Ibiza farms up 16% as Formentera seeks law changes

Ibiza, in the Balearic Islands, has 1,773 registered farms in the 2025 figures, up 16% from 2019. On Wednesday, 4 November, island vice-president Mariano Juan presents the figures to the Balearic Parliament and backs the regional government’s proposed farming law. Formentera’s island council also supports a new law, but wants changes that reflect how its land is farmed.

More farms, but pressure remains

Ibiza had 1,527 registered farms in 2019. Livestock holdings rose from 734 that year to 968 in 2025, while land used for organic farming grew from 792 hectares in 2020 to 1,590 hectares in 2025.

Juan says the proposed law could cut paperwork and help farmers earn a living. But he warns that island geography, fragmented holdings and competition for land and workers still make farming difficult. Ibiza’s island council has handled 102 applications from young people seeking to enter farming across funding rounds since 2020. Juan says they need to be able to stay in the sector, not just join it.

Formentera asks for rules that fit the island

Formentera’s island council has submitted proposed changes to protect traditional farming practices, including a form of land management known as a majoral. It also wants the law to spell out island councils’ responsibilities for agriculture.

The council is asking for thorough water checks, based on the condition of underground water reserves, in irrigation projects using treated water. It also wants any farming use of natural material collected during coastal clean-ups, including posidonia, to follow traditional practices and environmental rules.

Topics: Agriculture · Politics

Source: Europa Press / Mallorca.com