Agriculture in Spain

As regards the agricultural sector, Spain has the second largest area under cultivation in the European Union after France (more than 24 million hectares given over to crops and pasture annually) and is the EU's fourth-ranking agricultural power, accounting for approximately 11% of the EU-27's total production, behind France (18%), Germany and Italy. Nevertheless, the agricultural sector's working population has gradually declined over the years and agriculture’s relative contribution to GDP has fallen steadily, dropping to 2,6% in 2006.

From fruits and vegetables to wine and spices, Spain has an abundance of native crops. However, Spanish crops are very vulnerable to temperature and precipitation fluctuations, and insect, storm and frost damage. As in other semiarid Mediterranean regions, water deficiency and water restrictions are a major problem that Spain has to face. In Spain, water consumed for agriculture represents 80 percent of the total national water consumption. Then, the proportion of land devoted to agricultural purposes in Spain is low: 55% of agricultural production is made in 15% of the territory. A considerable propotion of agricultural land area in Spain is dedicated to permanent crop production: orchards, olive groves and vineyards, citrus fruits, vegetables, olive oil and wine being Spain's traditional agricultural products.

Spain is the leading producer of oranges and mandarins in the world, and the second leading producer of grapefruit, lemons and limes. Most of Spain's agricultural production is, in fact, citrus fruits. Ideal growing conditions, combined with proximity to important north European markets, have made them Spain's leading export. Spain is also the second leading producer of olives and olive oil. Although olive trees grow throughout the Mediterranean coastal region, they constitute the most important crop in Andalusia, particularly in the province of Jaén. 

Other warm-weather crops, such as cotton, tobacco, and sugarcane, are also produced in Andalusia, as are wine and table grapes. There are many vineyards in Spain, producing both wine and grapes. 

Other significant orchard crops in Spain are apples, bananas, pears, peaches, apricots, plums, cherries, figs and nuts (especially almond). Spain is an important strawberry producer too, it's the biggest in the EU, actually, and the number two producer, after the USA, in the world. Wheat (especially in Andalusia), corn, barley and rice are all grown in Spain, and principle vegetable crops are potatoes, tomatoes, onions, garlic, cabbages, peppers and green beans.

I don't know what else to mention… Things like sunflower seeds maybe. Or a vast variety of edible legumes, such as chick peas (garbanzos) and lentils (lentejas). 

Or gourmet specialties, such as saffron, a costly spice grown mainly in south central Spain just below Madrid. Or meat, of course, meat. It's worth the trip!

Solomillo al whisky - the most typical tapa in Seville