Agriculture, livestock farming, mining and fishing

2. AGRICULTURE, LIVESTOCK FARMING, MINING AND FISHING KEY ASPECTS OF THE PRIMARY SECTOR - In Spain, the importance of the primary sector has declined since the mid-20 th century.

- But its productivity capacity has increased due to: 1. Modernisation - The sector has become highly mechanised and industrial.

- This causes the reduction i the amount of labour used.

2. Spain’s entry into the European Economic Community (EEC).

- Since 1986, European policies have accelerated the transformation of he sector.

2. AGRICULTURE, LIVESTOCK FARMING, MINING AND FISHING AGRICULTURE - Water use has determined two types of farming systems: 1. Irrigated farming - Along the Mediterranean coast, in the Gaudalquivir, Ebro and Guadina river valleys.

- Productivity is high due to the use of industrial methods.

- Main crops: fruits, vegetables, industrial crops, fodder crops and rice.

2. Dryland farming - In the inland areas of the peninsula.

- Main crops: cereals, grapes, olives and pulses.

- Crops are farmed extensively using little tchnology.

2. AGRICULTURE, LIVESTOCK FARMING, MINING AND FISHING LIVESTOCK FARMING - It has a strong presence in markets in the European Union and around the world.

- Two types of production: 1. Extensive methods: - They require large amounts of land and have lower productivity. Include: - Cattle (for meat and milk) along the cantabrian coast.

- Sheep on the Meseta central - Pigs on the south-western grasslands (dehesas) - Goats in inland mountain areas, southern part of the peninsula and the Canary Islands.

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Intensive methods : - They use more technology and have higher yields.

- They provide a regular supply of food to urban markets. Include: - Pigs for meat - Chickens for eggs and mea production

2. AGRICULTURE, LIVESTOCK FARMING, MINING AND FISHING MINING - It is becoming less important. Today emloys few people. However, this would be even lower if it were not for state policies that support this sector.

- These aids to the sector would be paralysed by the total closure of mines.

- Some mining regions have been working to find alternative economic activities: - Miming spaces have been refurbished in order toconvert them into major cultural centres, technology parks and companyincubation schemes.

2. AGRICULTURE, LIVESTOCK FARMING, MINING AND FISHING -

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FISHING Because of he length of our coastline, fishing has traditionally been an important activity in our economy.

It is also important for its large volume of catches.

But, since our entry into the European Union in 1986, there has been a considerable drop in catch volume.

In order for this activity to remain sustainable, from environmental and economic perspective, it is neccesary to set strict fishing quotas.

This has resulted in a restructuring of the fleet, reducing and modernising it.

Alternative mehods such as aquaculture are being enouraged.