Balearic Countryside Supported by Grants for Good Agricultural Practices

A Balearic Government scheme to promote the viability of sustainable, diversified farms

What does it consist of?

A regional scheme has encouraged crop diversification in small and medium-sized farms in the Balearic Islands. The aim has been to strengthen the environmental value of the traditional farming landscape, due to its importance for biodiversity conservation and balance in the rural environment.

DOWNLOAD ITS PDF

Data

PROJECT TITLE IN THE CALL
Promotion of crop diversification and sustainable traditional farming in the Balearic Islands Maintenance of the traditional agricultural landscape
LOCATION
Mallorca, Minorca, Ibiza, Formentera
Entity submitting the PROJECT
Govern de les Illes Balears
Entity that executes the project
Fons de Garantia Agrària i Pesquera de les Illes Balears (FOGAIBA)
Project code
ITS2018-021
Total project amount
3.000.000 €
ITS granted amount
3.000.000 €
Executed amount
2.888.360 €
Call year
2018
Execution status
Executed
Purpose
Environment
Budget execution
Executed: 96.28%
Last data request
09.02.2022

The project

The gradual disappearance of extensive farming and the move away from traditional farming practices are threatening ecology and culture in the Balearic countryside. In response to this trend, a scheme launched by the Government has introduced special grants for farms committed to sustainable, diversified models.

The initiative, managed through the Balearic Islands Agricultural and Fisheries Guarantee Fund (FOGAIBA), has made it possible to offer grants to small and medium-sized farms on the four islands, with different eligibility criteria depending on surface area, type of crop and level of diversification. The aim has been to highlight and support the positive impact of these farms, such as improved soil, agroforestry conservation and the use of local crop varieties.

Subsidised practices have included crop rotation, sowing leguminous plants, maintaining ground cover, integrated livestock farming, the conservation of native breeds, and rainfed vegetables. Diversified production models and quality seals that strengthen the link between farming and the land have also been part of the plan.

The scheme was implemented between 2018 and 2019, with a total investment of €2,888,360, funded entirely through sustainable tourism tax. Mallorca received most of the funding, followed by Menorca and Ibiza. In Formentera, there were no successful applicant farms.