News

• The island initiative Land Bank promotes the recovery of abandoned land and facilitates its agricultural use in Gran Canaria
• Since its launch, 28 plots of land have been leased, with a combined area of 84 hectares.
• The program is complemented by financial aid and technical advice to recover abandoned plots

The abandonment of agricultural land poses a challenge to the primary sector on the island of Gran Canaria. According to the Canary Islands Government's Statistical Report on the Gran Canaria Crop Map , 61.1% of the island's agricultural land remains uncultivated. To help reverse this situation, the Land Bank facilitates access to available agricultural properties and promotes their use through new agricultural and rural projects.

The initiative, promoted by the Gran Canaria Island Council in collaboration with AIDER Gran Canaria , connects landowners with applicants, businesses, and organizations that need land to develop agricultural, forestry, environmental, or socially beneficial activities. Through a digital platform, mediation services, and advisory services, it aims to revitalize disused farms and land and boost economic activity in rural areas.

A platform to connect land and projects

Launched in 2022, the tool allows users to view available properties and register rental applications. Data collected in June 2026 reflects the following results:

• 79 properties available, with a total area of 248 hectares.

• 299 land claims for agricultural use.

• 28 leased plots of land since the initiative's inception, equivalent to 84 hectares.

In addition to facilitating contact between both parties, the Land Bank team carries out promotional, mediation and initial advice work during the process.

How to offer a property or find land

The Land Bank allows both landowners to repurpose their properties and interested parties to find land to start or expand their projects. The process is carried out through the online platform, although in-person support is also available for those who wish to offer their properties.

To incorporate a property, you must follow these steps:

• Register your property. Create a profile and complete the application in the "Publish Land" section. Registration is free.

• Provide the necessary information. Indicate the location, cadastral reference, characteristics of the land, proposed annual rental price, and contact details.

• Complete the verification. The technical team contacts the owner to visit the property and verify the documentation that proves ownership or availability.

• List the property. Once the information is verified, the property becomes available to interested parties.

The application can also be made with the support of the Agricultural Extension Agencies and the Local Development Agencies of the municipalities.

Steps to apply for a plot:

• Check the available properties. The platform allows you to use filters to find land that meets the needs of each project.

• Register and show interest. After creating a profile, select the desired property and click "I'm interested".

• Receive guidance. The team contacts the applicant to learn about the project's characteristics and the required lease period. They also communicate the outcome of the application and provide guidance on the procedures for formalizing the agreement, when applicable.

Aid and advice for land recovery

The Land Bank is part of a broader strategy by the Island Council to reclaim abandoned land and strengthen the island's primary sector. Complementary measures include:

• Aid to recover abandoned land. Since 2017, it has benefited 538 people, who have put 440 hectares into production and have received more than 1.5 million euros.

• Support for new entrants to the sector. The Island Council has granted more than 315,900 euros to 115 beneficiaries, through aid intended to facilitate the entry of new people into agricultural activity.

• Technical advice. Active since 2024 for landowners and applicants, this service complements the work carried out since 2011 by the Cabildo's technical services, its six agricultural extension agencies, and specialized staff from COAG Canarias . Together, they have advised some 1,300 people working more than 2,300 hectares.

These actions are part of the Strategic Plan for the Primary Sector of Gran Canaria , approved in 2018, which includes measures to improve the competitiveness of farms, facilitate the incorporation of young people and women into the countryside and boost local production.

The reclamation of land can contribute to increasing cultivated land, maintaining the traditional agricultural landscape, and reducing risks associated with land abandonment, such as fires, pests, and erosion. Through a combination of intermediation, technical support, and financial aid, the Land Bank aims to transform available land into opportunities for new projects and promote the continuity of agricultural activity in Gran Canaria.