B2 – Upper Intermediate
Spain is a major agricultural powerhouse. It is also tagged as the “market garden of Europe.” It is the leader in producing and exporting important crops such olive oil, wine, fruits, and vegetables.
Biosabor Farm is just one organic farm in Almeria, one of the driest parts of Southern Spain. Such farms allow the region to produce crops all throughout the year with its high-tech greenhouses.
Watch this video about turning Spain’s desert into Europe’s orchard.
Vocabulary Questions:
- Define “blight”. “Some would say the sea of plastic is a blight on the landscape. You say it’s impressive.” Use the word in a sentence. Give a synonym.
- What is a “drip irrigation”? “Drip irrigation maximizes water use.” Use the term in a sentence.
- What does “patch” mean? “This patch of desert has become Europe’s orchard.” Use the word in a sentence. Give a similar expression.
Discussion Questions:
- What is your opinion about the shrink wrapped greenhouses in Almeria?
- What are the good and bad things about these greenhouses?
- Talk about some challenges the agricultural sector of your country is currently facing.
- Share your insights about the crackdown on undocumented workers in the region and that despite this, it’s still possible to find a job without proper papers.
- More than 70% of growers transition to using natural predators as pest control. Share your thoughts.