Promotion of crop diversification and sustainable traditional farming in the Balearic Islands

The project

The agroforestry mosaic is the expression of the complex system of relationships on different levels between human beings and nature (agro-ecosystem), shaped by generations and generations of agricultural and a specific associated crops. Unique and unrepeatable crop landscapes, which are still common throughout the Mediterranean.

The crop landscape has been the subject of recent studies on the relationship between the state of this mosaic and the presence of biodiversity with nesting and wintering birds, which Mallorca has been chosen for as an area of study. The study in question has shown that land sharing associated with traditional agriculture is fundamental for the maintenance of this type of biodiversity, unlike the land sparing or the conservation of natural spaces, which would be a complementary type of management.

Within this context, the project aims to recognise the agro-ecosystem role played by small and medium-sized farms. Therefore, the aim is to promote environmental services that would be granted free of charge, to dignify rural life and help maintain a sustainable farming model.

The proposal is to offer a minimum amount of aid to recognize and compensate some environmental services and positive knock-on effects generated by farmers. The amount of the aid will be determined by the compliance with measures that generate positive external effects on the environment, such as:

- The maintenance of the agroforestry mosaic through crop diversity.

- The maintenance of soil fertility by the planting of legumes, crop rotation or the maintenance of livestock associated with farming.

- The maintenance of vegetation covers to prevent erosion and improve water infiltration.

- The conservation of local varieties.

- The conservation of native roots.

- Certification marks or differentiated production.

- The planting of rainfed crops.