The initiative, promoted by the Valverde City Council and supported by the Government of the Canary Islands through the Dinamiza Rural program, aims to strengthen the local economy, boost the primary sector, and retain population in municipalities with fewer than 10,000 inhabitants.
The Minister of Agriculture, Narvay Quintero, and the mayor of Valverde, Carlos Brito, inaugurated the fair, which runs until 11:30 PM and includes talks, workshops, gastronomic demonstrations, a tasting paired with wines from the Protected Designation of Origin El Hierro, a recipe contest, and musical performances.
Narvay Quintero highlighted the quality and gastronomic and commercial potential of these products, linked to the landscape and identity of El Hierro, and noted that the recovery of crops like the fig tree and almond tree contributes to diversifying the economy and conserving agricultural landscapes.
The minister added that Dinamiza Rural helps smaller municipalities mobilize their resources and turn agricultural and gastronomic heritage into future opportunities.
For his part, Carlos Brito emphasized that the event enriches the municipality's cultural and tourist offerings and promotes the consumption of local products. He highlighted that bringing together dissemination, technical knowledge, and gastronomy allows showcasing the full potential of El Hierro's figs and almonds.
The program included a talk by professor Antonio Perdomo Molina on the tradition and production of figs and almonds in El Hierro, followed by a tasting led by nutrition specialist Tania Gómez. The «Vérote» Fig and Almond Association, headed by president Wolfgang Padrón, presented the current situation and future challenges of these crops.
Organic farmers José Delgado and Jésica Jurado conducted a live gastronomic demonstration of various mojos and sauces, while chef Brian Rodríguez prepared dishes using local figs and almonds. A popular contest for the best dessert and traditional recipe was also held.
The day concluded with performances by the folk group Taros and the youth group of the Island Music Board, followed by the show Mano a mano featuring Ciro Corujo, José Manuel Ramos, and Salvador Pérez.
