Agricultural Factors: Climate, Techniques, and EU Policies
Factors Influencing Primary Activities
Physical Factors
Climate
Each climate zone is suitable for specific crops. Extreme temperatures, droughts, and heavy rains hinder agriculture.
Relief
Temperature decreases with altitude, limiting agricultural development.
Ground
Each crop requires a specific soil type.
Human Factors
Population Size
Increased population leads to agricultural expansion.
Agricultural Techniques
Developed countries have higher productivity due to advanced methods.
Economic Systems
Subsistence economies consume their own production.
Agrarian Policies
Government policies promote agriculture.
Elements of Agricultural Lands
Agricultural space is divided into:
- Closed fields: Fenced plots.
- Open fields: Unfenced plots.
- Small parcels: Small farm plots.
- Large estates: Large farm plots.
- Intensive agriculture: Land is heavily used.
- Extensive agriculture: Land uses fallow periods.
Irrigation Systems
Some plots have irrigation systems, while others rely on rain-fed agriculture.
Cultivated Species
Includes polycultures (multiple species) and monocultures (single species).
Population
The agricultural landscape is influenced by settlement types.
Types of Livestock
Livestock is raised for meat and milk production. Common species include cattle, sheep, and swine.
Extensive Livestock Farming
Practiced in developed and underdeveloped countries. Characterized by large farms where animals roam freely. Requires minimal labor investment. Common types include cattle and sheep.
Intensive Livestock Farming
Typical of developed countries. Practiced on specialized farms with high technology and feed investments. Often involves feedlots. Common types include cattle and swine.
Types of Fishing
Fish are caught in seas, rivers, and lakes. 75% of the catch is for human consumption.
Coastal Fishing
Performed in small boats, with or without engines. Catches are for local markets.
Inshore Fishing
Takes place near the coast in small to medium-sized boats.
Deep-Sea Fishing
Done at sea using large vessels with advanced technology to detect fish stocks.
Primary Sector of the EU
The Common Agricultural Policy (CAP) was introduced to ensure food supply.
Objectives
- Support farmers.
- Supply agricultural products to all EU countries.
- Modernize farms to increase productivity.
Actions
- The EU spends 70% of its budget on the CAP.
- Banned imports from non-EU countries.
- The EU buys products sold to the European market.
Changes in Practices
Limits were established to avoid surplus production. Farmers initially focused on producing for the EU, but the EU reduced investments after surpluses were distributed.