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

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 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

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 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

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