Modern Livestock & Forestry in Spain: Challenges & Opportunities
Ranching in Spain
Ranching in Spain is based on the coexistence of diverse livestock species within the same region. These typically involve indigenous, hardy breeds raised on small farms using traditional, extensive systems.
Modern farming practices have significantly transformed the structure and production of ranching, leading to higher yields.
a) Changes in Density Structure
Key changes include specialization, modernization, and intensification:
- Specialization: Production is increasingly focused on either meat or milk. This has led to the substitution of native breeds with foreign, specialized ones, and a near disappearance of dual-purpose breeds. However, there’s a growing movement to recover native breeds.
- Mechanization and Farm Size: There’s a trend towards larger, more mechanized farms.
- Intensive Livestock: Intensive livestock farming, characterized by controlled environments and formulated feed, is gaining prominence, especially near urban centers. This shift contrasts with traditional extensive systems, where animals graze on natural pastures. Consequently, livestock production is moving from northern Spain towards the northeast and Mediterranean coast, particularly for pigs and poultry.
Despite advancements, Spanish livestock farming faces challenges:
- Animal Feed Shortage: Limited rainfall in many regions restricts fresh grass availability, leading to a dependence on imported feed, which impacts the agricultural trade balance.
- Inadequate Farm Size: Despite increasing concentration, many farms remain small, hindering competitiveness.
- Competition and Surpluses: The European Union faces competition from other countries, leading to surpluses and quotas on products like milk and beef.
- Animal Health: While improved, outbreaks still occur, affecting exports.
b) Livestock Production Trends
Livestock production’s contribution to overall agricultural output has increased, driven by factors like field mechanization and soil conservation through fodder cultivation.
Significant changes are also evident within specific livestock sectors:
Cattle
- Used for milk and meat production.
- Location varies based on production type: dairy cattle are found in northern Spain (extensive or mixed systems) and near cities (intensive systems), while beef cattle are mainly in mountainous areas and meadows.
- Challenges include EU surpluses and quota systems for milk and meat.
Sheep
- Used for meat and milk, with high demand for cheese production.
- Traditional transhumance (seasonal movement of livestock) persists alongside stable-based fattening for higher yields.
- Challenges include the prevalence of traditional farms with older, lower-quality sheep.
Pig Farming
- Production for both fresh consumption and cured meats.
- Concentrated in Catalonia, with extensive, quality-breed production (Iberian pig) in Extremadura and Salamanca.
- Challenges include price fluctuations due to surpluses and EU imports.
Poultry Farming
- High production of meat and eggs.
- Concentrated in Catalonia, Castilla y Leon, and Aragon, primarily using intensive, industrial systems.
Forestry Activity in Spain
Spain boasts 16.4 million hectares of forest land, with 13.9 million hectares being forested area, primarily consisting of hardwoods and conifers.
Production is mainly directed towards sawmills, veneer, resin, and cork. Resin production is declining due to rising costs and competition from synthetic alternatives. Cork production, primarily for insulation and stoppers, fluctuates and is largely exported.
Key producing areas are in northern Spain and Huelva.
While timber production has increased due to fast-growing species, it remains insufficient, necessitating wood imports.
Forestry faces challenges such as deforestation from logging and fires, acid rain, and forest diseases. To address these, forest policy focuses on protection, expansion through reforestation, and promoting scenic and recreational uses.