Structure and Dynamics of the Primary Sector in Agriculture and Fisheries

Agricultural Workforce and Farm Ownership

Small and medium farm owners are those who work the land with the help of family, family labor, or with the participation of a fixed wage. These farms often represent full-time family support. It is common for the small, partial owner to engage in part-time fieldwork, combining farming with jobs in the industry.

At present, large farms are increasing, while the direct management of partnerships and the leasing of plots are decreasing. Mechanization has resulted in increased demand for casual workers.

Evolution of Agricultural Land Use

The useful agricultural surface area (SA) is 24.5 million hectares. In recent years, farmland has decreased (12.5%), while forest area (9.1%), meadows, and pastures have increased.

Types of Agricultural Exploitations

Three Main Types of Agricultural Exploitations:

• The Estates (Latifundia): Large farms (over 100 hectares). Agriculture is practiced extensively. They predominate in Extremadura, Castilla-La Mancha, and Andalusia. They can be highly mechanized and yield important crops.
• Smallholders (Minifundia): Small farms (under 10 hectares). They predominate in the northern half of the peninsula and the islands. The market economy requires abandoning self-sufficiency and increasing production and profitability. Mechanization is difficult, leading to either very intensive cultivation or specialized research.
• Medium-Sized Farms: Farms around 30 hectares, typically dedicated to intensive agriculture.

Common Agricultural Policy (CAP)

EU countries intend to raise farm income. For the period 2007–2013, the European Commission adopted the National Strategic Plan for Rural Development, focusing on:

• Increasing productivity to ensure competitiveness.
• Developing the food industry to increase value added.
• Improving the environment.

Agricultural Production Systems

Dryland Farming (Secano)

The most widespread crops are cereals, vineyards, and olive groves. Cultivation is extensive and highly mechanized.

Irrigation Farming (Regadío)

Primarily used for fruit and vegetable gardening.

Livestock Production

• Cattle: Increasing specialization in the production of meat and milk.
• Sheep: Used for milk and meat production.
• Swine (Pork): Production for consumption and fresh sausages.
• Poultry: High performance and highly industrialized, focused on meat and egg production.

Fishing Industry

Key fishing grounds include the North Sea, Newfoundland, and the Saharan Bank. The Common Fisheries Policy (CFP) focuses on the reduction of fishing capacity and the sustainable development of aquaculture.

The Primary Sector in Catalonia

• Agriculture: Intensive along a large part of the coast; dryland farming dominates inland. Characterized by high family ownership and small capitalization.
• Livestock: Feedlot operations, highly intensive.
• Fishing: Importance depends on fishing volume and aquaculture development.