FEAGA 2026 kicks off with a call for sector unity, institutional collaboration, and societal support

The 38th edition of the Agricultural, Livestock and Fish Fair of Fuerteventura (FEAGA) opened on Thursday, 16 April, drawing strong participation from the primary sector. The fair expands its programme with new activities, a marked innovative character, and improved accessibility through PMR services and online streaming.

Opening Remarks

Lola García, President of the Cabildo of Fuerteventura, declared:

“FEAGA is much more than an event. It reflects the work of many people, our local product, our traditions, and, above all, the effort of those who sustain the primary sector in Fuerteventura.”

She added that this year’s edition arrives in a special context:

“With the recent rains we have seen Fuerteventura turn green again, so this edition is especially dedicated to agriculture—a sector that innovates, diversifies, and adapts. The work of livestock and fisheries will be recognized through multiple activities over the three days of the fair.”

García highlighted the Cabildo’s support for a vulnerable sector, noting that more than €9 million in aid has been allocated over the past year to maintain competitiveness, and that the administration will continue to respond to the challenges posed by international conflicts affecting the island’s economy.

Government Perspectives

Fernando Clavijo, President of the Government of the Canary Islands, used the inauguration to stress agriculture’s central role in Fuerteventura’s development, describing FEAGA as a showcase of the Majorero countryside’s effort and growth capacity. He also emphasized water management, calling for reinforced irrigation infrastructure to secure the sector’s future, and praised the coordinated work between the Cabildo and the Territorial Policy Ministry, led by Manolo Miranda, in tackling the water emergency.

Enrique Pérez, Cabildo Councilor for Agriculture, Livestock and Fisheries, thanked all professionals, collectives, entities, and teams that make the fair the “largest primary‑sector gathering in the Canary Islands.” He highlighted the fair’s innovative features:

• A stronger technological component, including live streaming of main events via QR code on social media and the website feaga.net.
• Accessibility services for people with reduced mobility, such as a shuttle train from the parking area to the fair entrance and wheelchair assistance.

Narvay Quintero, Councilor for the Canary Islands Government, noted that the regional executive has reinforced its presence at FEAGA with a larger exhibition space and a broader programme, including adult‑focused outreach and children’s activities such as school workshops organized by GMR Canarias and the “Frutiguagua” initiative of the Canary Institute of Agro‑Food Quality (ICCA). He also celebrated progress on the POSEI (Special Support Programme for the Canary Islands’ Agriculture):

“This week the European Parliament’s Budget Committee approved a report that provides specific funding for ultra‑peripheral regions and a sufficiently independent POSEI allocation.”

He described this achievement as the result of more than two years of intensive technical and institutional work by the Canary Islands Government, in coordination with the sector and backed by the Parliament, other ultra‑peripheral regions, and their states.

Juan Cabrera, First Deputy Mayor of Antigua, explained the mayor’s personal absence and affirmed the municipality’s commitment to hosting the primary sector’s most important event. He emphasized full collaboration with the fair’s development, a coordinated security plan, and the role of the Local Police in ensuring road access, parking, and smooth entry and exit for visitors.

Participation Figures

FEAGA 2026 features:

• 200+ stands overall
• 60+ in the commercial hall
• ≈20 in the institutional hall
• ≈90 in the producer and artisan market area
• ≈50 stalls and association booths

Recognitions

During the inauguration ceremony, the fair paid tribute to long‑standing commissioners:

• Tomás Acosta Cabrera (Antigua) and Vicente Hernández Santana (Betancuria) for 50 years of service to coastal livestock, a practice declared an Intangible Cultural Heritage (BIC).

A special acknowledgment was also given to the Regulatory Council of Majorero Cheese on its 30th anniversary, with its president Esteban Alberto Pérez on stage. The council’s work ensures the excellence of Majorero cheese production and promotes this iconic island product.

The authorities concluded with the traditional group photo alongside ADISFUER members, followed by a tour of the FEAGA 2026 Institutional Hall.