Food Geography Flashcards
Who is involved in the food system?
A food system is the way food is grown, processed, transported, sold, and consumed. It includes everyone and everything involved in getting food from the farm to your plate.
people involve in food system = more then grocery workers this includes farmers, workers, factories, trucks, grocery stores, and even your family or restaurants.
What does sustainability mean in the food system?
Practices that are good for people’s health and the environment, essential for economic success.
means the food had to be good for people’s health and the environment. If they didn’t take care of the land and resources, their economy and food would suffer
What are some key challenges in the food system?
Deforestation, water pollution, greenhouse gas emissions, waste, and impacts of food processing on health and nutrition.
Climate
Long-term weather patterns that define the growing season.
LatitudeHow does latitude affect agriculture?
Latitude determines temperature and rainfall, which impacts the growing season.
What is a microclimate?
A small area with unique climate conditions, such as valleys protected from cold air
How does climate change impact agriculture?
Alters weather patterns, affecting crops. It can cause droughts, heat, flooding, and extreme rainfall, which can reduce crop yields.
Negative Impacts = Droughts, intense heat, flooding, and extreme rain can reduce crop yields.
Positive Impacts = Warmer temperatures and longer growing seasons may help some regions, but globally it’s mostly harmful.
Vulnerable Areas to Climate Change
Farmers in developing countries are more affected by climate change than those in wealthier countries because:
- They have fewer resources to protect their crops, like better tools, technology, or money. They often rely directly on the land for food and income, so when the weather changes, it hits them harder. Wealthier countries have more support and technology to cope with these changes.
Water
Water Needs
Artificial water supply= If there isn’t enough rain, crops may need irrigation
Groundwater: Water stored underground in soil or rocks, often used in dry areas.
Example: Oasis in Morocco, where water from underground sources helps crops survive.
What is soil made of?
Organic matter (plant and animal remains) and living organisms.
Why is healthy soil important?
Healthy soil holds water, resists erosion, and is important for growing good crops.
What does ideal soil look like?
Nutrient-rich soil that can retain water.
Eample of ideal soil:
Holland Marsh, which was once a swamp but is now fertile farmland.
What is a greenbelt?
A greenbelt is an area of land around a city or town that is kept open and protected from development. It’s meant to preserve nature, farmland, and forests, and prevent the city from spreading too much.
What is a major problem with greenbelt areas?
Development in these areas threatens the environment and farming, because:
It takes away protected farmland and natural spaces. When cities grow into these areas, there’s less room for crops to grow, and important wildlife habitats are lost, harming the environment.
