Global Food Production and Spain’s Primary Sector Challenges
State of the Fishery Sector Globally
Fishing refers to the capture of aquatic animals, algae, and plants in seas, rivers, and lakes.
Global Fish Consumption Trends
In an earlier period, an average of 9 kg of fish per person per year was consumed, while in 2020, this figure reached 20 kg.
- China is the country with the greatest fishery production and the main fish exporter.
Aquaculture: Breeding Aquatic Life
Aquaculture is the breeding of aquatic animals and plants in captivity. In 2020, 46% of global fish production came from aquaculture.
The Global Livestock Sector
Livestock farming is the rearing of animals for different purposes:
- For their produce (meat, milk, eggs, leather, honey, etc.).
- For use in agricultural tasks.
- For breeding.
The main livestock types are bovine (cows), poultry (chickens), porcine (pigs), and ovine (sheep).
In high-income countries, livestock farming is a very profitable activity.
Extensive Livestock Farming
- It uses the territory’s natural resources in a respectful manner. Livestock roam the countryside and feed in natural pastures.
Intensive/Industrial Livestock Farming
- Hundreds of animals are kept together in barns so that their food (pellets), health, and growth can be controlled.
The Intensive Farming Debate
In the last century, scientific research has led to the development of selective breeding, which has eliminated many diseases that affect livestock. Furthermore, the application of new technologies has significantly increased production.
Criticisms of Modern Livestock Systems
New livestock farming systems are criticized for:
- Environmental impact: Animal waste, fertilizers, and pesticides used on fodder crops contribute to pollution. Farms also consume large amounts of energy and water.
- Adverse effects on people’s health: Contamination, and the use of antibiotics and hormones given to animals to prevent illnesses and stimulate growth, can be harmful to humans.
- Animal welfare concerns: Animal confinement and overcrowding cause animals stress.
The people who support intensive livestock farming argue that it is more profitable, feeds more people, and lowers the market price of products.
The Primary Sector: Vital for Spain’s Economy
Spain accounts for 12% of the total value of the EU’s primary sector production. This sector is vital because it provides food for the population and is important for various other reasons.
Primary Sector Production in Spain
Production is very diverse, and a large part is destined for export, mostly to EU countries.
Agriculture in Spain
Agriculture accounts for 60% of the total value of final agrarian production. Spain is the second largest agricultural producer in the EU.
- Cereals: Spain is the fourth largest producer of cereals in the EU.
- Fruits and Vegetables: These account for a quarter of the value of Spain’s final agricultural production.
- Olive Trees: Half of the world’s olive oil production comes from Spain.
- Grapevines: Spain has the most surface area dedicated to this crop in the world.
Spain is first in the EU and third in the world for surface area dedicated to organic production.
Livestock Farming in Spain
In Spain, intensive, mechanized livestock farming in barns predominates. Spain is first in the EU for the amount of porcine and ovine livestock, second for caprine (goats) livestock, and third for cattle. Spain is also the fourth largest producer of pork.
- Porcine Livestock: Accounts for over a third of Spain’s total final livestock production. There are over 31 million pigs in Spain, concentrated mainly in Aragón and Catalonia.
- Ovine Livestock: Major regions for ovine livestock are Extremadura, Castilla-La Mancha, Andalusia, and Castilla y León.
Spain is the second largest producer of poultry meat and eggs in the EU.
Fishing and Aquaculture in Spain
- Spain has the third largest fishing fleet in the EU, totaling 8,937 fishing vessels in 2020.
- Spain is the leading EU country for employment in the fishery sector, and for fishery and aquaculture production.
- Aquaculture is growing. In 2019, it accounted for 28% of Spain’s total fishery production. Mussels are the main cultivated species, farmed primarily in Galicia.
Weaknesses in Spain’s Primary Sector
- There is an ageing working population; only 7% of the owners of holdings are under 40 years old.
- The sector is dominated by small holdings.
- There is insufficient investment in innovation.
- Rainfed crops and extensive livestock farming have low productivity.
- There is heavy dependence on Common Agricultural Policy (CAP) subsidies.
Agrarian Production Summary
Spain is the fourth largest agrarian producer.