This may be of help to anyone out there with a finca  of olives/carrob/ortanges etc.

Spent an informative hour or so yesterday at the ministry of Agricultura in Tortosa, talking about the availability of grants .

Q.  Can anyone with a crop of trees for any sort of fruit apply for a grant.??
A.  Yes....but some years, the bias is towards one crop more than another...at the moment most grant money is channelled towards olives, but it changes year to year.

Q.  So if I have a finca of 50 orange trees, can I come to you and apply for a grant..?
A.  Yes....

Q.  Am I likely to get anything...??
A.  NO.

Q.  Are many new grants being given out anymore...
A.  No, but each case is considered on its merit....we would come and look.  Its easier if you already get a grant for say olives, to then apply also for a grant for say carrobs...BUT THEY MUST BE ON A SEPERATE PARCELA

Q.  So anyone can just come here and ask about the likelihood of getting a grant..??
A.  Yes, no problem.  Its best if you come October or November time, as thats when we are quietest and have most time.  In February to April, we are very busy with the paperwork for the grants .

Q.  So if I was buying a new finca, I should come and ask ASAP if there is a possibility fo getting a grant...??
A.  Yes, Maybe even before you buy it would be  a good idea...the longer you leave it the more likely you are to lose all/part of an original grant.

So there you go folks.  If you think you may be eligable for a grant ...go and ask...!!
It wll cost you nothing, but a bit of your time.  Apparently things are all set to change in 2013 anyway, but they are not sure how yet..

We spoke to Veronica...977 44 1140 or 977 44 2126....very helpful, spoke good English.


Hope this is of help.

Liz