Sustainable Agriculture and Maritime Resource Definitions

Alternative Agriculture (Eco or Bio)

Alternative agriculture is an alternative to chemical agriculture that avoids the use of synthetic fertilizers or pesticides. It practices intensive agricultural methods based on biological means and traditional methods focused on ecological cultivation. Example: Ecological orchards (horts).

Agritourism

Agritourism refers to the tourist exploitation of rustic residential complexes that include classic agricultural activities. Example: A finca of agricultural activities in Calvià dedicated to agritourism.

Maritime Waters

Maritime waters constitute the maritime space that is part of a territory. It consists of:

• Inland waters (bays and ports)
• Territorial sea (up to 12 miles)
• Contiguous zone (up to 24 miles)
• Exclusive Economic Zone (up to 200 miles)

Example: Spanish waters are important for monitoring maritime trafficking and illegal fishing.

Sharecropping Partnership

A partnership is a land exploitation regime established through payment as a percentage of the harvest, generally based on a verbal agreement between the owner of the exploitation and the person working the land. Example: In Mallorca, this was very common and typical of a subsistence economy.

Aquaculture

Aquaculture involves the raising and cultivation of aquatic plants and animals, ranging from breeding mussels to commercial production. Example: The Port d'Andratx.

Fishing Grounds

Fishing grounds are parts of the sea that meet a series of favorable conditions for casting fishing nets. The most important grounds are in the North Atlantic and off the African coasts. Example: Fishing grounds on the Saharan African coast.

Mediterranean Crops

Mediterranean crops are grown in areas with a Mediterranean climate. This includes the Mediterranean trilogy (cereals, vineyards, and olive groves), as well as citrus and other orchard crops (horta). Example: The cultivation of crops in the orchards of Murcia and Valencia, and the citrus crops of the Mediterranean.

Subtropical Crops

Subtropical crops are grown in warm areas with temperatures above 18°C. In Spain, these are found in the Canary Islands (bananas). Other examples include rice, corn, wheat, and tobacco. Example: The Canary Islands have subtropical crops in Spain due to their location near the tropics.

Transgenic Crops

Transgenic crops utilize genetic engineering and biotechnology to manipulate the DNA of species to encourage desired traits. However, this threatens genetic diversity and can affect ecological processes and beneficial organisms. Example: The use of transgenic maize, wheat, and rice in food production.

Food Industry

The food industry encompasses the transformation activities of agricultural products to make them fit for human consumption. Example: Transforming wheat into bread and producing packaged foods.