The Farming Industry
How important is agriculture to Canada?
Yearly, agriculture contributes more than $11 million to the economy (GDP).
Yearly, agriculture contributes more than $11 million to the economy (GDP).
Land: The Basic Resource
Land is a Renewable Resource because if it is properly used, it can support new crops year after year.
On the other hand, land can be classified as a non-renewable resource because there is a limited amount of it available – especially land that would be good for farming.
On the other hand, land can be classified as a non-renewable resource because there is a limited amount of it available – especially land that would be good for farming.
The Changing Farm
Types of Farming
The most important natural factors affecting the type of farming are the fertility of the soil, the amount of precipitation, and the length of the growing season.
BUT
There are also economic factors that have an impact on what type of farming will take place:
The Cost of Land: if the farmland is expensive, high value agricultural goods will need to be produced.
Transportation Costs: if a farm is close to its markets, perishable products such as vegetables and milk can be produced and sold. If a farm is far from its market, less perishable crops such as grain or cheese make more sense.
Competition: if there is an oversupply of certain products, prices will drop and reduce farm incomes.
There are two types of farming:
Intensive farming and Extensive farming
BUT
There are also economic factors that have an impact on what type of farming will take place:
The Cost of Land: if the farmland is expensive, high value agricultural goods will need to be produced.
Transportation Costs: if a farm is close to its markets, perishable products such as vegetables and milk can be produced and sold. If a farm is far from its market, less perishable crops such as grain or cheese make more sense.
Competition: if there is an oversupply of certain products, prices will drop and reduce farm incomes.
There are two types of farming:
Intensive farming and Extensive farming
The Business of Farming
In many parts of the world, including Canada, farming is carried on by large Agribusiness companies. Two types of these companies are cooperative & private/public companies.
Damage to the Land
In pairs, read through pages 274 - 275 of your textbook, looking at Erosion & Contamination. On a sheet of paper, provide 3 – 4 points on each. Half of the class look at erosion, the other will look at contamination.
What is Sustainable agriculture?
It is agricultural production that can be maintained without harming the environment.
What is Sustainable agriculture?
It is agricultural production that can be maintained without harming the environment.