Agricultural geography of the cultivation of tropical and sub-tropical fruit on the southern periphery of the European Union.
Voth A.
Author Affiliation: Geographische Institut, Georg-August-Universität Göttingen, Göttingen, Germany.
118 : 404 pp.
Abstract : The historical development, present situation and future prospects for the cultivation of tropical and subtropical fruits in European Mediterranean areas, the Canary Islands the Azores and Madeira are examined with particular attention to avocado, cherimoya, mango, pawpaw, banana and pineapple. After a geographical overview of existing plantations and farming systems, climatic, plant physiological and socioeconomic conditions for the introduction and development of such fruit crops are investigated in selected areas. Maps and statistical data on existing plantations are compared with potential for expansion of cultivation of different types of fruit. In each case the process of diffusion and factors influencing adoption of innovations are examined. The impact of this diffusion process on farming systems, landscape, environment and competition between fruit growing and other activities such as tourism is also explored. The most important area for this type of crop is southern Spain and their specific problems are analysed including those of marketing. Finally market prospects for tropical and subtropical fruit and production development trends in the EU are discussed.