Fuerteventura Agriculture

Fuerteventura is characterized by its climate throughout the year, for its arid soil and their little mountain formations. The island has an area (about 1,725 km ˛) wide for agriculture, but it is limited by its lack of water and low labour, but achieves to maintain some crops.

The main crops are cereals (wheat, barley, corn), based on the development of “gofio” (wheat flour toasted), Vegetables (tomatoes, onions, garlic, potatoes), alfalfa, the choirs for the upbringing of cochineal, and then tomatoes. The cropping system on the island is based on mesh greenhouses, drip irrigation, “enarenado” of small lava stones, growing in soil where organic and inorganic fertilizers contributing; also used are bumblebees in pollination, such as the tomato, which is a very natural product.

Recently they have been growing Aloe Vera, for the cosmetics and pharmaceuticals industries. In Fuerteventura thanks to its sunny weather and warmth throughout the year, and besides its waters rich in nutrients and minerals are the perfect combination for cultivation of this plant. It is worth noting the wide variety of properties that have aloe vera, both the beverage as the gel. The drink helps to regulate for example, cleaning and toning the whole body, to control levels of cholesterol, glucose, etc.. The gel on the other hand is an excellent moisturizer containing analgesic properties and healing, ideal for the regeneration of the skin.

Also something to ighlight is the goat cheese (queso majorero). The “majorera” goat is a race originally from the Canary Islands, which easily adapts to its arid climate and vegetation.