Almeria, Spain - Paper 2

Question 1

Where is Almeria?

Answer 1

An arid region in southern Spain.

Question 2

Since when have greenhouses been used in Almeria?

Answer 2

1980.

Question 3

Almeria has the largest concentration of what?

Answer 3

The largest concentration of greenhouses in the world.

Question 4

How much land does the greenhouses in Almeria now cover?

Answer 4

31,000 hectares.

Question 5

How much of Europe’s fruit and vegetables are grown here?

Answer 5

Over 50%

Question 6

What technology is mostly used here?

Answer 6

Hydroponic technology.

Question 7

What does the mild and sunny climate mean here?

Answer 7

It means that crops can be grown in unheated greenhouses, cutting production costs.

Question 8

What does much of the labour involve?

Answer 8

Cheap foreign immigrants.

Question 9

Give 5 advantages of this large-scale agricultural development:

Answer 9

-Drip irrigation and hydroponic water recycling reduce water use in this dry environment
-Warm temperatures reduce energy costs
-Jobs are created
-New scientific food-related companies have been attracted to set up in the area, boosting the economy and creating jobs
-Provides fresh fruit and vegetables throughout the year

Question 10

Give 6 disadvantages of this large-scale agricultural development:

Answer 10

-Immigrant labour is low paid and living conditions are poor
-Social clashes between immigrants and local people
-Vast areas of land have been covered by plastic, affecting habitats and ecosystems
-Plastic waste is a major issue, some of which is dumped into the sea
-Use of pesticides is affecting human health
-Some natural water sources are under stress