Foreign Europe was able to establish fairly highly productive agriculture. The countries in this part of the world are not only able to provide food for their own population, but for the most part are large exporters of crop and livestock products. As for the first industry, the most developed in European countries is dairy farming. The crop production of this region is dominated by such areas as horticulture and horticulture. Some countries are also the largest exporters of cereals, mainly wheat.

foreign Europe: share of active population

After World War II, major changes occurred in the economies of the states in this region. The share of the active population employed in agriculture has decreased significantly. This was due to the development of new intensive production methods, increased well-being of the population and many other factors. However, serious differences between individual countries in this regard remain. For example, in the UK in 2005, about 1.4% of the total active population was employed in agriculture, in Portugal - 19%, and in Romania - 42%. A similar situation continues today.

Main types of management

A specialization that foreign European agriculture can rightfully be proud of is subtropical farming. The bulk of food imports from this part of the world are grapes, fruits, sugar and wines. The second place is occupied by dairy products - milk, meat, cheese, butter.

Thus, the main types of agriculture in foreign Europe are as follows:

• Central European with a predominance of livestock farming (mainly dairy) in the structure.
• Southern European with a predominance of crop production, mainly subtropical.

One can also distinguish the Eastern European type of agriculture, which is much less specialized. Such an organization is typical for the states of the former socialist camp.

Central European type

Countries in foreign Europe with such agricultural organizations specialize mainly in meat and dairy animal husbandry and feed-producing crop production. Also quite important sub-sectors in these countries are vegetable growing and cultivation

Livestock

In the western regions of England, northern Germany and France, the Netherlands, Denmark and Switzerland, dairy farming is especially well developed. Butter, margarine, condensed milk and cheeses make up a significant portion of food imports from these countries. In Germany, France, the Netherlands and Denmark, a lot of resources are also involved in meat and dairy cattle breeding, pig farming and poultry farming. These sub-sectors also occupy a significant part in the structure of agriculture in the UK. In areas with a poor food supply (Scotland, the Massif Central in France, the Pennines), traditional extensive sheep breeding has found good development.

Crop production

Agriculture in foreign Europe, if we talk about the northern and western regions, as already mentioned, specializes mainly in animal husbandry. Crop production in countries with a Central European type of organization usually plays a secondary role and is focused primarily on helping cattle and pig breeding. Two-fifths of the land in this part of foreign Europe is occupied by meadows and pastures. On cultivated soils, they mainly grow potatoes, rye, oats, etc. However, recently, crop production in countries with a Central European type of economy has become an increasingly independent industry. First of all, this can be attributed to France. At the moment, this state is, for example, one of the largest importers of wheat and sugar.

Floriculture

Agriculture in foreign Europe is located in the north and is focused mainly on fodder crop production. However, there is another very well developed sub-sector in this region - floriculture. The Netherlands specializes in it mainly. The cultivation of bulbous and tree-shrub ornamental plants in this country began a very long time ago - more than 400 years ago. The first tulips were brought to the Netherlands from Turkey. In a short period of time, thousands of varieties and varieties of this flower were bred in Holland. Currently, the Netherlands is one of the largest suppliers of ornamental plants - tulips, roses, chrysanthemums, daffodils, etc. - in the world.

Characteristics of agriculture in foreign Europe: southern type

Countries with such an organization are characterized by specialization in crop production. They also grow grain in the states. However, the most popular crops are almonds, citrus fruits, vegetables and fruits. The lion's share of agricultural production is occupied by grapes and olives.

The most striking examples of specialization in subtropical crops are the southern, seaward regions of Spain and Italy. The latter occupies, for example, first place in grape harvesting in the world. The annual harvest of vegetables in Italy is 14-15 million tons, fruits, citrus fruits and grapes - 18-18 million tons. In the southern regions of Spain, with the help of ancient Roman irrigation systems, mainly grains, cotton and tobacco are grown. Vegetable growing, viticulture and citrus gardening are also very well developed here. Spain ranks first in the world in olive harvesting.

Eastern European type

Agriculture in countries such as Poland, Slovakia, Bulgaria, etc., developed under special economic conditions. In the middle of the last century, collective and state farms were actively created in this region. Therefore, these countries of foreign Europe do not have any pronounced specialization in agriculture. It was more or less clearly manifested only in the cultivation of vegetables, tobacco, fruits and grapes. Grain farming is also developed in these regions. Hungary has achieved particularly good success in this branch of crop production. The grain yield in this country is 50 quintals per hectare. Per capita accounts for 1400 kg. In Romania, Bulgaria, Serbia and Croatia, mainly vegetables, fruits and grapes are grown.

Agriculture in foreign Europe (table):

This is roughly how agriculture in foreign Europe is distributed across industries and sub-sectors. The table, of course, is not very detailed, but gives a general idea of ​​its structure.

For the main types of agricultural products, most countries fully meet their needs and are interested in selling them on foreign markets. The main type of agricultural enterprise is a large, highly mechanized farm. But in Southern Europe, landlordism and small-scale land use by peasant tenants still predominate.

The main branches of agriculture in foreign Europe are crop production and livestock farming, which are widespread everywhere, combining with each other. Under the influence of natural and historical conditions, three main types of agriculture have developed in the region:

1) Northern European, 2) Central European and 3) Southern European.

For Northern European type, widespread in Scandinavia, Finland, as well as in Great Britain, is characterized by the predominance of intensive dairy farming, and in the plant growing that serves it - fodder crops and gray bread.

Central European type It is distinguished by the predominance of dairy and dairy-meat livestock farming, as well as pig and poultry farming. Livestock farming has reached a very high level in Denmark, where it has long become a branch of international specialization. This country is one of the world's largest producers and exporters of butter, milk, cheese, pork, and eggs. It is often called the "dairy farm" of Europe.

Crop production not only satisfies the basic food needs of the population, but also “works” for livestock farming. A significant and sometimes the predominant part of arable land is occupied by fodder crops.

For South European type characterized by a significant predominance of crop farming, while livestock farming plays a secondary role. Although the main place in crops is occupied by grain crops, the international specialization of Southern Europe is determined primarily by the production of fruits, citrus fruits, grapes, olives, almonds, nuts, tobacco, and essential oil crops. The Mediterranean coast is the main “garden of Europe”.

The entire Mediterranean coast of Spain and especially the region of Valencia is usually called "huerta", i.e. "garden". Various fruits and vegetables are grown here, but most of all oranges, the harvest of which lasts from December to March. Spain ranks first in the world in orange exports. There are more than 90 million olive trees in Greece. This tree became a kind of national symbol for the Greeks. Since the times of Ancient Hellas, the olive branch has been a sign of peace.

In many cases, the specialization of agriculture takes on a narrower profile. Thus, France, the Netherlands and Switzerland are famous for the production of cheese, the Netherlands for flowers, Germany and the Czech Republic for growing barley and hops and brewing. And in terms of production and consumption of grape wines, France, Spain, Italy, and Portugal stand out not only in Europe, but throughout the world.

Natural prerequisites for the development of agriculture:

the position of most of Foreign Europe (except for the Arctic archipelago of Spitsbergen) in the temperate and subtropical zones,

positive temperature conditions and high moisture availability throughout the year (with the exception of the Mediterranean region, where sustainable agriculture requires artificial irrigation),

the presence of natural meadows and pastures favorable for growing many types of agricultural crops (cereals, industrial, subtropical, etc.) and the development of livestock farming.

The main drawback in the complex of favorable conditions is the relative limited resources of agricultural lands.

The region fully covers its needs for agricultural products through its own production, and for certain types (grain, meat, milk and dairy products, sugar, eggs) it exceeds domestic needs and occupies a prominent place in the world in their exports.

Foreign Europe as a whole is characterized by a livestock-raising profile of agriculture and a meat bias. Its main industry is cattle breeding, mainly dairy and dairy-meat production.

Depending on the natural and historical conditions in the region, three main types of agriculture have developed:

• 1. Northern European type typical for countries such as Norway, Finland, Great Britain, Sweden. This type is characterized by the predominance of intensive dairy farming, and in crop production - the production of fodder crops.
• 2. Central European type It is distinguished by the predominance of dairy and dairy-meat animal husbandry, as well as pig and poultry farming. Denmark, called the “dairy farm of Europe,” is one of the world’s largest producers and exporters of butter, milk, and eggs. Crop production of this type not only serves livestock production, but also meets the food needs of the population. The main grain crops are wheat, barley, corn, rye. Approximately 1/3 of the grain harvest comes from France, the only major exporter in the region.

Among other types of agricultural products, the production of potatoes (France, Germany, Great Britain, Poland) and sugar beets (France, Germany, Poland) play a significant role.

3. The Southern European type (Portugal, Spain, Italy, Greece, Bulgaria, new Balkan countries) is distinguished by a significant predominance of crop production over mountain pasture husbandry. The main place in the crops is occupied by grain crops, but the industry of international specialization is the production of fruits, grapes, olives, almonds, tobacco, and essential oil crops. Italy is the world leader in olive harvesting, grape harvesting and wine production, Spain is the leader in the export of oranges, and Bulgaria is the leader in the production and export of rose oil.

For the main types of agricultural products, most countries fully meet their needs and are interested in selling them on foreign markets. After the Second World War in their agrarian system, in the system

Land ownership and land use have undergone significant changes associated with the transition from a universal small peasant farm to a large, specialized, highly commercial farm included in the agribusiness system. The main type of agricultural enterprise has become a large, highly mechanized farm. But in Southern Europe, landlordism and small-scale land use by peasant tenants still predominate.

The main branches of agriculture in foreign Europe are crop production and livestock farming, which are widespread everywhere, combining with each other. Under the influence of natural and historical conditions, three main types of agriculture have developed in the region: 1) Northern European, 2) Central European and 3) Southern European.

The Northern European type, widespread in Scandinavia, Finland, and also in Great Britain, is characterized by the predominance of intensive dairy farming, and in the plant growing that serves it - fodder crops and gray grains. The Central European type is distinguished by the predominance of dairy and dairy-meat livestock farming, as well as pig and poultry farming.

Livestock farming has reached a very high level in Denmark, where it has long become a branch of international specialization. This country is one of the world's largest producers and exporters of butter, milk, cheese, pork, and eggs. No wonder it is often called the “dairy farm” of Europe.

Crop production not only satisfies the basic food needs of the population, but also “works” for livestock farming. A significant and sometimes the predominant part of arable land is occupied by fodder crops.

The southern European type is characterized by a significant predominance of crop farming, while livestock farming plays a secondary role. Although the main place in crops is occupied by grain crops, the international specialization of Southern Europe is determined primarily by the production of fruits, citrus fruits, grapes (which since ancient times have served as a symbol of fertility and abundance), olives, almonds, nuts, tobacco, and essential oil crops. The Mediterranean coast is the main “garden of Europe”.

The entire Mediterranean coast of Spain and especially the Valencia region is usually called “huerta”, i.e. “garden”. Various fruits and vegetables are grown here, but most of all oranges, the harvest of which lasts from December to March. Spain ranks first in the world in orange exports.

Fishing has long been an international specialty in Norway, Denmark and especially Iceland.

Agriculture in Western Europe is traditionally characterized by a small number of workers and very high intensity. The prerequisites for significant development of agriculture are a mild and humid climate, huge capital investments, and the presence of effective demand for agricultural products outside the region.

The average size of farms in the region is 40-50 hectares. In most countries, farmers receive government support. Thus, in Great Britain, the share of government subsidies in the cost of agricultural products is more than a quarter and is one of the largest in the world.

The industry is very well organized. Unproductive lands are withdrawn from agricultural land use and used for construction or afforestation, the area of ​​arable land is reduced (with a constant increase in productivity), a lot of land is allocated for numerous parks, estates, and hedges. Since agriculture does not fully meet its own needs (in Austria - by ¾, in Great Britain and Germany - by 2/3, in Switzerland - by half), the countries of the region import butter, meat, cane sugar, feed grain, tropical products (tea and coffee), fish.

Animal husbandry. It is the leading branch of agriculture, accounting for 70% of all agricultural products. Natural conditions contribute to the development of livestock farming. Due to climatic conditions, long grazing periods are possible - from late March to early December. The humid and mild climate throughout much of the region promotes remarkable grass growth. Meadows and pastures - the main base of livestock farming - occupy up to 60% of agricultural land. The main specialization of livestock farming is the production of milk, dairy products, and meat.

The following zones and territories of livestock breeding specialization have formed in the region:

Dairy cattle breeding (mountainous regions where alpine meadows are located: Switzerland, Germany, Austria) and beef cattle breeding (Great Britain and Ireland). There are about 58 million head of cattle in the region;

Pig farming: Great Britain, Germany, the Netherlands. There are 67 million pigs in the region;

Sheep farming: Great Britain (there are numerous sheep in Western Europe), the Alpine and Pyrenees territories, Ireland, Germany. The total number of sheep reaches 54 million;

Poultry farming: France (mainly large modern farms), Belgium, the Netherlands, where the egg production of chickens (260 eggs per laying hen per year) is the highest in the world.

Plant growing. This industry is highly productive, which is explained not only by favorable climatic conditions, but also by proper equipment, rational selection of crops, efficient use of fertilizers, etc.

The production of the most important grain crops - wheat and corn - is growing rapidly. Their largest producer is traditionally France, which is among the top ten world leaders in grain exports. In the northern regions, rye crops are significant. In all countries where brewing has historically developed (Germany, Belgium, Great Britain, Ireland), a lot of arable land is devoted to barley, which is used to make beer malt, and in Great Britain - to make whiskey. In France, the lower reaches and delta of the Rhone are one of the few areas in Europe where climatic conditions allow the cultivation of rice.

In the vast majority of countries in the region, potatoes are an important food crop, and the Netherlands is a significant producer of its seeds.

Sugar beet predominates among industrial crops. France is the largest producer and exporter of sugar in the region; Belgium is a significant sugar producer. Sugar beets are grown in Germany and in small quantities in other countries. In Germany, hops, used for brewing, became the “national” crop; there are also large hop plantations in Belgium, France and Austria. Historically, flax growing areas developed in the northeast and north of France. Significant tobacco crops are in the central regions of France, the southern regions of Belgium and Germany, and the eastern regions of Austria.

Oilseeds occupy an important place, among which sunflower dominates, especially in France, the south of which is also famous for the cultivation of olives, from which valuable oil is produced. Part of the corn and rapeseed harvest is also used for oil production.

In the south of France, in the historical regions of Provence and Languedoc, there are large plantations of essential oil crops (sage, rose, rosemary, lavender, etc.), which led to the creation here of a network of research institutes and companies in the perfumery and cosmetics industry.

In the diet of the peoples of Western Europe, a prominent place is traditionally given to vegetables and fruits. Therefore, agricultural enterprises in the countries of the region grow different varieties of cabbage (including Brussels sprouts, broccoli, cauliflower, etc.), onions, carrots, cucumbers, spinach, and herbs. In the southern regions, especially in France, many areas are devoted to tomatoes.

In Western Europe, depending on climatic conditions for fruit plantings, several “belts” of gardening are distinguished: northern regions (Alsace, Normandy and Brittany in France, Luxembourg) are known for their apple orchards and apple wine (cider); central territories (Lorraine in France, middle reaches Rhine in Germany) - cherry orchards; in areas adjacent to the Mediterranean, heat-loving crops (peaches, apricots, almonds, cherries) are more common.

In greenhouses in the Netherlands and Belgium, many berries are grown, especially strawberries. Vegetable and floriculture in the Benelux countries is year-round. In terms of greenhouse size (the total glassed area exceeds 8.8 thousand hectares), the Netherlands ranks first in the world.

Floriculture has long been an independent branch of agriculture in Great Britain, Belgium and, especially, the Netherlands, the history of which spans 400 years. Here they not only grow flowers (tulips, roses, carnations, daffodils, chrysanthemums, etc.), but also produce a large number of seeds and flower bulbs. Almost 60% of cut flowers and 50% of indoor flowers sold in the world were grown in Holland. The world's largest flower auction is located in the city of Aalsmeer, the Netherlands.

Viticulture plays an important role. France is the traditional leader in grape harvest (6.8 million tons - 3rd place in the world after Italy and the USA) and wine production (5.3 million tons - 1st place in the world). Almost every agricultural enterprise grows grapes for its own needs. Also, viticultural areas have developed in the valleys of the Moselle River in Germany and Luxembourg, the Upper Rhine in Germany and in the warm valleys of Switzerland, Liechtenstein and Austria.

In recent decades, many farms in Western European countries have been switching to the production of environmentally friendly products - mainly without the use of chemical agricultural products or in a minimal amount. Despite the significantly higher cost of such products, the demand for them is constantly growing.