The Balearic Countryside Seeks a Future in Crop Diversity

A programme to support small sustainable farms that uphold traditional farming practices

What does it consist of?

A government programme has supported small and medium-sized farms in the Balearic Islands to diversify crops and maintain traditional practices. The measure sought to promote a more sustainable farming model tied to the land, with benefits for the environment and biodiversity.

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Data

PROJECT TITLE IN THE CALL
Promotion of crop diversification and sustainable traditional farming in the Balearic Islands
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
ITS2017-066
Total project amount
1.500.000 €
ITS granted amount
1.123.459 €
Executed amount
1.118.927 €
Call year
2017
Execution status
Executed
Purpose
Environment
Budget execution
Executed: 99.6%
Last data request
07.04.2026

The project

In the context of rising urbanisation and the climate crisis, protecting Balearic farmlands has become a strategic challenge. This programme is part of a line of aid that aims to recognise the environmental importance of traditional farming, reinforcing its role as a support for biodiversity and territorial cohesion.

The action has focused on financial support for farms that grow rainfed crops such as almond, carob and fig trees, as well as for those who practise multiple cropping, use local varieties, maintain native plant cover and animal breeds, or are committed to diversified production. These elements, far from being unimportant, are essential to the Balearic agroecosystem.

The beneficiaries received basic support upon meeting certain environmental requirements. The scheme, managed by FOGAIBA, prioritised practices that favour water infiltration, soil fertility and erosion control. Planting rain-fed vegetables and integrated livestock farming were also taken into account.

The programme involved a public investment of more than €1 million. It served to highlight the important role of farmers, stabilise the rural environment and protect a cultural landscape central to the identity of the archipelago.