The regional environment and agriculture ministry is setting aside at least two million euros to cover farming losses caused by January's weather. Farmers will have until 21 March to apply for compensation.
Inspectors from the ministry have categorised areas of Majorca according to the extent of damage. The most harmed municipalities are mainly in the Pla region: Santa Eugenia; Consell; Sencelles; Costitx; Algaida; Lloret; Montuiri; Porreres; Felanitx; Manacor; Vilafranca; Petra; Sineu; Ariany; Maria de la Salut; Llubí; Muro; Santa Margalida. Some farms in these municipalities are still suffering from flooding because the clay soil makes water drainage difficult.
Municipalities in the second category do not have the same ongoing problem, but numbered among them is Sa Pobla where the early potato crops were very badly affected. The others are: Alcudia, Binissalem, Campanet, Campos, Llucmajor, Sant Llorenç, Ses Salines and Sencelles.
Minorca, Ibiza and the remaining Majorcan municipalities are in the least affected category, though this does include Pla de Sant Jordi where there are still some flooded areas.
The ministry estimates that 30% of the annual agricultural production in the Balearics has been lost. Minister Vicenç Vidal says that where aid from national government isn't forthcoming, the regional government will step in. "Our intention is to be on the side of the farmers," the minister stresses.