Evolution of Agriculture and Agricultural Policy in Spain
1. From Subsistence to Market Economy
1.1 The Shift
Large landowners began selling products, generating income and concentrating capital, which later fueled industrial investments. Increased demand for food integrated agriculture into market circuits, with farmers becoming sellers and others buyers. Farmers cultivated products with higher demand, leading to a shift from traditional agriculture and impacting the rural population.
1.2 Capitalization of the Field
Traditional agriculture relied on land and labor. Industrialization increased the need for both, and improved transportation facilitated rural exodus. Farmers adopted new technologies and invested in irrigation and machinery.
1.3 Rural Population
Rural population declined due to farm mechanization and low profitability. Cities attracted people seeking better incomes and welfare, leading to an exodus from rural to urban areas. Young people (18-25) particularly migrated to cities, impacting rural communities.
2. Agricultural Work and Land Structure
2.1 Agricultural Work in Spain
Women sometimes supplemented family income through agricultural labor or selling products. Small landowners often worked part-time in agriculture, combining it with construction, industry, or service jobs. Direct management increased, while sharecropping (fixed-term contracts for land and labor) and leasing (renting land for a price and duration) decreased due to the need for larger plots. Machinery reduced labor needs but increased demand for casual workers.
2.2 Land Structure: Estates, Farms, and Mean Farms
- Estates: Large exploitations practicing extensive farming, benefiting from economies of scale, machinery, and high yields.
- Farms: Small holdings transitioning from self-sufficiency to market-oriented production, facing limitations in mechanization and marketing.
- Mean Farms: Consolidated holdings with increased size due to grants, credits, tax deductions, and favorable prices.
3. Agricultural Policy and Production
3.1 The Common Agricultural Policy (CAP)
The European Economic Community aimed to boost agriculture, ensuring food supply and raising farm incomes through subsidies and surplus purchases. Spain’s entry into the EEC led to adjustments, with farmers intensifying production. Economic aid caused overproduction, and the EEC bought surpluses at market prices. Key objectives included increasing productivity, developing agri-environment, and improving rural areas.
3.2 Agricultural Production
Production depends on land type (irrigated or dry). Irrigated areas expanded due to canals and groundwater use, increasing productivity and providing resilience during droughts.
- Dry Cultivation: Cereals and olives are prevalent. Extensive cultivation is common, with selected seeds and wheat used for feed. Vineyards thrive in Mediterranean and Atlantic areas, producing quality wines. Olive cultivation has improved, with increased areas dedicated to olive oil production. Dry nuts are also cultivated.
- Irrigated Farming: Fruit, citrus, and horticulture dominate. These significantly contribute to fruit and vegetable exports, competing in the European market. Irrigated crops can yield multiple harvests annually.
3.3 Livestock Production
Combines traditional and intensive systems with advanced technologies.
- Cattle: Meat and milk production.
- Sheep: Primarily meat and dairy, with wool production declining.
- Pork: Fresh consumption and processed meat products.
- Poultry: High-yield production.
3.4 Marketing of Agricultural Products
Successful marketing depends on the development of the agri-food industry. Agri-food industries, often large multinationals, focus on productivity. Wine production is a key sector, alongside traditional cured meat and ham industries, which are experiencing growth.