The Canarian black pig is the archipelago's only native pig breed , and although its origin remains controversial today, it is believed to be a descendent of the Mediterranean wild pig. Before other pig breeds were introduced to the Canary Islands, the Canarian black pig was a significant source of income for families in rural areas. It was also a great natural recycler as it fed on waste from vegetable gardens, whey from cheese factories, amongst other products. The black pig is also characterised by its juicy, tender and tasty meat.
The situation of the Canarian black pig today
The Canarian black pig has seen good and bad times. There were very few Canarian black pigs alive in Tenerife in the eighties and it was thought the breed would not survive. However, numbers have increased thanks to the efforts and dedication of farmers and diverse entities. The breed now has a bright future and is no longer in danger of extinction.
In Tenerife, the largest nucleus of Canarian black pigs raised for breeding purposes can be found in the Council of Tenerife's Finca El Helecho, where pigs are carefully selected so as to preserve the defining characteristics of the breed.
The future of the Canarian black pig
For reasons of conservation and to promote the breeding of the Canarian black pig, the Organic Livestock Farmer's Unit has set in motion a program whereby farmers are able to take some of the specially selected breeding pigs to their farms.
Objectives
- Produce the highest number of pigs of this breed as possible.
- Control the genealogy of the animals so as to avoid crosses with other pig breeds and in this way keep the lineage of the Canarian black pig as pure as possible.
- Assist collaborating pig farmers in breeding and production processes by providing veterinary advice.
- Encourage Canarian black pig breeders to form and join associations
The service seeks to ensure that the Canarian black pig is raised in optimal conditions so that it can regain the important role it played in the history of livestock farming on the islands, and in turn benefit consumers by providing a high-quality product that is once again gaining recognition.
Contact details and information
- Finca El Helecho
- Address: Caserío de El Bueno, Arico
- Telephone: 922 266 895
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