The agrarian structure of Pyrenees farms

Abstract

The agrarian activities are the economic and social basis of mountainous areas these activities have a tradicional importance and also a significant role in employment and land use. The integration of Pyrenees areas in the Catalan economy and in C. E. E. has led to a high marginality of their agriculture and to a high emigration, especially during the 1959-1975 period. In spite of their structural weakness there are still some possibilities of improvement in some farms and in some activities. The analysis of cattle raising for dairy products shows that net profit per work unit is lower than average minimum salary. Nevertheless, if the feeding and the farming techniques improved, an important percentatge of farms could be profitable. Using the information from a survey of 298 farms, a multivariant typology has been created through the analysis of principal components. The difference between valley and mountain together with the level of income are the most representative indicators. As a conclusion the author states that middle-sized farms in the valleys and some «dynamic» farms in the mountains, based on a high mechanization and innovative spirit, will be the most outstanding in the future.