Organic farming in the Balearic Islands continues to show solid and sustained growth, according to data presented by the Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries and Natural Environment and the Balearic Council for Organic Agricultural Production (CBPAE). In 2024, the organic agricultural area registered with the CBPAE reached a total of 50,541 hectares, with 1,301 organic operators. This represents an increase of 3,696 hectares (a 7.8% rise) and 43 additional operators (a 3.4% increase) compared to the previous year.
Sa Casa Pagesa. Photo: Mallorca Video © AETIB.
Regarding the evolution of organic agricultural land over the last five years, data show a significant increase of 12,716 hectares (a 33.6% rise) and 281 additional operators (a 27.5% increase). This growth trend aligns with the targets set by the European Union’s 2030 Agenda, which aims for at least 25% of the utilised agricultural area (UAA) in Europe to be under organic production. In the Balearic Islands, organic farming already accounts for 21% of the UAA, and Menorca has already achieved the goal, with 26.7% of its UAA dedicated to organic agriculture.
Key organic crops in the Balearic Islands
The most significant crops in the Balearic archipelago continue to be pastures and forage (24,365 hectares), cereals and legumes (8,087 ha), nuts (5,466 ha), olive groves (1,922 ha) and vineyards (1,511 ha). These five crops account for 82% of the total organic farming area across the islands.
Notably, two crops have shown substantial growth over the last five years: olive groves, which increased by 866 hectares (an 82% rise), and vineyards, which grew by 574 hectares (a 61% increase).
In terms of organic livestock farming, the Balearic Islands currently have 319 farms and a total of 48,351 head of livestock, representing a 1.5% increase compared to the previous year. These livestock farms are mainly located in Mallorca (221 farms), Menorca (89 farms), and Ibiza (9 farms).
Increase in public funding
In 2024, the Balearic Government allocated a total of €2.27 million to support organic farming in the region, representing a 110% increase compared to the previous year. Additionally, nearly €1.9 million from the 2024 aid programme has already been disbursed, covering 84% of the total planned (the payment deadline is 30 June 2025).
With regard to organic livestock farming, €448,115 were granted in 2024 to support pasture development for organic use, marking a 70% increase from the previous year. So far, nearly €380,000 of this year’s aid has been paid (85% of the planned total).
Control and certification
In 2024, the CBPAE carried out a total of 1,660 control visits to organic operators, representing a 3.8% increase compared to the previous year. These visits aim to ensure that organic products meet established quality and sustainability standards. In addition, 87 random samples were collected for laboratory analysis, of which 10 tested positive, resulting in the disqualification of certain crops and organic products.
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