Agricultural and Fishing Industries in Spain: Regional Variations and Modern Challenges
Agrarian Landscape of the Interior Peninsula
This largest area, occupying almost half of Spain, includes the Meseta and the Ebro Depression. It is characterized by a high altitude and a Mediterranean climate with significant seasonal temperature differences. Extreme winter temperatures limit agricultural activity.
a) Agrarian Structure:
- Population migration has led to depopulation and land abandonment.
- Settlements are concentrated.
- Varied landholding systems: smallholdings in the Duero and Ebro valleys (irrigated) and large estates elsewhere.
- Diverse land use.
b) Agriculture:
Occupies 44% of the surface area, with clear distinctions between irrigated and dryland farming.
- Dryland Farming: Predominates in upland moors and non-irrigated areas of the Ebro valley. Features the Mediterranean trilogy: cereals, vineyards, and olives.
- Irrigated Farming: Allows for more intensive land use, increased by impounded water and groundwater use. Diversified production: industrial plants, fodder, fruits, and vegetables.
c) Livestock Breeding:
- Drylands of Castile and the Ebro Depression: Sheep predominate. Feedlot cattle for milk near cities and modern irrigation systems, as well as pigs.
- Extremadura, Salamanca, and Zamora: Characterized by the dehesa landscape, used for grazing sheep, pigs, and cattle.
d) Logging:
Characteristic of areas like Tierra Pinariega in Soria.
Agrarian Landscape of Mediterranean Spain
Located on the Mediterranean coast and southwestern Atlantic, including the area between the Guadalquivir valley and Sierra Morena. The Mediterranean climate, with limited rainfall (especially in summer), is a key factor. Nearly half of Spain’s irrigated land is here, but significant dryland areas exist.
a) Agrarian Structure:
- Traditionally large and dispersed landholdings.
- Land is deeply divided in irrigated areas.
- Small and medium-sized properties in dryland areas of Valencia and Murcia.
b) Agriculture:
- Irrigated Crops: Favored by mild weather. Horticulture, Mediterranean fruit growing, and tropical fruits.
- Rainfed Crops: Found in the Guadalquivir valley plains and pre-littoral areas. Dominated by grains, vineyards, olives, and almonds.
c) Livestock:
Cattle and swine are prevalent in Catalonia due to urban demand. Sheep and goats are characteristic of drylands, and wild bulls are found on the Guadalquivir banks.
Mountain Agricultural Landscape
Characterized by extreme physical conditions: high altitude, steep slopes, and a cold, rainy winter climate with abundant snowfall.
a) Agrarian Structure:
- Very low population density and depopulation trend.
- Traditionally dispersed small, enclosed plots.
- Diverse and complementary land use.
b) Agriculture:
- Northern Mountains: Practiced in valley bottoms, including gardening.
- Levant and Southern Mountains: Some heat-tolerant crops like almonds and olives.
c) Livestock:
Extensive grazing. Sheep or cattle in the northern mountains, sheep in the Mediterranean mountains.
d) Logging:
Focuses on fuel wood and timber species like eucalyptus, chestnut, and pine.
Recent Dynamics of Rural Areas
Agricultural changes and progress have not affected all Spanish countryside areas equally. Some areas maintain tradition while others modernize. Less adaptable districts are termed “deep rural spaces.” These challenges have led to discussions of a “countryside crisis” and the implementation of rural planning policies.
Crises and Problems in Rural Areas
The rural crisis is evident in several indicators:
- Decline in the agricultural workforce (6.6% in 2001).
- Reduction of agriculture’s GDP contribution (around 3%).
- Decreased agricultural participation in foreign trade and a trade deficit.
Main problems in the Spanish countryside:
Rural Planning
Land problems are now addressed globally through rural planning policies, which are part of broader policy planning. Key players in rural planning:
- EU: Rural development policy, structural funds, and the LEADER program.
- Autonomous Communities: Involved in rural land management.
- Local Government: Manages rural areas within municipalities.
Main priorities for the rural system:
a) Economic Development:
- Diversification of economic activity (artisanal and industrial transformation, rural tourism).
- Modernization and quality of life improvement.
- Promotion of cooperatives.
b) Infrastructure Improvement:
Enhancing accessibility, community facilities, and quality of life.
c) Environmental Preservation:
- EU rural development policy: land dedication for forestry, crop extensification.
- Promoting organic farming and avoiding chemicals.
Fisheries in Spain
Fishing remains a significant primary industry in Spain despite economic outsourcing. Factors contributing to its importance include Spain’s peninsular nature, providing access to diverse marine resources in the Atlantic, Cantabrian, and Mediterranean seas. Spain ranks highly globally in fishing tonnage and catch value.
However, negative factors exist, such as the small continental shelf, low plankton levels, and high Mediterranean water temperatures and salinity. Fishermen have resorted to distant fishing grounds like Newfoundland and Morocco.
Distant fishing was consolidated in the early 20th century with technological advances like freezing systems. The evolution of fishing activity was also influenced by:
- Increased fish consumption since the 1960s, leading to fleet growth.
- Rising fuel prices in the 1970s, causing fish price increases and the introduction of 200-mile exclusive fishing zones, negatively impacting Spain.
- Recent modernization has led to port specialization (Vigo, La Coruña, Cádiz, Huelva).
- EU integration has subjected Spain to European fisheries policies.
Today, the total catch is lower, but the total value is higher due to the focus on more valuable species.