CaixaBank Partners with Fishermen’s Guilds in Fuerteventura
Supporting Local Fisheries
In a significant step to bolster the local fishing industry, CaixaBank has launched a collaboration with the fishermen’s guilds of Corralejo, Gran Tarajal, and Morro Jable. This partnership, facilitated through CaixaBank’s AgroBank division, aims to provide essential financial services and specialized advice tailored to the unique needs of the agro-food sector.
The agreement was formalized by Manuel Monsonis, the director of CaixaBank’s Business Area in Fuerteventura, and the leading directors of the three guilds: Juan Francisco González from Corralejo, Lorenzo Brito from Gran Tarajal, and Juan Francisco Placeres from Morro Jable. Present at the signing ceremony were notable figures, including Gabriel Vázquez, the director of AgroBank in the Canary Islands, and members from various fishing associations.
Financial Support for Fishermen
As a result of this agreement, the members of these three guilds—comprising 175 associates, including both boat owners and crew members—will gain access to specific financing lines that address their investment needs. This partnership takes a holistic approach by not just providing financial support but also emphasizing joint planning, training assistance, specialization opportunities, and facilitating expedited access to official subsidies.
With around a hundred vessels active in these guilds, they have championed sustainable fishing practices since their inception in 1980. Their operations largely focus on the catching of tuna and other species, consistently adhering to regulations on minimum catch sizes and resource management.
AgroBank: A Leader in Agro-Finance
AgroBank stands out as the foremost financial entity in Spain’s agro-food sector, leading in terms of both market share and the presence of physical branches. Its value proposition underscores a commitment to the agro-food industry and rural development, considering various facets of financial, social, and digital engagement.
In 2023, AgroBank reported providing over €400 million in financing across the entire agri-food chain in the Canary Islands. The bank operates with 39 dedicated offices in the archipelago, affording clients targeted support in navigating the complexities of agricultural finance.
Commitment to Sustainability and Innovation
Beyond financial assistance, AgroBank is deeply committed to sustainability and the digital transformation of the agricultural sector. One of its key initiatives is the ‘AgroBank Tech Digital INNovation’ program, developed in partnership with Innsomnia. This accelerator program aims to bring cutting-edge technological solutions to the agro-food sector by fostering innovative startups.
The Impact on the Local Community
This collaboration between CaixaBank and the fishermen’s guilds represents a critical investment in Fuerteventura’s local community, reinforcing the economic backbone through the support of sustainable fishing practices while enhancing the financial literacy and operational capabilities of local fishermen. By equipping these guilds with necessary resources and specialized knowledge, CaixaBank is helping to ensure the longevity and success of fishing in the region.
The partnership reflects not only a financial transaction but a shared vision of fostering a sustainable, prosperous future for Fuerteventura’s fishing industry—and, by extension, the local communities that rely on it.
