European Agriculture: Characteristics, Landscapes, and Challenges

1. Characteristics of Agriculture in Europe

• The proportion of the population employed in agriculture is low, contrasting with figures from Eastern and some Southern European countries.
• Modern production techniques are prevalent in Western Europe, with farmers utilizing mechanization, fertilizers, and genetic selection.
• Farm sizes vary, ranging from large corporate farms to market-oriented family farms in Western Europe and the Mediterranean.
• Production is intensive, specialized, and geared towards market sales.

2. Mediterranean Agriculture Landscape

Located in the Mediterranean littoral and coastal mainland, the physical environment is characterized by hilly and plain terrain and a Mediterranean climate.

• Plots are small to medium-sized, with both irrigated and dryland areas.
• Key crops include cereals, grapes, and olives. Outdoor gardening dominates in irrigated areas.
• Dryland farming is extensive, with a predominance of sheep and goats.
• Settlements are increasingly concentrated.

3. Oceanic Agriculture Landscape

Found in the northern and northwestern peninsular regions, the physical environment features rugged geography and an oceanic climate.

• Plots are small, often less than 5 hectares.
• Agriculture is limited to valley bottoms and specializes in garden crops for food.
• Livestock is important due to abundant natural resources, with extensive beef cattle farming in coastal areas and intensive dairy cattle farming.
• Settlements are sparse, consisting of scattered houses among concentrated cores.

4. Problems of Agricultural Activities

• Depopulation of the most backward rural areas threatens the survival of traditional landscapes.
• Intensification of production leads to surpluses of products like cereals, wine, milk, and beef, which are then sold on the international market at low prices.
• Environmental degradation results from inadequate field care and agricultural intensification.
• Certain agricultural practices in crop and livestock farming adversely affect human health.