Which term describes the relatively small-scale production of fruits, vegetables, and flowers as cash crops, often sold directly to consumers and restaurants?

Which term describes the relatively small-scale production of fruits, vegetables, and flowers as cash crops, often sold directly to consumers and restaurants?

• A. Market gardening
• B. Ranching
• C. Plantation agriculture
• D. Mixed crop and livestock farming

Answer: (A)

Market gardening is small-scale, intensive cultivation of fruits, vegetables, and sometimes flowers that are produced as cash crops and sold directly to consumers or to local restaurants. The emphasis is on growing a variety of crops close to urban areas, so produce can be harvested soon and delivered quickly, keeping freshness high and transportation costs relatively low. This direct-to-market approach contrasts with other farming systems: it isn’t focused on a single export crop like plantation agriculture, nor is it centered on livestock as in ranching, and it isn’t the integrated, larger-scale mix of crops and animals typical of mixed crop and livestock farming. The close-to-market, diverse, and consumer-facing nature of market gardening is what makes it the best fit for the described practice.

Market gardening is small-scale, intensive cultivation of fruits, vegetables, and sometimes flowers that are produced as cash crops and sold directly to consumers or to local restaurants. The emphasis is on growing a variety of crops close to urban areas, so produce can be harvested soon and delivered quickly, keeping freshness high and transportation costs relatively low. This direct-to-market approach contrasts with other farming systems: it isn’t focused on a single export crop like plantation agriculture, nor is it centered on livestock as in ranching, and it isn’t the integrated, larger-scale mix of crops and animals typical of mixed crop and livestock farming. The close-to-market, diverse, and consumer-facing nature of market gardening is what makes it the best fit for the described practice.