Agriculture and farming are very important. Let’s take a look at the reality of agriculture, and its benefits and disadvantages. 

First, agriculture is the practice of cultivating natural resources to sustain human life and provide for economic growth and gain. It is important because it supports livelihoods, providing food, habitat, and jobs. Also, it provides raw materials for many products and builds strong economies through trade.

Farming also includes raising livestock for the purpose of harvesting products and reproducing a biological means of production. Think about your everyday life, the food you eat, where you live, what you wear, etc. Agriculture and farming is part of your life even if you don’t notice.

Big cities wouldn’t be big if there wasn’t farming and agriculture behind them. For example, the more food produced, the more it can support bigger populations. Also, farming ties people to their lands. Small settlements grew into towns which grew into cities. When agriculture produces enough food, people are free to go after their interests instead of worrying about what they were going to eat every day.         

Countries still import goods, and agriculture is a big reason for that. It is one of the biggest industries in the world. For example, Brazil’s major agricultural products are; coffee, sugar, soybeans, manioc, rice, maize, cotton, edible, beans, and wheat. Brazil also produces about 20 billion liters of milk per annum, being the 6th or 7th largest world producer.

Some cons to agriculture and farming are; the poor living conditions and hygiene for livestock, excessive use of agrochemicals, higher risks of cancer, and more.  Some advantages are that a farmer has better food than people who live in cities, is healthier, lives longer, and is more likely to enjoy work.

As someone who was raised with a father that worked in farming and agriculture, I was passionate about it. I can say that it is truly amazing, but sometimes the income is not enough to pay the bills of the farm and have money left for other expenses. It is a job that requires good workers that don’t get tired easily. 

Whatever your view, agriculture is vital to the economy and life. Appreciate those that work to produce our food. The next time you take a bite of food, remember that someone helped raise that, and be grateful.