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On Wednesday, the regional government formalized the purchase of the Son Bordils rural property, located in the municipality of Inca, before a notary; the property will be used for agricultural research and experimentation.
The Regional Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries, and the Environment, Joan Simonet, signed the deed of sale with the property owners at a notary’s office in Palma for 5.1 million euros, after the Regional Government approved the purchase.
According to a press release from the Regional Ministry, the farm will be used for research, experimentation, and training in agriculture and livestock farming through the Balearic Islands Institute for Agri-Food and Fisheries Research and Training (Irfap).
Son Bordils will provide a permanent space for conducting fieldwork, agronomic trials, and research projects related to the needs of the Islands’ primary sector.
Focus on Areas of Work
Until now, IRFAP’s agricultural research activities have been conducted at various locations and facilities. The addition of Son Bordils makes it possible to concentrate certain lines of research on a farm specifically designated for this purpose, with land and facilities suitable for carrying out agricultural and livestock research projects.
The Regional Ministry has noted that Son Bordils has agricultural land and buildings related to agricultural activity, as well as an electricity supply and an authorized well.
In addition, the proximity to the Costitx wastewater treatment plant and the Inca irrigation reservoir will make it possible to study the potential for using reclaimed water for agricultural irrigation, an issue of particular interest for water resource management in the agricultural sector.
Among the main areas of work that can be carried out on the farm are adapting crops to the archipelago’s climatic conditions and the effects of climate change, improving water use efficiency, studying new varieties and production systems, and conserving local varieties.
Livestock Sector
In the field of livestock farming, the farm is also expected to host research related to animal nutrition, reproduction, health, and welfare, as well as projects focused on the conservation and study of the islands’ native breeds.
In addition to research activities, Son Bordils is expected to be used for training and knowledge transfer to the agricultural sector. As such, the farm will be able to host demonstration events, training activities, and practical trials aimed at farmers, ranchers, and professionals in the sector.
The possibility of developing collaborative projects with universities, research centers, and professional agricultural organizations is also being considered, with the aim of facilitating the application of research findings to crop and livestock farms.