Spanish Primary Sector: Agriculture, Fishing, and Energy

The Evolution of the Spanish Primary Sector

The primary sector was the most important part of the Spanish economy in the twentieth century. However, with the development of industry and services, it has lost significant economic weight.

Major Crops and Regional Production

• Cereals: Barley, wheat, and corn are primarily grown in Leon and Aragon.
• Olive and Vineyard: These are concentrated in Jaen and Cordoba.
• Fruit Trees: Citrus fruits are found in the Valencian strip, while non-citrus fruits are grown in the Mediterranean, Aragon, and Lleida.
• Flowers: Production is located in the Canary Islands, Murcia, Galicia, and Valencia.
• Greenhouse Vegetables: Winter cultivation is prominent in Andalucia.

Livestock Distribution in Spain

Livestock farming varies by region:

• Cantabrian Fringe: Focused on cattle for both meat and milk.
• Catalonia, Aragon, Navarra, and Valencia: Specialized in swine, cattle, farm animals, meat, and other derivatives.
• The Plateau: Primarily sheep for meat and milk.
• Andalucia: Focused on sheep and swine.

Agrarian Policy and EU Integration

Entry into the European Union (EU) allowed the sector to modernize. Spain received grants but was also awarded production quotas to regulate the market.

Regional Agricultural Landscapes

The Interior Landscape

This region features rainfed agriculture, sheep, cattle, and pigs. The settlement pattern is generally not dispersed.

The Atlantic Landscape

Characterized by bovine livestock and natural pastures. It is dominated by smallholders and deciduous forests of eucalyptus or pine. Crops include potatoes, maize, and apples. The population is traditionally dispersed, with houses featuring large windows and inclined roofs.

The Mediterranean Landscape

This area focuses on fruit farming, vegetables, and flowers within irrigated areas. It includes intensive pig and poultry farms. The rural habitat is dispersed, featuring traditional houses with flat roofs and few openings.

The Island Landscape

The terrain is hilly, making cultivation difficult due to water shortages. Key crops include tomatoes, onions, bananas, and tobacco. Gran Canaria and Tenerife have the largest urban settlements, featuring small towns and white houses that are either scattered or concentrated.

The Spanish Fishing Industry

Spain is a fishing powerhouse with high commercial value. It possesses a large, competitive fleet, highly entrepreneurial management, and skilled labor.

Sector Expansion and Modernization

The expansion of the fishing sector was supported by restoration and protection laws. The fleet was modernized, and the use of huge fishing grounds helped multiply captures.

Crisis and Challenges

The sector faces a crisis due to species depletion and difficulties in accessing high-seas fishing areas.

Spanish Fishing within the European Union

The EU imposes an annual catch limit. Some inconveniences include:

• The catch ability of community countries was already excessive relative to available resources.
• The Total Market Opening policy forces Spanish fishermen to compete with other countries.
• Economic aid has been provided, especially for fleet reduction, as Spain had to lose fishing capacity.
• Spain entrusted its EU incorporation to agreements with third-party countries like Morocco, but negotiations are difficult due to the growing depletion of fishing grounds.

Key Fishing Locations for Spain

Major fishing areas include the North Atlantic, the coasts of Newfoundland, the Galician and Cantabrian coasts, the Gulf of Cadiz, and the Canary Islands.

Energy Production in Spain

• Coal: Used to generate electricity.
• Nuclear: Energy obtained from nuclear power plants.
• Hydraulic: Hydroelectric plants located on rivers with abundant flow.
• Alternative Energy: Growing use of solar and wind power.

Energy Problems and Solutions

Spain faces an increasing power consumption rate and a high energy dependence, requiring energy imports from abroad. To solve this economic imbalance, Spain aims to reduce quantity, improve technology, and maximize transport media for better utilization.

Mining in Spain

Spain suffers from the depletion of its best reservoirs. Consequently, mineral production is low, and many minerals must be imported from other countries.