Spatial Organization of Agriculture
Spatial Organization of Agriculture
Essential Question
- How do economic forces influence agricultural practices?
Changes in Agricultural Landscape Over the Past Several Decades
- Decline in Small Family Farms
- Development of Larger Corporate Farms
- Expansion of Farmland into previously forested or wetland areas
- Reduction in Variety of Crops and Introduction of New Crops to regions
Reasons for Evolving Agricultural Landscapes
- Growth of Agribusiness
- Agribusiness refers to the integration of various steps involved in the food-processing industry. This includes:
- Research and development
- Processing and production
- Transportation
- Marketing
- Retail of agricultural goods
- Farms Run as Corporations
- Globalization of Agriculture
Commercial Agriculture and Agribusiness
- Definition of Agribusiness:
- Agribusiness encompasses a large-scale operation that is commercial, highly mechanized, and often utilizes chemicals and biotechnology for raising crops and animals.
- Ownership: The largest agribusinesses are typically owned by transnational corporations, meaning they operate in multiple countries.
Comparison of Farming at Two Scales
Vegetable Farming on Two Scales
| Activity | Homeowner Scale | Agribusiness Scale |
|---|
| Growing Food | Raising vegetables in a backyard garden | Owning farms of thousands of acres with a large staff |
| Processing | Eating fresh, home-grown vegetables for dinner | Canning and freezing products in factories near fields |
| Selling Food | Selling vegetables at a local market | Selling products to wholesale distributors for regional and global shipping |
| Financing | Giving some vegetables to a neighbor in exchange for using some land | Borrowing money from banks and selling stock to raise money for operating expenses |
| Researching | Growing different varieties of tomatoes | Investing in research and development of new seeds, fertilizers, and pesticides |