Photo courtesy of Jon Izeta
In these unprecedented times, it's easy to feel powerless in the face of the situation we all find ourselves in. However, even while we remain confined to our homes, there are some positive steps that we can all take to help support ourselves and the community around us. One of those is to buy local, Ibizan produce wherever possible.
As an island, we import around 98% of the food we consume. But there is a huge range of quality products available right here, from organic fruit and vegetables, to fresh chicken and fish, eggs, dairy products, bread and even coffee and beer.
By buying local, we are not only maximising our nutrient intake from freshly picked produce, we are also doing our bit to reduce carbon emissions and help keep the island's small businesses afloat during this economic downturn.
Photo courtesy of Jon Izeta
Ibiza's Lockdown Directory
Many local producers are still operating throughout the quarantine period, and we at IbizaPreservation want to help island residents connect with them. That's why our Ibiza Produce project has this week launched a “Lockdown Directory”. It's an easy-to-use guide of where and how to buy local including at markets, fishmongers and artisan food producers, plus organic farms and cooperatives who are still selling direct to consumers.
Our health and safety and that of others is of course paramount at this time and, when shopping, we strongly advise people to follow the official advice regarding limiting trips out of the house and keeping a safe distance. Also remember to wash your hands AND all of your purchases thoroughly as soon as you get back home!
For those who are unable to leave the house, or don't wish to, there are still some options available. Es Senalló organic farm is offering home deliveries of fresh fruit and veg boxes on Tuesdays and Fridays. Email them at essenallobio@gmail.com for weekly availability and a price list.
Photo courtesy of Jon Izeta
Online supermarket
For a wider range of products, head over to Green Delivery, Ibiza's new online supermarket. Ibiza Produce has brought together more than a dozen of the island's producers to offer a “Local Products” section, including fresh fruit and vegetables, plus items like goats' cheese, xeixa flour, sobrasada and microgreens. You can also pick up other household essentials and cleaning products on the site. Orders must be over €30 and delivery takes place all over the island on Tuesdays, Thursdays and Saturdays at a cost of €6 for Ibiza Town and €9 elsewhere.
The good news is that many island residents have already started to change their shopping habits. Since the beginning of the lockdown, several of our organic farms have seen a huge increase in demand. But, with hotels and restaurants forced to delay their opening and cancel large food orders, we are due to see a glut of fresh produce come onto the market around Easter time, so there will be more than enough to go around – and our farmers will be in need of the support.
These are difficult times for our island but, by buying local, we can help sustain at least one sector of our community through this period. And when we come out the other side of it, which we will, we can be part of a lasting change that will help protect and preserve Ibiza's rich and varied landscape well into the future.
Wherever you may be reading this, there will be local producers in need of your supoport. So please find out what is being produced locally in your area, today.
You can find out more about IbizaPreservation and donate towards their work by going to their website: ibizapreservation.org. You can also follow them on Instagram, Facebook and Twitter.
