Drivers of change in mountain agriculture: A thirty-year analysis of trajectories of evolution of cattle farming systems in the Spanish Pyrenees

Mountain regions are characterized by complex interrelations between human and natural systems. Political socioeconomic drivers at various scales affect mountain farming systems functioning, resulting in farm structural changes (management, structure economic performance). Longitudinal studies help fully understand the dynamics of these systems, identify their main change, prepare for foreseeable future events. This study aimed to (i) analyse cattle Pyrenees from 1990 2018, (ii) different trajectories evolution (iii) determine key those global, regional household levels. We monitored 50 farms three valleys with contexts, which were surveyed 1990, 2004 2018. observed clear regarding land labour production factors. Over 1990–2004 period, experienced a use extensification (one-month increase grazing season) capital intensification (55% livestock units (LU) per work unit (WU)) processes, coinciding switch dairy beef on-farm fattening. 2004–2018 stabilised but process went on (17% LU/WU) while reduced inputs (43% decrease feeding costs LU), parallel decreasing importance These allowed globally maintain stable margins (around 40,000 €/WU). Multivariate statistical analyses enabled four evolution, them specific each valley under common across-valleys trajectory. resulted interaction global particularities. The CAP played major role level (representing an average 70% gross margin 2018), tourism development characteristics level. Several responded maximising output related most limiting factor (i.e. agriculture or labour) valley. However, trajectory, comprised 44% farms, showed limited during studied period. ability adaptation capacity keeping social viability will region. Our findings highlight need reorienting agricultural policies towards promoting new entrants into farming, better integrating instruments other EU sectorial improving monitoring disaggregating follow-up processes agroecosystem management regimes.