Livestock and Forestry in Spain: An Overview of Production and Land Use
Livestock and Forestry in Spain
Fodder Crops
Alfalfa, corn fodder, vetch, and oats are continually increasing in expansion because domestic production is insufficient. Farmers’ profits: They account for 40% of income from the primary sector. Spanish livestock farming lags behind that of the EU, both because indigenous breeds are smaller than fairground production and their replacement is expensive. The big problem for our breeding is the structural differences of the companies, which are still dominated by the minifundio farmer.
Sheep
The sheep population is now estimated to reach about 21 million, reared almost entirely in an extensive system. Transhumance has virtually disappeared. In recent years, meat and milk production of sheep has increased, which has enhanced the traditional cheese industries in regions like New Castile and Extremadura.
Goats
There are just under 3 million goats. Spain is the largest European producer. Operation on marginal land is very interesting if the density of animals is not excessive. The cheese and meat from their offspring are very similar. Key regions include Andalusia, Castilla-La Mancha, and Extremadura.
Cattle
There are more than 6 million cattle. Milk production is insufficient for domestic consumption and is limited. Meat production has increased through the introduction of new breeds and housing. Intensive farming predominates in humid areas of Spain, and extensive farming in others. Key regions include Castilla y Leon, Galicia, Catalonia, and Asturias.
Pigs
The pig population is represented by about 22 million. Indigenous breeds of lower yields but higher quality, especially when destined for industrialization, are regaining their importance. Key regions include New Castile, Extremadura, and Andalusia. African swine fever prevented the external marketing of products derived from Iberian pigs.
Poultry and Other Livestock
The poultry industry is in continuous expansion. The increase in production has produced a change in eating habits of the Spanish. Poultry technology is very advanced in the production of meat and eggs. Key regions include Catalonia, Andalusia, Aragon, and Galicia. Rabbit farming is also expanding.
Other livestock include horses, mules, and hinnies. All three are in decline, in real danger of disappearance.
Forest Land Use
Potentially, a little more than half of the Spanish land is forested, although only just over a quarter is actually forested. Only about a third of the forested land is operated. Forestry brings in 2% of the primary sector income. The functions of the forest include:
- Environmental: Formation and consolidation of soils and the regulation of water cycles.
- Socio-economic: Production of raw materials: wood, pulp, fruits, etc.
- Landscape: More diverse landscape.
- Biological: Maintaining the diversity of plant and animal species.
In 1994, a 40-year plan for the reformation of agricultural land was developed with the goal to repopulate 8 million hectares. This plan prioritizes environmental aspects over economic ones. The result has been a noticeable increase in our forest cover. Coniferous forests occupy 77% of the wooded area, and hardwood forests occupy 23%.
Challenges in Forestry
The great problem of our forests is the little care given to them by citizens, which is reflected in forest fires, and the misguided policy of reforestation carried out years ago, when priority was given to the economic over the strictly forest. It seeks the production of wood before the creation or preservation of the forest. Reforestation was done with excess mass arbolrea, planting trees too close together. Conifers and, worst of all, eucalyptus were planted.