Agriculture and Horticulture

Agriculture encompasses crop and livestock production, aquaculture, and forestry for food and non-food products. Agriculture was a key factor in the rise of sedentary human civilization, whereby farming of domesticated species created food surpluses that enabled people to live in the cities. Agriculture began independently in different parts of the globe, with at least 11 separate centers of origin.

The major agricultural products can be broadly grouped into foods, fibers, fuels, and raw materials (such as rubber). Food classes include cereals (grains), vegetables, fruits, cooking oils, meat, milk, eggs, and fungi.

Horticulture is more specifically the art and science of growing fruits, vegetables, flowers, trees, shrubs and ornamental plants, with an emphasis on scientific methods, plant breeding, and technical cultivation practices.

Basic principle

• Synergies: Cereals, livestock, domestication of plants and animals
• Skills: Plant cultivation, crop rotation, composting, water management.
• Tools: Axe, shovel, hoe, rake, watering can, seeds, simple irrigation systems.