Essential Definitions in Agriculture and Fisheries

Agricultural Land Use and Policy

Plot

Tracts of land managed under a single ownership or boundary. They are classified according to their shape, boundaries, and access.

Sharecropping

A regime where the owner transfers land use to a tenant in exchange for a percentage of the crop yield.

Land Consolidation

A reform effort, initiated in 1982, intended to reorganize and reduce the fragmentation of small farms and plots, often improving access to roads.

Common Agricultural Policy (CAP)

The European Union's agricultural policy, which began for Spain in 1986 upon its entry into the EU.

Farming Systems and Practices

Extensive Agriculture

Farming utilizing large areas devoted to one or more crops, often achieving good production. These systems are typically not irrigated. Example: Field of sunflowers.

Fallow

A traditional practice of leaving the land uncultivated for a resting period, allowing the field to better collect rainwater and serving to naturally fertilize the soil.

Dryland Farming

Agriculture in which there is no artificial contribution of water (irrigation). It is devoted to crops such as cereals, grapes, and olives.

Industrial Crops

Crops that require industrial processing prior to consumption. Examples include sunflower or tobacco. Cultivation is mainly concentrated in the southern half of the Iberian Peninsula.

Monoculture

The cultivation of a single plant species over a large area. Example: Olive groves in Jaén.

Polyculture

The cultivation of several plant species (crops) in a single parcel. Example: Murcia region.

Land Ownership Structures

Latifundio

A very large landholding, typically over 100 hectares. These properties often account for more than 50% of the land but are owned by only 0.8% of landowners. Example: Andalusia.

Smallholder

A small property, typically less than 10 hectares (hc). These holdings account for only 10.5% of the land but represent 52.3% of the owners. Example: Northern Spain and the Valencian Community.

Livestock and Maritime Industries

Intensive Livestock Farming

A system (industrial, feedlot, or mixed) largely unrelated to the physical environment. Animals are wholly or partially fed with manufactured feed. This practice has increased dramatically, especially near consumption centers.

Ranching (Extensive Livestock Farming)

Dependent on the physical environment, where animals graze on natural grassland or stubble. This traditional method is often evolving toward intensive livestock farming.

Fishing Area

A region (often a coastal zone) with abundant fish stocks, ideal for setting or retrieving nets. Example: Greenland.

Inshore Fishing

Fishing carried out near the coast, often preserving traditional family craftsmanship and dedication.

Deep Sea Fishing

Fishing carried out far from the coast. This utilizes fleets equipped with technology capable of staying at sea for extended periods.