Spain Built a Sea of Plastic, Then It Got Rich

Summary

The Sierra de Gador mountains in Spain's Almerian province are home to the 'Plastic Sea,' a vast expanse of 370 square kilometers covered with greenhouses. These greenhouses, using plastic sheets for insulation and solar energy concentration, are 30 times more productive per acre than average European farms, making the region a major supplier of fruits and vegetables in Europe. Despite the environmental concerns of plastic waste and the labor issues faced by undocumented migrants, the greenhouses exemplify intensive farming's efficiency and the future of agriculture in the face of water scarcity and growing food demands.

Takeaways

• 🌍 The 'Plastic Sea' in Almería, Spain, is one of the world's largest concentrations of greenhouses, covering an area larger than Malta.
• 🌡️ Greenhouses in Almería are highly productive, being around 30 times more productive per acre than an average European farm.
• 🌞 The region's greenhouses utilize plastic sheets to create an insulating air bubble, concentrating solar energy and enhancing plant growth.
• 💧 Despite being in a dry region, Almería's greenhouses save over 90% of the water needed for traditional farming methods.
• 🌡️ The area's greenhouses can heat up to growing temperatures without external heat, unlike those in colder climates, due to the region's warm climate.
• 💶 Greenhouse farming in Almería offers a significant price advantage due to lower energy costs compared to Dutch glass houses.
• 🍅 The main crops grown in Almería are bell peppers, tomatoes, watermelons, and cucumbers, with a total production value of 3.37 billion EUR.
• 🌐 The region's proximity to major vegetable importers and the European market, along with EU regulations, makes local farming profitable.
• 🏭 The Kahar experimental station plays a crucial role in testing new agricultural techniques and spreading knowledge to improve farming efficiency.
• 🔄 The greenhouse industry faces challenges such as high initial costs, labor issues, and environmental concerns like plastic waste and microplastic pollution.

Q & A

What is the significance of the 'Plastic Sea' in the Almerian province of Spain?

The 'Plastic Sea' is a vast area of approximately 370 square kilometers covered with greenhouses, making it one of the world's largest concentrations of greenhouses. It is significant because it demonstrates intensive farming practices that allow for high productivity and efficiency in a region with water scarcity.

How does the greenhouse structure contribute to increased productivity in Almerian farms?

Greenhouses in Almerian farms use a wireframe mesh with polyethylene plastic sheets to create an insulating air bubble, which concentrates solar energy and allows plants to photosynthesize faster. This results in a yield that is around 30 times more productive per acre than an average European farm.

What are the environmental implications of the extensive use of plastic in the greenhouses of Almeria?

While the plastic sheets increase productivity, they must be replaced every 3 to 4 years, leading to a significant amount of plastic waste. Some farmers illegally dump these sheets, causing environmental issues such as plastic found on local beaches and in the soil and water supplies.

How does the use of greenhouses in Almeria affect the local climate?

The extensive use of plastic in greenhouses reflects sunlight, and NASA estimates that this region is cooling while the rest of southern Spain gets hotter. This is due to the large amount of sunlight being reflected off the plastic, which has a cooling effect on the area.

What role do co-op groups play in the marketing and distribution of Almerian greenhouse produce?

Co-op groups in Almeria help farmers pool their resources to get a higher price and more consistent business than they would individually. This collective bargaining power is essential for the survival of the region's farming industry and the distribution of wealth among farmers.

Why is the labor situation in Almerian greenhouses considered a problem?

Many workers in Almerian greenhouses are migrants from North Africa who often work without proper documentation. This makes them vulnerable to exploitation, with some earning less than minimum wage and living in substandard conditions without basic amenities.

How does the greenhouse farming in Almeria contribute to food security?

Greenhouse farming in Almeria contributes to food security by allowing for the production of large quantities of food in a region with water scarcity. The controlled environment of greenhouses enables year-round production, making Almeria one of Europe's main suppliers of fruits and vegetables.

What are the economic benefits of greenhouse farming in Almeria?

Greenhouse farming in Almeria has turned the region into one of the richest in Andalusia, with the 2022 to 2023 season alone generating 3.7 billion EUR from the sale of 3.5 million tons of crops. This economic boom is largely due to the high productivity and efficiency of greenhouse farming.

How does the use of greenhouses in Almeria affect the types of crops that can be grown?

Greenhouses in Almeria are used to grow crops that can be marketed based on flavor and quality, such as tomatoes, peppers, berries, cucumbers, and herbs. These crops are grown in consistent environments, allowing for the breeding of crops that are more flavorful and of higher quality than field-grown counterparts.

What are the challenges faced by greenhouse farmers in terms of energy use and sustainability?

Greenhouse farmers face challenges in terms of energy use and sustainability, particularly in regions that rely on external heating sources like natural gas. The need for energy-efficient solutions is growing as the EU pushes for a circular economy and limits the use of fertilizers and pesticides.