Empire Rising: Spain

Do not underestimate the influence of such a company. When the United Agricultural Development Company possesses a large output of agricultural products, it can influence the prices of agricultural products in a region or even a country.

The fluctuations in agricultural product prices affect the income of farmers, and the income in the hands of farmers relates to the stability of the entire country.

Particularly for Portugal’s West Africa Colony, which cannot be self-sufficient and requires material output from Portugal itself, a sizable agricultural development company can have a significant impact.

“I have always held high expectations for the development of agricultural companies. According to the expedition’s survey of the Congo Region, the entire Congo River Basin has a high value for agricultural development.

Especially the highland area upstream of the Congo River, where the absence of dense tropical rainforests makes agricultural development relatively easy.

The mission of the United Agricultural Development Company is first to establish large plantations in this area to increase the crop yield of the Congo.

Once the United Agricultural Development Company achieves profitability, subsequent expansion becomes possible. The specifics cannot be explained in brief words; if you are willing to serve as the general manager of the United Agricultural Development Company, the company’s development can be up to you, and you only need to be accountable to me,” Carlo said with a smile.

Jacopo Duke asking clearly before agreeing to something is what Carlo most appreciates. If someone were to agree without asking for clarification, Carlo would instead doubt their ability.

The most important thing in resolving a matter is to understand the cause and process, in order to address it reasonably. Jacopo Duke’s calm attitude greatly satisfies Carlo, as the yet-to-be-established United Agricultural Development Company needs such a leader to pioneer great achievements in the barren Congo River Basin.

After hearing Carlo’s response, Jacopo Duke had no more concerns. He nodded and said to Carlo respectfully, “I am willing to share your burden, Your Majesty.”

Carlo nodded with a smile, regarding the honest duke before him as one of his own: “The Church will also participate in the agricultural development work in the Congo Territory. After the company’s establishment, collaboration with the Church will be possible.

Once the plantations in the Congo Territory reach a certain scale and start making a profit, we can use massive publicity to spread the news and preferably let all the nobles know.”

Upon hearing that the Church would be involved in the agricultural development of the Congo Territory, Jacopo Duke was initially surprised. But hearing Carlo mention the publicity once the plantations became profitable, aiming to make all the Spanish nobility aware, Jacopo Duke fully understood Carlo’s intention.

In blunt terms, the involvement of the Church was more like bait on a hook, tempting the aristocracy like fish to bite.

The clever Jacopo Duke even thought further, such as how the government previously purchased some of the nobility’s land through high prices, then rented it out at low prices to Spanish farmers for cultivation.

In simple terms, the nobles owned too much land, affecting not only Spain’s agricultural development but also the interests of the majority of Spain’s agricultural population.

Particularly with Spain’s land not being very fertile, the amount of land in farmers’ hands is directly related to their income.

And since most of Spain’s land is controlled by the nobility, this also means that a large portion of Spain’s agricultural income is occupied by the nobility.

Why is Carlo trying to attract nobles to engage in agricultural development in the Congo? Isn’t it for the land they hold in Spain?

Thinking of this, Jacopo Duke had a clearer understanding of Carlo’s plan and sincerely praised Carlo for coming up with such a strategy.

For Spain at present, this is indeed a good method to effectively alleviate the problem of nobles holding the vast majority of the land.

More importantly, this approach does not excessively stimulate the nobility. After all, the Congo River Basin indeed has a lot of land, and if this land is truly fertile and more suitable for agricultural cultivation, the nobles would not lose out by exchanging land.

It should be noted that the establishment of the Congo Territory is not long. Carlo’s proposal of such a plan proves that he had this idea even before the establishment of the Congo Territory.

In light of Carlo’s current performance, it is far better than the previous two monarchs of Spain. How could Jacopo Duke not understand the importance of the United Agricultural Development Company? It is not only a crucial institution for Spain to control the Congo Territory and Central Africa through economic means but also an important method for Carlo to solve the problem of land-owning nobility.

And as the first manager of this company, Jacopo Duke’s importance in Carlo’s heart will naturally be elevated.

Thinking of this, Jacopo Duke had not the slightest hesitation, as this is a good opportunity for him to enhance his influence in the Spanish political arena and elevate his status among the nobility.

“I understand, Your Majesty. After the agricultural development company is established, I will contact the Church and work together for the agricultural development of the Congo Territory.

But regarding publicity, perhaps the Sun Newspaper and El País may need to be involved,” Jacopo Duke stood up solemnly, giving his response and commitment.

An agricultural development company that has yet to be established seems to be striving to develop plantations in the Congo Territory, which is clearly beyond its capability. But with the support of the Church, or through cooperation with the Church, plantation construction would proceed much more smoothly.

The influence of the Spanish Church is still significant. Through the Church’s promotion, it can attract some Spaniards to the Congo River Basin for development.

Coupled with the efforts of missionaries and a large number of local natives, the establishment of plantations will be very smooth, and achieving profitability or even great profits is just around the corner.