Agrarian Systems and Global Agricultural Production

Agrarian activities are those activities which involve the production of animal or plant materials. They are classified into agriculture, livestock farming, and forestry.

Factors of Production

The factors of production are those elements that facilitate the development of agricultural activities:

• Physical factors: Climate, relief, and soil.
• Human factors: Population, economic and technological development, and agrarian policies.

Agricultural Production Systems

• Water usage: Dry farming crops and irrigated crops (the latter need extra water).
• Use of land: Extensive agriculture and livestock farming (involves large fields and limited productivity) versus intensive agriculture (requires more workforce and smaller fields).
• Crop variety: Polyculture (several crops) and monoculture (one or two crops).
• Technology: Machinery and other advances have a tremendous impact on agrarian activities.
• Size of the farm: Smallholdings and state farms.

Traditional and Modern Agriculture

Traditional Agriculture

Traditional agriculture involves traditional production methods, so it needs many workers and produces a low yield. It represents a tiny percentage of global production and is typical in underdeveloped areas.

Modern Agriculture

Modern agriculture refers to farming that is highly technological or mechanized.

• Commercial: The destination of the products is both national and international markets; the production process is highly technological and productive.
• Ecological: Does not use chemicals and therefore creates better quality products, but they are more expensive.

Agricultural Production in Spain and the World

Main agricultural production consists of:

• Cereals
• Coffee, tea, and cocoa
• Vegetables and seeds
• Wine and tobacco
• Fruit
• Vegetable fibers
• Vegetable oils

Livestock Farming and Forestry

Livestock farming refers to the breeding of animals to produce meat, milk, or to be used as labor.

Traditional Livestock Farming

This ranges from family livestock farming (small in number) to large herds used for extensive grazing or transhumant farming (relocating herds from one location to the next in search of new pasture land).

Characteristics: Low production, natural food, no selection of breeds, and a subsistence production system found in developing countries.

Modern Livestock Farming

Characteristics: High production, forced feeding, the selection of appropriate breeds, and an industrialized system found in more developed countries.