Abstract

NAVA-GARCIA, Francisco J.  and  DOLDAN-GARCIA, Xoán R.. Energy crops. agric. soc. desarro [online]. 2014, vol.11, n.1, pp.25-34. ISSN 1870-5472.

This study highlights the importance of energy crops as a source for the reactivation of economic development in rural areas. Some unconventional crops are mentioned, which could be implemented in lands abandoned from other regions to evaluate their economic impact such as job generation. First, definition and classification of the concept of energy crops are suggested, emphasizing the following aspects: cultivation surface, type of crop, regions where they develop, and characteristics of new crops. Then, the situation of energy crops and their perspectives in Spain are analyzed, examining their socioeconomic impact, with an emphasis in job generation and use of abandoned agricultural lands.

Keywords : biofuels; biomass; agricultural employment; abandoned agricultural lands.