures on the outstanding costs; coordination talks are also under way with the Cabildo and the affected municipalities. Media reports and official statements broadly match Asepalma’s current demands; the areas of action already agreed are the main points that can be independently verified, while detailed dates and the sequence of works still need to be determined.
If the requested meeting takes place soon and a clear implementation plan is adopted, administrative processes could be shortened and further applications handled more quickly. If no date is set, uncertainty for growers in the valley is likely to persist; delays in restoring roads, irrigation systems and access to plots are possible. Asepalma’s current statement gives no specific payment dates or final sums; according to the information available at present, reliable figures are available only where they appear in published administrative records or written government commitments.
Editor: Mira Cadena (Article created with AI assistance).