Agriculture involves the systematic, deliberate cultivation of plants and raising of animals for human consumption and use. Farmers plant crops, nurture them with water and fertilizer, control weeds and insect pests, harvest the crops, and store them until they can be taken to market. Some farmers treat the product (for example, grain drying) be-fore it is stored. Some prepare the product for market, as with apples which are packed in bushels.

Animal products such as meat and milk are harvested in a sanitary way and protected against spoilage by refrigeration before they leave the farm. Farmers are often involved in grading their products (example: eggs). Since the human race began, agriculture has employed more men and women than any other economic activity on the planet. Everywhere in the world people must eat. Raising and growing food are essential to all people in all places. This has been true throughout history.