The transition to agriculture in the western Mediterranean involved the introduction of domesticated plants and animals from the Near East. This period, known as the Early Neolithic, is marked by the presence of specific pottery styles and the use of certain materials like obsidian. While significant changes in economy and society began during this time, full dependence on farming and larger settlements didn't happen until later. The agricultural transition in this region was a quick process but took a long time to fully integrate production-based economies.