ALMERIA: Ongoing droughts and the excessive exploitation of land for agriculture and industry in Spain have raised serious concerns about the spread of “sterile soil,” which poses a threat to Spain’s Agriculture Sector, often referred to as Europe’s kitchen garden.
Gabriel del Barrio, a desertification specialist, observes with worry the daily degradation of the landscape in Almeria, located in the southern Andalusia region. While Spain is not at risk of becoming a desert like the Sahara, desertification remains a concerning issue characterized by severe soil degradation, reducing productivity.
A major contributing factor is human activity, particularly intensive farming. Despite its dry climate, Almeria is known as Europe’s vegetable garden due to its vast greenhouses, known as the “Sea of Plastic,” which produce a wide variety of vegetables year-round. However, these greenhouses exacerbate the problem by using groundwater, leading to the depletion of aquifers.
The UN Convention to Combat Desertification reveals that 75% of Spain’s land is battling climatic conditions that could lead to desertification, making Spain the European country most threatened by this issue.
Spain’s Agriculture Sector Production
The Spanish National Research Council (CSIC) report says soil degradation has tripled in the last decade, leading to soils being unable to retain water or organic matter and unable to support crops or livestock. This situation is of immense concern in a country where agriculture contributes significantly to annual exports valued at approximately 60 billion euros ($66 billion).
The Union of Small Farmers and Stockbreeders (UPA) emphasized that soil erosion has now become the primary challenge for most farmers in Spain. They warned of the gravity of the situation, highlighting its significant “economic cost.”
Environmental associations are advocating for reduced irrigated areas and crops that consume less water to mitigate the risk of water scarcity. Finding a balance between food needs and sustainable soil management is crucial to prevent the spread of “lifeless” land.
