Spanish Agriculture: Crops, Livestock, and Modernization
Spanish Agriculture
Crops
Cereals
Cereals are grown for human consumption, livestock feed, and industrial production. The main producing areas are in the drylands of the interior and in wetter regions where technological advancements have boosted production. Wheat, barley, rice, oats, and maize are the primary cereal crops. The Common Agricultural Policy (CAP) has significantly influenced cereal production, with reforms linking aid to production levels to maintain the sector’s activity.
Legumes
Legumes are cultivated for both green and dry consumption, as well as for livestock feed. Production areas often coincide with cereal crop rotation, allowing for rest and semi-fallow periods. However, the difficulty of mechanization and low yields have posed challenges. CAP subsidies have led to increased legume cultivation in recent years.
Vineyards
Vineyards are primarily intended for winemaking and fresh grape consumption. Major producing regions include Castilla-La Mancha, La Rioja, Ribera del Duero, and the Galician Rías Baixas. Production is often characterized by the use of the mantilla system. The difficulty of mechanization and low yields have been addressed through CAP intervention, which promotes the adoption of higher-quality grape varieties and market expansion through grants and incentives for growers in less favorable areas.
Olives
Olive production is focused on table olives and olive oil. The primary producing areas are in the southern regions of the peninsula, particularly Andalusia and Extremadura. Spain is the world’s largest olive producer, but faces challenges such as high production costs and competition from cheaper oils. The CAP’s influence is shifting towards reduced aid and production quotas.
Horticultural Crops
Horticultural crops are grown for fresh consumption and the canning industry. Production areas are found throughout the peninsula and on the islands, with irrigation playing a crucial role. The sector has experienced significant growth, largely driven by exports.
Forage Crops
Forage crops are primarily used for animal feed. Production is concentrated in the northern half of the peninsula, in semi-humid and irrigated areas. Production has increased since the 1950s, driven by the growing demand for livestock products.
Industrial Crops
Industrial crops, such as tobacco, sugar beet, and those used for biofuel production, are mainly grown in the central and Mediterranean regions of the peninsula. Sugar beet production is concentrated in Castilla y León. The sector is characterized by large-scale production and close ties to the processing industry. CAP support for sunflower production is lower than for cereals, while sugar beet receives a share lower than its consumption level. Quotas for cotton and tobacco have been reduced.
Floriculture
Floriculture is primarily focused on ornamental plants. Production is concentrated in the Canary Islands, Catalonia, and the southeastern peninsula. While not significant in terms of quantity, it generates substantial profits.
Traditional and Modern Agriculture
Traditional agriculture in Spain relied on polyculture, using labor-intensive techniques and extensive farming systems. This resulted in low yields and subsistence-oriented production, with any surplus sold in the domestic market. However, modern agriculture has transformed the sector’s structure and production methods, leading to increased yields and a market-oriented approach. Changes include mechanization, the use of fertilizers, and the adoption of new techniques such as mulching, greenhouse cultivation, and expanded irrigation.
Livestock
Cattle
Cattle farming is primarily focused on meat and milk production. Milk production is concentrated in the northern peninsula, using a mixed system of extensive and intensive farming. Intensive dairy farms are also found around major cities, particularly in Andalusia, where irrigation is prevalent. Meat production is mainly located in mountainous and forested areas, as well as in the western plains and the Sierra Morena, using extensive systems. Milk production requires modern milking techniques and artificial insemination, which can be costly. The sector faces challenges such as EU milk surpluses, leading to quota systems and lower prices, as well as competition from countries with lower production costs.
Sheep
Sheep farming is primarily focused on meat production and, to a lesser extent, milk for cheese production, such as Manchego cheese. Sheep farming is concentrated in the drylands of the peninsula, employing a transhumant system with seasonal movement between winter and summer pastures. Challenges include outdated and low-quality farms, which the EU is addressing through support programs.
Pigs
Pig farming is focused on fresh pork consumption and sausage production. Major producing regions include Catalonia, Extremadura, and Salamanca. Production systems range from intensive industrial operations to extensive systems using native breeds. The sector faces challenges such as price fluctuations due to surpluses and competition from other EU countries.
Poultry
Poultry farming is primarily focused on meat and egg production. Major producing regions include Catalonia, Castile and León, and Aragon. Production is largely intensive and industrial, often employing integrated systems. The chicken meat sector is particularly sensitive to demand fluctuations, which are mitigated through market withdrawal programs to prevent price drops and export subsidies for frozen chicken.
Transformation of Livestock Farming
Traditional livestock farming in Spain involved raising various species on the same farm, using indigenous breeds with high hardiness. Small farms employed labor-intensive and extensive systems, requiring significant land and labor for relatively low returns. Modern livestock farming has undergone significant transformations, leading to increased yields and specialization in either meat or milk production. Farm sizes have increased, and mechanization has been adopted. Intensive farming practices have become more prevalent, while extensive farming remains dependent on the physical environment.