The Agricultural Training School (ECA) of Tacoronte held its 60th anniversary commemoration event last Friday, October 2nd. The ceremony, presided over by the Minister of Agriculture, Livestock, Fisheries, and Food Sovereignty of the Government of the Canary Islands, Narvay Quintero, reviewed the center's six decades of activity and its contribution to the training and professionalization of the Archipelago's primary sector.
The ECA's creation dates back to 1958, when the Cabildo of Tenerife proposed its establishment to promote farmer training and modernize island agriculture. Officially inaugurated on October 13, 1966, it is estimated that nearly 7,000 students have passed through its classrooms, contributing to the development of the agricultural sector of Tenerife.
Narvay Quintero emphasized the importance of education in strengthening the primary sector, stating that training is key to addressing challenges such as generational renewal, digitalization, and climate change adaptation. He highlighted that modern agricultural operations require not only cultivation knowledge but also management, regulatory, and new technology skills.
The center's director, Albert Mora, stressed the commitment to technological advancement, mentioning the integration of drones and artificial intelligence, and acknowledged the efforts of those who have contributed to the School's growth over the years.
Various personalities attended the event, including the mayor of Tacoronte, Sandra Izquierdo, and other institutional and agricultural sector representatives. Tributes were paid to Antonio Ordóñez Álvarez, Ángel Juan Ruiz Fernández, Francisco Javier Egaña Irusta, and Ángel Tena Morales for their involvement in the center's trajectory.
The day featured a historical exhibition, demonstrations of traditional Canarian games, and panel discussions titled “60 years sowing the future,” which analyzed the sector's challenges and changes. Former directors, professors, and students, along with current technicians and students, participated.
For the 2026-2027 academic year, the ECA will launch a renovated student residence with a capacity for 38 places and air conditioning will be installed in the cheese-making facility. Currently, the center offers Intermediate and Higher Level Vocational Training cycles in areas such as Agricultural Production, Gardening, and Viticulture, with plans to potentially introduce a Higher Level cycle in Animal Husbandry and Health.
The training offer is complemented by non-regulated courses and online/blended learning modalities, covering topics from agricultural machinery operation to digitalization and business management, catering to the needs of young people and professionals in the agricultural sector across the islands.
