The president of Clúster Agrotech Canarias, Federico Cuyás Redondo, has highlighted the need to modernise the archipelago’s agricultural sector without giving up the values, knowledge and practices that characterise farming in the Canary Islands. He sets out this view in an interview published on 4 February 2026 in the newspapers El Día and La Provincia, under the headline “Not all farming can or should be artisanal”.
His central message is that agriculture must move towards more efficient, sustainable and competitive models, making the most of the opportunities offered by technology and innovation without losing its identity.
Technology as a tool to support farmers
The Canary Islands face major challenges for the future of the primary sector, including water management, climate conditions, production costs and generational renewal.
In this context, Cuyás advocates a view of innovation in which technology does not replace farmers, but provides them with tools to make better decisions and meet the demands of their work.
The adoption of new solutions must address specific farming needs, respecting the knowledge built up by professionals in the sector and the particular characteristics of the islands’ agricultural holdings.
This perspective recognises tradition and innovation as complementary. Technology can help improve production efficiency and strengthen competitiveness without sacrificing the quality or values that distinguish agriculture in the Canary Islands.
Collaboration as the key to driving change
Clúster Agrotech Canarias works to connect the primary sector with technology companies, universities, knowledge centres and public authorities, facilitating the exchange of experiences and the identification of solutions suited to local conditions.
The aim is to turn innovation into practical applications and real opportunities for people working in farming, encouraging collaboration between the different participants in the ecosystem.
Federico Cuyás’ reflections therefore frame agricultural modernisation as a process that must be shaped by producers’ needs, combining experience, knowledge and technology to contribute to the future of the Canary Islands’ primary sector.
Original interview: Federico Cuyás: “Not all farming can or should be artisanal”, published in El Día on 4 February 2026.
