Plant Science Lessons

History of Agriculture

Plan

• Discuss the history of Agriculture
• Agriculture Defined
• Agriculture Defined
• World Agriculture

Discuss the history of Agriculture

• Explain how the science of agriculture helped develop civilization, including agronomic, horticultural, and forestry plants.
• Identify the major innovators and milestones in the advancement of agriculture.

Agriculture Defined

• The art, science, and business of managing the growth of plants and animals for human use.

http://www.ars.usda.gov/is/graphics/photos/

Agriculture Defined

• Cultivation of the soil
• Growing & harvesting crops
• Breeding & raising of livestock
• Packing, processing, and marketing
• Much more than farming!

World Agriculture

• Began over 10,000 years ago
• Humans discovered the value of wild plants and animals and domesticated and bred them
• Cereals
• Meat animals
• Poultry, fish, milk, cheese, nuts, oils, fruits, vegetables etc.
• Before agriculture, people were hunters and gatherers.

http://www.ars.usda.gov/is/graphics/photos/

Domestication

• To adapt for human use.
• Survival depends upon humans.
• Breeding is subject to human control.
• Characteristics are different than wild ancestry.
• Grown or raised for a purpose.

World Agriculture Importance

• 50% world’s labor force employed in agriculture
• > 60% in Africa
• < 4% in USA and Canada
• 15% former Soviet Union
• 7% in Western Europe
• Abraham Lincoln established the U.S. Department of Agriculture in 1862.

Conclusion

• The history of agriculture is a complex and dynamic narrative that spans thousands of years, showcasing the evolution of human societies and their relationship with the land. From the Neolithic Revolution, marked by the shift from hunter-gatherer lifestyles to settled farming communities, to the agricultural advancements of the ancient civilizations, the story of agriculture is intertwined with technological, social, and economic developments.
• Over time, agricultural practices have diversified, responding to environmental conditions, technological innovations, and cultural influences. The exchange of agricultural knowledge across cultures has played a crucial role in shaping the global agricultural landscape. The impact of agriculture on population growth, societal structures, and the environment has been profound, with both positive and negative consequences.
• As we move into the modern era, industrialization and globalization have transformed agricultural systems, introducing new challenges related to sustainability, food security, and the equitable distribution of resources. Understanding the history of agriculture is essential for addressing contemporary agricultural issues and shaping the future of food production.