Spanish Agriculture: An Overview of CAP Impact and Regional Landscapes
1.4.2 The Common Agricultural Policy (CAP) and Its Impact on Spain
Since Spain’s entry into the European Community (EC), its agricultural policy has been significantly shaped by the Common Agricultural Policy (CAP). Several key consequences have emerged:
Spain joined the European common market, participating in its internal and external free trade. Common Market Organizations (CMOs) were established for flagship products, setting minimum and maximum prices. When prices fell below the minimum, the EU intervened to prevent further decline. Imported products from non-member countries faced tariffs, prioritizing European goods. Exports of certain European products received refunds.
Free trade opened a vast consumer market to Spanish products, but also demanded increased competitiveness, modernization, and improved yields and quality. Substantial aid, primarily from the European Agricultural Guidance and Guarantee Fund (EAGGF), supported Spanish agricultural producers.
Spain has been affected by common agricultural challenges and subsequent CAP reforms, including the 2003 reform. High European product prices compared to the global market necessitated reductions in minimum prices. Surplus agricultural stocks led to measures like production quotas, activity abandonment incentives, and extensification of fallow land and forestry.
A unified aid system, independent of production methods, encouraged farmers to respond to market demands rather than subsidy structures. Consumer demands regarding food safety, animal welfare, product quality, and environmental protection led to new regulations and tied support to producer compliance.
Rural depopulation threatened traditional agricultural landscapes and increased environmental risks. Consequently, rural development policies were intensified.
The CAP’s impact varied across Spanish regions, posing challenges for areas with surplus production and low competitiveness within the EU.
3.3 The Mediterranean Agricultural Landscape
This area’s physical environment features a hilly coastline and a Mediterranean climate with limited summer rainfall.
Agrarian Structure:
- Population: Tends to be dispersed, with concentrations in coastal gardens.
- Farm size: Variable, with small farms dominating irrigated areas.
- Land use: Primarily agricultural.
Agriculture:
Distinct differences exist between upland rainfed crops and irrigated areas, particularly in the Guadalquivir Valley. Mild temperatures favor early outdoor gardening, horticulture under plastic, Mediterranean fruits, and tropical fruits.
Livestock:
Cattle and pig farming predominate in Catalonia, driven by urban demand. Sheep farming is common in drylands, and wild bulls are raised along the Guadalquivir banks.
Logging:
Limited significance, except in Huelva with its eucalyptus plantations.
3.1 The Wet Northern Peninsular Agricultural Landscape
This region encompasses the north and northwest of the Iberian Peninsula. The physical environment is hilly with limited flat areas and a wet oceanic climate.
Agrarian Structure:
- Population: Traditionally large, now declining and aging due to emigration driven by insufficient rural incomes.
- Settlement pattern: Dispersed, with small farms (minifundios) prevailing.
- Land use: Primarily agricultural, with small, enclosed plots.
Agriculture:
Limited agricultural land. Coastal fields are located in valley bottoms; inland fields are small. Rainfed agriculture is practiced due to consistent rainfall. Historically, polyculture was common, with farmers cultivating diverse products for self-sufficiency in small gardens. Today, agriculture specializes in garden crops and forage.
Livestock:
Significant, favored by the climate, urban demand for milk and meat, and the low rural population requiring less labor.
Logging:
Important, serving the furniture and pulp industries.