Patterns of Food Production & Consumption (College Board AP® Human Geography)

Influence of Food Movements

• Consumer preferences reflecting concerns about sustainability and the environmental impact of agricultural practices have affected food production and consumption patterns

• Many of these changes are influenced by movements promoting sustainable, local, and environmentally friendly production systems

  • These movements encourage the consumption of foods that are currently less popular but are better for farmers and the environment

  • The push for more vegetarian options, and the development of high-protein cereal grains as substitutes for meat, reflects the desire for healthier, more sustainable food options

Urban Farming

• Urban farming refers to the growth of food in urban areas, including rooftop and community gardens

• Urban farming has several associated positive developments, including:

  • more availability of healthy produce

  • reduction in food deserts

  • a focus on sustainable production

  • increased community engagement

Image: Rooftop garden in Japan

Community-Supported Agriculture

• Community-supported agriculture (CSA) refers to a practice in which consumers purchase shares in local farms, from which they then receive regular deliveries of fresh produce

• The benefits of CSA include:

  • a decrease in food deserts

  • greater availability of healthy foods

  • the economic support of small, local farmers

Organic Farming

• Organic farming is an agricultural practice that grows crops without the use of:

  • chemical pesticides

  • fertilizers

  • herbicides

  • genetically modified organisms (GMOs)

• Organic farming is the best example of sustainable agricultural practices that produce crops while preserving and enhancing the environment

• Benefits of organic farming include: 

  • a reduction of environmental harm

  • an increase in soil health

• However, to produce the same amount of crops as using standard farming methods, all types of sustainable agriculture, including organic farming, require more: 

  • time

  • labor

  • money

Fair Trade

• The fair trade designation on agricultural products indicates

  • the promotion of sustainable practices

  • fair labor standards

  • fair prices for farmers in developing countries

• Fair trade practices emphasize small, locally owned businesses that pay fair wages and comply with environmental regulations

• Consumer desire for fair trade products leads to:

  • increases in sustainable farming

  • higher wages

  • better working conditions