Agriculture in Extremadura: Crops, Livestock, and Irrigation
Agricultural Activity in Extremadura
The agricultural sector plays a vital role in the socioeconomic reality of Extremadura. In 2007, agriculture and livestock contributed 11.62% to the regional GDP, and they continue to be of significant economic importance to Extremadura’s agricultural productivity. Recent decades have seen positive developments, reflecting the modernization and improvement of the region’s economy. Farming in Extremadura maintains a balance between crop cultivation and livestock rearing.
Major Agricultural Areas in Extremadura
Extremadura has distinct agricultural areas determined by soil conditions and irrigation capacity. The diverse climate and soil types lead to varied agricultural practices and highly productive specializations.
- Las Vegas del Guadiana: The largest irrigated area in the region, producing a wide variety of crops such as tomatoes, corn, sunflower, rice, and fruit.
- Irrigation of the High Valleys of Alagón and Extremadura: Known for the cultivation of tobacco, peppers for paprika production, tomatoes, and cherries.
- Tierra de Barros: A very dry area with significant wine and olive production.
- Pasture Areas: Grazed by cattle, sheep, and Iberian pigs.
- Mountain Ranges: Primarily used for livestock and forestry.
Agricultural Production
Extremadura’s agriculture benefits from productive diversity due to climatic variations and soil conditions across different regions. Grains, vegetables, and fruits accounted for 33.3% of Extremadura’s final agricultural production.
The agricultural sector is concentrated in the province of Badajoz, highlighting the Mediterranean trilogy of rainfed and irrigated crops like maize, tomato, rice, and stone and pome fruits. Cáceres has larger areas of natural pastures, fodder, fruit, and tobacco. In 2007, the largest crop areas were dedicated to cereals and olive groves. The high resting surface area emphasizes the importance of extensive agricultural practices. The evolution of major crops has seen a decline in durum wheat and legumes in recent years, along with reductions in crops such as corn, tobacco, and tomatoes. There have been increases in the surface area dedicated to sunflowers, oats, cereals, forage, and melons.
The Importance of Irrigation in the Horticultural Sector
Irrigation has led to a diversification of agricultural production and population settlement in Extremadura. The total irrigated area in the region is 244,576 hectares, accounting for 6% of the region and 18% of farmland. Irrigation generates 61% of the final agricultural production and 31% of the final livestock production. Approximately 85% of the irrigated land is state-owned. Regarding irrigable areas, the following crops stand out, occupying 80% of the total area: corn, tomato, rice, pasture, tobacco, and peach.
The horticultural sector is the most dynamic in Extremadura, with high economic and social relevance for the region. Extremadura accounts for 87.9% of the national tobacco production and is a leader in rice production. Horticultural crops account for 9.5% of Extremadura’s final agricultural production. Tomato cultivation, in particular, is a highly mechanized extensive horticultural practice.
Fruit tree production generates a heavy workload and has found a niche market. Improved competitiveness has resulted in a substantial increase in exports, which account for 65% of production. This is a competitive, export-oriented, and leading agricultural sector in the region.
Cereals
Cereal yields in Extremadura’s rainfed areas are highly variable. Irrigated cereals guarantee production stability and significantly increase yields. The area under wheat cultivation has decreased due to high CAP subsidies favoring durum wheat. One factor determining cereal production in Extremadura is its low performance compared to other parts of Spain and Europe, making irrigation essential for raising productivity. Energy crops could provide an alternative to excess cereals intended for food production.