Economy, Agriculture

Agriculture is a mainstay of the Spanish economy, employing, with forestry and fishing, 7 percent of the labor force. The leading agricultural products are grapes, used to make wine, and olives, used to make olive oil. In 2001 Spain’s agricultural harvest (with production in metric tons) included fruits, particularly grapes, olives, oranges, and almonds (16.5 million); cereal grains such as barley, wheat, and rice (19.1 million); vegetables such as tomatoes and onions (12.1 million); and root crops, primarily potatoes and sugar beets (3.1 million).

Climatic and topographical conditions make dry farming obligatory for a large part of Spanish agriculture. The Mediterranean provinces, particularly Valencia, have irrigation systems that represent the work of many generations, and the formerly arid coastal belt has become one of the most productive areas of Spain. Combined irrigation and hydroelectric projects are found particularly in the valley of the Ebro River. Large sections of Extremadura are irrigated by means of government projects on the Guadiana River. Small-farm irrigation from wells is common.

The raising of livestock, especially sheep and goats, is an important industry. In 2001 livestock on farms included 23.7 million sheep, 22.7 million pigs, 6.5 million cattle, and 248,000 horses.