Farming and Landscape: Two Lines of Aid for Environmental Protection in the Countryside

The plan supports the maintenance of traditional farmlands in the Balearic Islands through aid for farms

What does it consist of?

The aid scheme led by FOGAIBA has focused on two lines of action to protect farmlands in the Balearic Islands: the restoration of traditional structures such as dry-stone walls and the replanting of dry-land woody species. Both measures aim to sustain farming activity and curb damage to the environment.

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Data

PROJECT TITLE IN THE CALL
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
ITS2017-024
Total project amount
2.000.000 €
ITS granted amount
2.000.000 €
Executed amount
1.524.439 €
Call year
2017
Execution status
Executed
Purpose
Environment
Budget execution
Executed: 76.22%
Last data request
22.11.2022

The project

As part of the 2017 scheme, the Balearic Government offered aid aimed to protect the islands’ farming landscape, a key part of the regional identity of Mallorca, Menorca, Ibiza and Formentera. The action, led by Balearic Islands Agricultural and Fisheries Guarantee Fund (FOGAIBA), focused on supporting farmers through special aid linked to the EU’s agricultural policy.

The scheme was based on two different lines of action. The first offered financial support for the reconstruction of landscape structures such as dry-stone walls, livestock enclosures and hedgerows. The second promoted the replanting of traditional rainfed woody species such as almond, carob and fig trees, which are increasingly affected by droughts, pests such as Xylella fastidiosa and the effects of climate change.

Direct profitability was not the main goal, however the scheme has had great environmental impact. The actions help to tackle erosion, thus improving water infiltration in mountain areas and conserving local varieties adapted to the island environment. Moreover, the connection between the landscape and farming activity has been reinforced, which is also key for rural tourism.

The scheme took place between 2017 and 2018, with a budget of €2 million, 76% of which was executed. Through this type of action, public policy seeks to sustain the Balearic Islands' rural environment and move towards an economic model that values the land as a shared resource and asset.