Agricultural and Livestock Production: Intensive and Extensive Practices
Agricultural Practices
Agriculture includes both intensive and extensive irrigation. Intensive irrigation, whether open-air or in greenhouses, allows for the cultivation of fruits and vegetables, while extensive irrigation is used for other crops. The distribution of irrigation varies, with lower levels in the north and higher levels in Mediterranean climates. Water sources are often located near rivers. Intensive irrigation benefits from favorable temperatures, suitable soils, and human intervention. Waterlogged areas benefit from large rivers, mechanization, and the increasing demand for grains. Irrigation boosts the economy by increasing income in both rural and urban areas through exports, improving social standards, and increasing demand for services. It also helps stabilize populations and promotes cultural development by training professionals.
Challenges in Agriculture
Challenges include the use of inadequate systems, excessive water consumption, overexploitation of water resources, and the alteration of the environment by fertilizers. Greenhouse modifications and the reduction of fallow periods also pose problems. The reduction of fallow periods, which began in 1986, has led to a decrease in the rest period for land. The distribution of agricultural production is low in the valleys and high in the plateaus.
Agricultural Products
Grain crops, such as rice, are intended for human consumption. Other grains, like barley, maize, and oats, are used for animal feed. These crops are often rotated with fallow periods or legumes. Production is enhanced by improved techniques and CAP aid. Legumes, such as beans, lentils, and chickpeas, are used for human consumption or animal feed. These are often rotated with cereals. Farmers receive aid for combined agricultural practices. Vineyards are used for producing grapes and wine. Olive groves are resistant to summer droughts and are used for producing olives and olive oil. The number of cultivated olive trees has increased due to EU subsidies. Modern practices include the use of technicians and pest control. Olive oil production is high, but faces competition from cheaper oils. Efforts are being made to promote virgin olive oils. Horticultural products include fresh or preserved vegetables, with a focus on exports. Industrial crops, such as sunflower, tobacco, and cotton, require industrial processing. These industries often provide seeds and supervise production. Forage crops, such as alfalfa and maize, are used for animal feed and have increased since 1950.
Livestock Practices
Traditional livestock practices involve the coexistence of various species in the same area, with local breeds adapted to the environment. These animals consume a lot of space and require a lot of power, but produce little profit. Modern practices involve a shift towards specialization in meat or milk production, often replacing indigenous breeds with foreign ones. Subsidies are used to recover native breeds of sheep and goats. There is also a push to enhance mechanization and the size of farms. Intensive and extensive practices are both used. Challenges include competition and surplus production, which has led to the establishment of fees for some products. The CAP requires standards for both production and quality. Changes in diet have also impacted livestock production.
Types of Livestock
Cattle are raised for meat and milk. Extensive cattle farming is common in non-irrigated areas, while intensive farming is found near cities. The main problems are surplus production and the need for CAP support. Sheep are raised for meat, wool, and milk. Extensive sheep farming is declining, while intensive farming is increasing. The CAP provides aid for sheep and pig farming. Pigs are raised for fresh consumption and for the production of sausages. Intensive pig farming uses foreign breeds. Poultry is raised for meat and eggs, with high production levels. Intensive poultry farming is common in certain regions.