Canary Islands’ 2024-2026 Strategic Grants Plan Modification

Overview

The Canary Islands’ Department of Territorial Policy has approved a modification to its 2024-2026 Strategic Grants Plan, focusing on boosting small towns and rural areas facing demographic decline.

Key Initiative: AgroBotCan

• Invests around 420,000 euros to develop pilot projects.
• Focuses on robotized farming systems.
• Targets municipalities with fewer than 10,000 residents.

Objectives

• Modernize agriculture.
• Create sustainable economic growth.
• Reduce social inequalities caused by demographic shifts.

Target Area Challenges

• Aging populations.
• Limited job opportunities.
• Youth migration to urban centers.

Funding & Collaboration

• The grant will be directly awarded to projects.
• Emphasizes collaboration among non-profit groups and institutions.
• Focuses on technological adaptation in rural farming methods.

Significance

"As rural depopulation continues to threaten the island’s social fabric, such programs could help restore vitality to these communities."

Impact

• Support for innovative projects.
• Transformation of small, aging communities into more resilient and productive places.
• Potential for more local jobs, better services, and a stronger sense of community.

Conclusion

This initiative underscores the government’s commitment to addressing demographic challenges through innovation and strategic support.