Spanish Agriculture: Regional Specialization and Agrarian Structure
Spanish Agriculture: Regional Specialization
Agriculture in Spain is characterized by regional specialization due to diverse natural conditions. The country’s varied physical environment results in significant contrasts across regions.
Physical Factors Influencing Agriculture
Relief
Spain’s relief is characterized by a high average altitude and steep slopes, which promote erosion and make mechanization difficult.
Climate
The climate is characterized by low and erratic rainfall, with a strong contrast between dry and wet regions. There are also significant differences in frost risk.
Soils
Spanish soils are generally poor, often acidic due to silicon leaching. Limestone soils are common in central Spain. The best soils (alluvial and vertisols) are found in isolated areas of the Mediterranean and Andalusia.
Agrarian Structure in Spain
The agrarian structure has changed significantly in recent years due to:
- Demographic Changes: Depopulation due to rural exodus driven by industrialization.
- Aging Rural Population: Many farmers are between 40 and 64 years old.
The farming population is characterized by low-grade improvements in productivity through technology. Trends for the coming years include:
- A continued decline in the rural population.
- Rejuvenation through increasing pro-youth initiatives.
Transformations in the Operating System
Agricultural land is divided into plots. Exploitation refers to all plots farmed by a single agricultural producer. In Spain, the number of farms has declined, and their average size has increased (29ha/explotación), while the number of parcels per farm remains high (about 10). Property is a legal concept referring to land ownership. The average size of properties has also increased, with a decreasing number of smallholders. Extreme values are still dominant:
Large Estates (Latifundios)
Over 50% of the land is owned by large estates, controlled by 0.8% of owners. This is predominant in Andalusia, Extremadura, Castilla-La Mancha, and Aragon. Historically, there were three forms of land tenure: propios, real property, and communal lands.
Small Properties (Minifundios)
Smallholders own 10% of the land, with 52.3% belonging to these owners. This is predominant in northern Spain and Valencia. These small properties are only profitable in areas with irrigation. Direct tenure (80%) is more common than indirect ownership.
Changes in Agricultural Techniques and Systems
Significant changes have occurred, including the mechanization of agriculture, seed selection, improved livestock breeds, and the use of chemical fertilizers and pesticides. New farming systems have emerged, such as sanding, mulching, and cultivation under plastic.
Rural Settlement and Habitat
Rural settlements have experienced remarkable transformations. Rural areas are centrally defined by populations under 10,000. The origin of rural sites is related to natural conditions. The typology of rural settlements corresponds to two major models: dispersed and concentrated, linear and crowded. Traditionally, materials typical of each area were used. The type of plan was adapted to the needs of the operation (block house/house compound). Now, shapes and rural habitat types tend to match.
Agricultural Policy
Agricultural policy is conditioned by the Common Agricultural Policy (CAP). Historically, it has had the following objectives: improve performance, improve farm size, solve water shortages, and balance trade.
Historical Activities Until 1988
- Primo de Rivera: Put 70,000 irrigated acres into production.
- Second Republic: Attempted land redistribution, which was flawed.
- Franco Regime: Established colonies, created FORPPA, SNCP, and IRYDA. Land consolidation began in 1952. Legislation amended on large farms in 1979. Trade protectionism was implemented.
- Democratic Era: Introduced agricultural insurance, farm law improvements, Mountain Agricultural Law, aid for disadvantaged areas, and the Farmers Help Youth program. The CAP came into effect.
Impact of the CAP Since 1986
Since 1986, the CAP has resulted in integration into the EU market, liberalization of trade, and the need for significant adjustment and modernization. It has been affected by community problems (environmental surplus, prices, dues…). The impact has been uneven across regions.