Global Agricultural Systems and Livestock Production

Agriculture Fundamentals

Agriculture is the cultivation of land to obtain food for human consumption and raw materials for industry. In developed countries, it occupies less than 5% of the workforce, with high productivity due to advanced techniques. In underdeveloped countries, agriculture occupies most of the population, but traditional cultivation techniques result in low productivity.

Agriculture Market Dynamics

Its main objective is to maximize profit. This involves the specialization of production, the mechanization of farming, and the application of modern cultivation techniques. Effects: High productivity facilitates marketing, and large amounts of a single product can be produced, allowing for specialized transport, distribution, and preservation.

Greenhouse Cultivation

Greenhouses are arable lands, usually covered with plastic, that modify temperature and humidity. They allow for the cultivation of fruits and vegetables out of season and in less time than open-air farming. Water is minimized, and crops are better protected.

Intensive Tropical Farming

Located in underdeveloped tropical countries, this type of farming is destined for export. It is characterized by large estates, significant capital investment, monoculture, abundant labor, and high productivity.

Livestock Farming Practices

Livestock farming consists of raising animals to produce and utilize products such as meat, milk, eggs, leather, wool, and honey.

Ranching (Extensive Farming)

This involves large farms where cattle roam freely, feeding on fields and natural pastures. It requires investments in labor, facilities for animals, and food, but it has low productivity. Typical livestock includes cattle and sheep, some destined for sale and others for self-consumption.

Intensive Livestock Farming

This specialized farming practice requires large investments in facilities, technology, and fodder. It boasts high productivity. Animals are kept in stables (feedlots), and the type of livestock includes cattle, poultry, and pigs, primarily devoted to the market.

Primary Sector in Europe

EU Primary Sector Overview

Only 5% of the population in the EU is engaged in agricultural tasks, and the primary sector accounts for 2% of the EU's GDP.

European Agricultural Landscapes

• Mediterranean Agriculture: Combines two types: low-yield dry farming and irrigation that produces a variety of fruits and vegetables.
• Cereal Landscape: Characterized by high yields thanks to mechanization and crop rotation.

Common Agricultural Policy (CAP)

The CAP aims to modernize farms to increase productivity, achieve self-sufficiency in agricultural products at affordable prices for consumers, and guarantee farmers a reasonable standard of living.

Primary Sector in Spain

In Spain, the primary sector accounts for little more than 5% of employment and only 3.5% of the GDP.