Agricultural and Fisheries Policy Analysis in Spain Since 1986
Agricultural Policy Since 1986
The Common Agricultural Policy (CAP) was created in 1962 with the following objectives:
- Increase productivity
- Ensure farmers a good standard of living
- Stabilize markets
- Set reasonable prices
To achieve these goals, two initiatives were established: a pricing policy based on markets and common market organizations (CMOs). A policy of agricultural structures and adaptation promoted the improvement and development of rural areas.
Results: Achieving food self-sufficiency, improved living standards and incomes for farmers. However, there was a negative effect due to increasing use of agricultural expenditure.
Fisheries Activity in Spain
Fishing is a key extractive activity responsible for the exploitation of food resources of marine or fluvial origin. It is an important industry in coastal areas.
Crisis and Renewal in the Fishing Sector
Spain is a major consumer of fish, but fishing is currently a sector in crisis.
The Problem of Fishing Resources
While some fishing grounds are rich in resources, the national fisheries offer few resources due to the narrow continental shelf and overexploitation.
Problems with the Fishing Fleet
Given the current fishing opportunities and prospects for further reductions, the fleet is too large. A significant number of fishing vessels are small, implying inshore craft. From a technological standpoint, the artisanal fleet is outdated.
Impact of Income in the EU on Fisheries
The Common Fisheries Policy was launched in 1983 with these principles:
- Accessibility of EU fishermen to waters within the limits of 200 nautical miles.
- Conservation and management of sustainable exploitation of fishing resources.
- Ensure the income of fishermen.
- Ensuring the supply at the right price.
To achieve these objectives:
Fisheries Resources Policy
Introduce a quota system for the reduction of catches to prevent overfishing.
Fisheries Structures Policy
Objective: adequacy of the capacity of the fleet and the improvement of the extraction methods.
Market Policy
The key element is the common organization of fisheries and agriculture markets, which seeks to ensure supply.
Consequences of the Crisis and Conversion
In demographic terms, Spain has seen an accelerated decrease in the number of fishermen since joining the EU. At the legal level, fishing is declining in importance in the whole economy and GDP contribution. In social terms, the crisis carries significant costs and rising unemployment. In the political arena, it highlights the need to continue to promote policies that support the interests of the workforce in the sector.
Fishing Regions in Spain
- Northwest Region: Includes the Galician coast, stands out for the volume and value of fish landings. Main ports: La Coruña, Vigo.
- Cantabrian Region: Lies between the rivers Eo and Bidasoa. Important ports are Pasajes, Bermeo.
- South Atlantic Region: Extends from the coast of Huelva and Cadiz to the Linea de la Concepcion. This region is greatly affected by the suspension of the Fisheries Agreement of Morocco.
- Canary Region: Stresses the booming port of Pal, which is becoming the logistics base for fishing.
- Tramontana Region: Stretching between Cape Creus and the ship.
- Levant Region: Located between the Cape of the Nao and the De Gata. It is an impoverished region in fishing ports in Cartagena, Alicante.
- South Mediterranean Region: It extends between Cabo de Gata and the Linea de la Concepcion. Has minor importance and emphasizes the port of Malaga.
- Balearic Region: Fishing has little relevance.