La Palma recovers 29 traditional fig varieties for agricultural restoration

The Cabildo de La Palma is implementing a program to recover and revalorize 29 traditional varieties of fig trees on the island. Managed by Sodepal through the Centro de Agrodiversidad de La Palma (CAP), the initiative aims to return these genetic resources to the field after being held in conservation banks since 2009.

The project combines genetic conservation with agronomic experimentation. Since 2025, technical trials have been conducted in Breña Alta to study pruning, fertilization, and water requirements. To test how these varieties perform in different environments, more than 320 plants have already been distributed to farmers and individuals across various municipalities, accounting for different soil types, altitudes, and water availability.

In addition to cultivation trials, the program includes sensory evaluations and tastings involving farmers, restaurateurs, and consumers. These assessments help determine which varieties are best suited for direct sale, domestic consumption, or restaurant use. The goal is to restore a crop that was historically central to the island's agricultural landscape and is noted for its high adaptability and low water needs.