The foundation is making a total of 7,000 euros available to the agricultural sector to experiment with local varieties and crops better suited to climate change
Ibiza, 08/03/2024 – IbizaPreservation has launched a new initiative aimed at supporting agricultural operations on the island, offering grants of up to €7,000 to promote the planting of fruit trees.
This project will be carried out under the slogan “Ibiza Sows the Future” and is part of the Ibiza Produce programme, through which this environmental organisation seeks to strengthen the island’s primary sector and contribute to the regeneration of its soils and landscapes.
The initiative aims to cover almost the entire cost of the plantation and encourages farmers to restore or enhance their farms.
“We are offering this support to encourage farmers to diversify the products they can sell, making their operations more economically sustainable,” commented Jordi Salewski, coordinator of Ibiza Produce. He added that: “The trees will also enhance the island’s landscape and biodiversity.”
While not a mandatory requirement, priority will be given to local varieties that are climate-adapted, as well as organic options, including the following fruit trees: apricot, plum, cherry, almond, olive, carob and fig trees.
Additionally, IbizaPreservation has stated that priority will be given to farms that agree to participate in their conservation project for the Ibiza and Formetera lizard by installing and managing traps to capture non-native snakes.
“Several studies show that lizards are beneficial for organic crops as they feed on insects that can harm the plants, acting as a natural pest control. They also contribute to the soil nutrient cycle by excreting nutrient-rich organic waste, helping to maintain ecological balance in crops,” explained Inma Saranova, director of IbizaPreservation. She added, “Protecting the Ibiza and Formentera lizard, a species seriously threatened by the invasion of non-native snakes, can also promote sustainable agricultural practices. With this initiative, we aim to enhance both the plant and animal biodiversity of the island within a single project.”
Each beneficiary will receive a grant of 30 euros for planting of each tree, covering the costs of the tree itself, stakes, guards, and planting holes. The grant can be requested to plant a minimum of 20 trees (600 euros).
Through this initiative, IbizaPreservation aims to follow the path laid out by the Mallorca Preservation Foundation with its Mallorca in Fruit project.
The terms and conditions for applying for the grants can be found on the ibizaproduce.org website and the deadline for registration of applications is 27 March 2024.
