Spanish Agricultural Sectors and Livestock Production
Cereal and Legume Production in Spain
Cereals are increasingly utilized for biofuels. Production is concentrated in the drylands (secanos) of the peninsular interior, while corn is grown in humid or irrigated areas and rice in flooded areas. The sector faces challenges regarding the superior performance of other European countries. Current regulations include the existence of quotas, a reduction in crop area, and a 75% decoupling of production support.
Legumes are primarily grown in the peninsular interior drylands, where they are rotated with cereals. This sector faces low yields and is difficult to mechanize. There is a 75% decoupling of aid for chickpeas and lentils, and 100% for other varieties.
Vineyards and Olive Groves
Vineyards (located in Castile-La Mancha, Rioja, Ribera del Duero, and the Galician Rías Baixas) continue to grow thanks to technical improvements and promotion into new markets. However, they face competition from non-alcoholic beverages like beer. The sector is managed through quotas, subsidies for the abandonment of farming, or the transition to other applications, such as switching to better quality varieties for the market.
Olive Groves are found in the Campiñas of Andalusia and Extremadura, as well as Castile-La Mancha and the Mediterranean coast. Yields are variable, and the sector faces growing competition from cheaper oils. There is a 93.6% decoupling of production aid.
Industrial and Fodder Crops
Industrial Crops, including sunflower, sugar beet, cotton, and tobacco, are grown in irrigated areas in the southern half of the peninsula and the Douro Valley. A strong relationship with the industry exists, where companies provide seeds, instruct farmers, and supervise production. Quotas exist for sugar beet, cotton, and tobacco, with a 75% decoupling of aid for sunflower and 65% for tobacco.
Fodder crops are located in the northern peninsula and extensive irrigation areas of the interior. Demand is increasing due to higher livestock density, and production support has been decoupled.
Livestock: Bovine, Sheep, and Pig Farming
Bovine farming includes meat and milk production. Dairy proficiency is found in extensive or mixed systems in the northern peninsula, while Andalusia features large farms and intensive regimens near cities utilizing fodder. Meat aptitude is found in the northern peninsula under extended regimens in mountains and meadows, as well as near urban centers. Meat faces competition from cheaper beef, pork, or poultry, while milk faces competition from cheaper imports. There are milk quotas, with 100% decoupling for milk production and 60% for slaughter.
Sheep are utilized for meat, wool, and milk production. They are located in the dry peninsular interior under intensive or extensive regimens for fattening or milking.
Pig farming includes extensive regimens in the pastures of Extremadura, Zamora, Salamanca, and Andalusia, while intensive farming is prevalent in Catalonia and Murcia.