Spain's Primary Sector: Agriculture, Livestock, and EU Integration

The Primary Sector in Spain

The primary sector has traditionally been the most important sector of the Spanish economy. However, since the mid-20th century, the development of the industrial and financial sectors has reduced its overall significance.

Major Crops

Cereals

Barley, wheat, and corn are primarily grown in the Spanish communities of Castile and León, Castile-La Mancha, and Aragon.

Vineyards and Olive Groves

Olive cultivation is concentrated in Andalusia, particularly in the provinces of Jaén and Córdoba. Vineyards dominate Castile-La Mancha, Valencia, Catalonia, Andalusia, and La Rioja.

Orchards

Citrus fruits (oranges, lemons, etc.) are primarily grown in the Valencian Community (60% of production). Non-citrus fruits like apples, cherries, and peaches are grown along the Mediterranean coast from Tarragona to Murcia, as well as in Aragon and Lleida.

Flowers

Flower cultivation is expanding, mainly in Andalusia, Galicia, the Region of Murcia, Valencia, and Catalonia.

Greenhouse Vegetables

Spain is a major producer of greenhouse vegetables, with an area of 30,000 hectares.

Main Livestock Regions

• Cantabrian Strip: From Galicia to the Basque Country, this area specializes in cattle for meat and milk.
• Catalonia, Aragon, Navarra, and Northern Valencia: These regions specialize in pig, cattle, and farm animal production for meat, milk, and eggs.
• Meseta Central: This area emphasizes sheep farming.
• Andalusia: Predominantly breeds sheep and pigs.

Integration of Spain into the EU's Agricultural Policy

Spain's entry into the European Community represented an effort to modernize farms. EU policies have increased agricultural productivity, sometimes to the point where the market cannot absorb all production.

Agricultural Landscapes in Spain

Continental Interior Agricultural Landscape

This landscape is situated in Castile and León, Castile-La Mancha, and Extremadura. Dry farming and sheep farming predominate. Dry farming mainly produces cereals, vineyards, and olive groves, while irrigated land is used to cultivate horticultural products. Sheep and cattle are traditionally raised in the mountains, and pig farming is also present. The population is sparse, except in inland Andalusia, where there are large farmhouses.