Food is traditionally
obtained through farming, ranching, and fishing, with hunting,
foraging and other methods of subsistence locally important for
some populations, but minor for others.
In the modern era in developed nations, food supply is increasingly
dependent upon agriculture, industrial farming, aquaculture
and fish farming techniques. These techniques aim to maximize
the amount of food produced while minimizing the cost. The techniques
include a reliance on mechanized tools, from the threshing machine
and seed drill, to the tractor and combine. Developed tools
have been combined with the use of pesticides to promote high
crop yields and to combat insects or mammals which reduce yield.
More recently, there has been a growing trend towards more
Sustainable agricultural practices. This approach - which is
partly fuelled by consumer demand - encourages biodiversity,
local self-reliance and Organic farming methods. Major
influences on food production are international policy, e.g.
the World Trade Organization and Common Agricultural Policy,
national government policy or law and war.
|
|
