Mallorca organic farmers seek land for women in new law

On Mallorca in the Balearic Islands, organic farmers are pressing for women to get better access to land through 17 proposed changes to a new farming law. On 30 October 2026, the Associació de la Producció Agrària Ecològica de Mallorca (Apaema) also calls for climate change to be named explicitly in the bill. It has drawn up the amendments for parliamentary groups to consider as the law moves through parliament.

Women’s work on farms

Many women do essential work on family farms without professional, financial or legal recognition that matches their contribution, Apaema says. That can affect their social protection, access to resources and say in a farm’s future.

The association wants the law to recognise women’s contribution and back it with practical measures: more jointly owned farms, better access to land, finance and grants, and balanced representation on farming decision-making bodies.

Why the climate wording matters

Apaema says the draft replaces “climate change” with “adverse weather” in several places. It argues that this could focus public action on droughts, floods and heatwaves while overlooking the changing conditions in which farmers must produce food.

It wants an adaptation plan that includes research and advice, alongside measures to improve soil fertility and water retention. It also proposes more varied crops, local varieties and native livestock breeds.

A route into farming

Apaema says people starting out should be able to gain professional farm status gradually. It proposes land-access programmes, support for cooperative projects and steps to bring abandoned farmland back into use.

The amendments are now for parliamentary groups to weigh up. Apaema wants them included in a law that helps existing farms continue and gives a new generation a chance to make a living from growing food.

Topics: Agriculture · Social affairs

Source: Europa Press / Mallorca.com