Almeria: a large scale agricultural scheme

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  • Created by: Kia02
  • Created on: 31-05-19 13:25
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  • Alméria: a large scale agricultural scheme
    • Production
      • 1970s grapes were drown, covered in plastic for European market
      • Grape production quickly disappeared from 1970-1980
      • 1980s began greenhouse production and out of season vegetables
      • 2.7million tonnes of fruit and veg a year
      • Largest concentration of greenhouses in the world (26,000 he of land)
      • Starting to move up Alpujarra hills - one of Spain's unspoilt areas
    • Why has food production increased?
      • Change in diets- European (+UK) higher demand for out-of-season fruit and veg
      • Low greenhouse construction costs
      • Faster transport methods lowered shipping costs
      • av. temp is 20'C with 3000 hours of annual sun
      • Abundant cheap labour from young migrant workers
      • Spain joined EU in 1986 - exporting food products to European market tariff-free
    • Successful?
      • Strength
        • Cheap, temporary labour (from young migrants)
        • Hydroponics have been developed
        • Less water used due to drip irrigation
        • Low energy costs due to sunny climate
        • High skilled jobs have been created (quaternary sector)
        • Regulated use of chemicals by strict UK law
      • Weaknesses
        • Immigrant workers paid low wages and live/work under poor conditions
          • poor quality of life and standard of living
        • Many immigrants work illegally
        • Litter and large quantities of plastic dumped into sea
        • Pesticide use can lead to health risks
        • Aquifers in the area are drying up
        • Greenhouses reflect light back into atmosphere, contributes to global cooling in the area
    • Location
      • Southern spain
      • 200mm rainfall per year
      • Similar to USA deserts

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