Wetland, Mediterranean, and Mountain Agrarian Structures in Spain

Wetland Agrarian Structure

Agrarian Structure: Traditionally large population, subject to emigration, low income. Dispersed population is dominant, with direct holdings. Property is characterized by *minifundio*: low productivity and difficulty introducing innovations.

Agriculture

Surface area is not very extensive, with small, regular use. Precipitation allows for dryland farming. Currently, there's a tendency towards monoculture, orchard, and forage crops.

Livestock

The most important activity, favored by climate, urban demand for milk and meat, and the rural exodus. In Galicia, small and medium farms are common. The Cantabrian region is undergoing modernization, with expectations of competition from other countries and EU quotas.

Forestry

An important activity for the furniture industry and paper pulp production.

Mediterranean Interior Agrarian Structure

Agrarian Structure

Traditional emigration and depopulation have led to a sparse and aging population. The population is concentrated in small towns and large areas (Duero and Ebro, south). There's a trend towards increasing farm size due to the rural exodus and the Common Agricultural Policy (CAP).

Agriculture

44% predominance of arable land, dryland field crops. In the higher areas (*stop*), cereals are common. In the plains (lower areas), sunflowers, vines, and olives are cultivated. Emphasis is placed on vine mono-specialization in La Rioja, La Mancha, and also Valladolid and Zamora. Cáceres. Currently, wheat is replacing barley, and fallow has almost disappeared, but it is favored by the CAP. Irrigation involves intensive use due to reservoirs and groundwater.

Livestock

Dryland in the Ebro, Castilian, and depression areas: sheep and pigs. Extremadura and large pig farms near large cities focus on pig meat, dairy, and poultry.

Logging

Characteristic of Soria.

Mediterranean Coast Agrarian Structure

Agrarian Structure

Large population. Tendency towards concentrated habitat (traditional dispersed habitat is in clear slowdown). Ownership: smallholding in orchards (Valencia and Murcia), medium-sized in Catalonia, and large estates in western Andalusia.

Agriculture

Irrigation: Intensive, high productivity. Horticulture, both outdoor and under plastic (early season). Mediterranean fruit growing: oranges, lemons, avocados, and tropical fruits like cherimoya. Rice in Valencia and Seville. Upland: Guadalquivir Valley and littoral areas dominated by cereals, grapes, and olives.

Livestock

Emphasis on cattle and pigs in Catalonia due to urban demand. Dryland sheep and swine. In Guadalquivir and Huelva, wild breeds of Iberian swine are found.

Logging

Poor, with major transformations due to human activity.

Mountain Agrarian Structure

Agrarian Structure

Low population density, depopulation. Dispersed population with a tendency towards concentration. Small properties with several complementary uses.

Agriculture

In the northern peninsular valley bottoms, gardens are common. In the south and east: terraces and *balconies* with almond and olive trees.

Livestock

Extensive regime. North: cattle and sheep. Mediterranean: transhumance sheep and local breeds.

Logging

Use of fuel wood and timber, including eucalyptus, chestnut, and pine.