Abstract

FERNANDEZ-CAVADA LABAT, José L.; MARTIN-FERNANDEZ, Susana  and  ORTUNO-PEREZ, Sigfredo F.. Evolution and perspectives of the agrarian labor market in Spain (1976-2004). Agrociencia [online]. 2007, vol.41, n.2, pp.241-251. ISSN 2521-9766.

The evolution of the active agrarian population (AAP) in Spain has been in descent since the 1960’s, which is similar to what has occurred in the other countries of the European Union. In Spain, this decrease in the AAP has been very rapid; in 1976, it represented 25% of the total active population, but in 2004 it was only 7%. This process occurs in all of the regions of Spain, although it has been much lower in Andalucía and Extremadura. This essay presents an analysis of the evolution of the AAP in Spain, remarking the incidence of agrarian unemployment subsidy in Andalucía and Extremadura as the principal cause that explains the different evolution in the rates of agrarian employment. In addition, other circumstances are manifested which are related to rural development and immigration, as key elements in the evolution of the Spanish AAP.

Keywords : Rural development; immigration; active agrarian population.