Module 1 Why Start a Farming Business? - Zanichelli · (Adapted from: Tnau Agritech Portal, Introduction to Farm Management, , 2013) Glossary Policy: a course ... Why Start a Farming

1M o d u l e

Why Starta FarmingBusiness?

• At the end of this module you willbe given an assignment related tofarm management.• The texts and the exercisescontained in the unit will provideyou with most of the informationand the lexicon needed to carry outthat assignment successfully.• So, pay attention to what youfind in the following units becauseit will prove very useful later on!

Farming is a business. As in other businesses,

it involves a series of elements such as the initial

business plan, capital management, seeking and

seizing opportunities, understanding and exploiting

your climate, location and skills. At the same time it

has to be understood that dealing with an agricultural

system requires far more patience and flexibility than

a normal business.

There are many types of agriculture including

industrial, sustainable and urban agriculture. As a

farmer you may choose to set up a large-scale farm

business or a mini-farming activity or even manage a

farming enterprise on a rooftop.

UnitFarmingas a Business

2

1

Warm up

1. Successful farming can be divided into five major actions. Can you put them in the rightorder? One has been done as an example.

selection of crops and/or farm animals

marketing and sales

production

strategic planning3 financing and capital management

2. > Pair work < Place the verbs below next to the correct terms or expressions.Some of them can be used more than once. One has been done as an example.

make • start • own • set up • plan • increase • do • work on • improve

Terms / expressions Verbs

1. Mission statement ...........................................................................................................................

2. Farm ...........................................................................................................................

3. Business ...........................................................................................................................

4. Production ...........................................................................................................................

5. Marketing strategies ...........................................................................................................................

make

Knowledge• Elements of farm management• Aspects to be taken into account when

getting started in farming

Skills• Understanding how to make a business

plan• Describing a flow chart• Problem solving• Investigating the management of local

farmsCompetences• Planning your own farming business

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Unit 1 | Farming as a Business | A How to Manage a Farm

Managing a farm is not just related to the land, caring for livestock or growing and sell-ing products. Farm management is a science that deals with the organization and op-eration of a farm as a company from the point of view of continuous maximum profit.

The major farm management functions are:• Selection of enterprises such as wine production or animal husbandry.• Organization of agricultural resources and farm enterprises so as to make a

complete farm unit.• Determination of the most efficient method of production for each of the selected

enterprises.• Financing the farm business and management of capital including records and

accounts.• Efficient marketing of farm products.• Adjustment against time and the uncertainty of various elements in farm

production as well as the purchasing of supplies.• Evaluation of government agricultural policies.

Decision-making is central to farm management. Each decision has an impact onthe farm and the farm household. Even deciding to do nothing is a decision thathas an impact.

Farm management decisions continuously undergo changes. These are due to manyfactors such as prices of products, biological characteristics of plants and animals, tech-nological advancements, varied agro-climatic conditions, taxes, marketing and so on.

One or more changes in the above categories may cause problems in decision-making. Therefore, the process of decision-making has to be flexible and dynamic soas to adjust to these changes.(Adapted from: Tnau Agritech Portal, Introduction to Farm Management, www.agritech.tnau.ac.in, 2013)

GlossaryPolicy: a courseor principle of actionadopted or proposedby an organizationor individualUndergo: toexperience

A How to Manage a Farm

Understanding the text

3. Read the text and find terms that are associated with the following verbs. The first has beendone as an example. In some cases more than one term can be associated with the same verb.

1. Select ....................................................................................................

2. Organize ............................................................................................

3. Determine ........................................................................................

4. Manage ...............................................................................................

5. Market ................................................................................................

6. Purchase ............................................................................................

7. Evaluate .............................................................................................

8. Cause ..................................................................................................

When you have finished, translate the word associations that you do not understand.

an enterprise

1 | Why Start a Farming Business?

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4. Read the text again and fill in the grid with the appropriate information.

Main farm management functions Factors that determine changes in decisionmaking

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5. > Pair work < Look at this flow chart and describe it using the lexicon given. Try and giveexamples for some of the various steps involved in the process. Use some of the wordassociations from exercise 3.

• This flowchart shows ...• The first stage is ...• Such as, for example ...• This is followed by ...• After that ...• Once ascertained that ...• It has to be noted that ...• Then ...• Finally ...

Decision making process

Formulating objectives and making observations

Action taking

Are more observation needed?

Accepting responsabilities

The end

Have the management objectives been fulfilled?

Analysis of observations

Decision making

Is the final decision?

YES

NO

NO

NO

YES

YES

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Unit 1 | Farming as a Business | A How to Manage a Farm

Problem solving

6. > Pair work < Risks refer to things that could happen that can harm the farm business.Farmers need to anticipate those risks ahead of time and be prepared with the appropriatestrategies.Read the following risks and propose how to handle them, giving reasons for your choices.When you have finished compare your answers with those of your classmates.

1. RiskProduce can be damaged on the way to the market resulting in a lower market price.

Possible solution

..................................................................................................................................................................................................................................

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2. RiskEquipment can breakdown while being used.

Possible solution

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3. RiskA new tax may make the production of vegetables not profitable enough.

Possible solution

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Before starting your business it is important to ask yourself the fundamental question:why do I or we want a farm? Some reasons are: to work outside, to own your ownbusiness or to be your own boss, to return to the family farm if you grew up farming.Some people see it as a new career path or a way to make money.

When you are identifying the goals of your farm it is also important to identify thegoals of each member or partner involved in the farm. The first thing to do when youwant to get started in farming is create a business plan.

A business plan is basically a roadmap for you and the people who are involvedin the farm. It explains what you are trying to accomplish, where you want to go withyour farm and how you are going to get there. It includes an explanation of how yourfarm is going to operate and be profitable and successful in the long term.

Business plans can be short or long, detailed or simple and they serve a variety ofpurposes.

One thing is for sure: all lenders are going to ask to see a business plan. A plan isabsolutely essential if you are planning on getting any kind of financing.Here are the elements that have to be included in a business plan:

1. Mission statement2. Business description3. Marketing plan4. Production plan5. Projected cash flow budget

A mission statement is a guidepost for all of those involved in the farm, it explainswho you are, what you do and where you are headed. It is something you come backto time and time again as you make decisions about your farm.

A good mission statement helps you focus on what you really want to accomplishso that you will use your time, money and other resources more efficiently.

B Getting Started in Farming

GlossaryRoadmap: a plan orstrategy intended toachieve a particulargoalLender: someone orsomething that lendsmoney, especially afinancial organizationsuch as a bankCash flow: the totalamount of moneymoving into and out ofa businessGuidepost: somethingthat serves as a guide

Read moreabout: Humanresources

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Unit 1 | Farming as a Business | B Getting Started in Farming

The business description deals with the products or services you will offer. It is usu-ally quite short, just a paragraph or two and it typically includes:• products you will offer;• services you will provide;• location, size, business structure and distance from nearby towns or markets. It

may include a map of the farm and a list of the partners who are involved.Next you need a marketing plan. This will include where you intend to sell your prod-ucts, how you will sell them, your niche in the agricultural market.

Even the most basic business plan should include some kind of production plan.This includes your planting and harvesting schedules, fertility and pest management,irrigation, suppliers, acreage (number of acres to be used), the type of livestock youintend to raise, feeding plans and so on.

Every business plan should include a projected cash flow budget which showsyour anticipated income and expenses, and how they will affect your starting capitalover the years. It will also show you where you need to access capital or savings tomake up for the months when your farm spends more than it takes in.(Adapted from: J. Salatin, You Can Farm, Polyface Inc., 2006)

Niche: an area of themarket specializing inone type of product orserviceSupplier: anyone whoprovides goods orservices to a companyor individualsIncome: moneyreceived, especiallyon a regular basis,for work or throughinvestmentsMake up: tocompensate


7. Read the text and replace each of the verbs in bold with the correct synonym among those given.Remember to use the correct tense for each verb.

determine • aid • set up • encompass • cover • accomplish

1. Before (starting) ………………………...............……………… your business it is important to ask yourself thefundamental question: why do I or we want a farm?

2. When you are (identifying) ………………………...............……………… the goals of your farm it is important toidentify also the goals of each member or partner involved in the farm.

3. Business plans can be short or long, detailed or simple and they (serve)………………………...............……………… a variety of purposes.

4. A good mission statement (helps) ………………………...............……………… you to focus on what you reallywant to accomplish.

5. The business description (deals with) ………………………...............……………… the products or services youwill offer.

6. Even the most basic business plan should (include) ………………………...............……………… some kind ofproduction plan.


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8. Read the text again and complete the following sentences with the correct expressions.Choose from the ones below.

mission statement • business description • marketing plan • production plan •projected cash flow budget

1. A ........................................................................................................ is document demonstrating the feasibility of aprospective business.

2. A ................................................................................................... is a written declaration of an organization’s corepurpose and focus that normally remain unchanged over time.

3. A ................................................................................................... is an estimate of the timing and amount of cashinflows and outflows over a specific period.

4. A ................................................................................................... deals with the decisions formulated to processthe production of goods and/or services in accordance with predetermined specifications.

5. A ................................................................................................... outlines the specific actions you intend to carryout to interest potential customers in your products and/or services and persuade them tobuy the products and/or services you offer.

9. > Pair work < In pairs think of a sentence or two that could be contained in each of theelements from the previous exercise. The one below has been done as an example.

Mission statement:

The farm’s mission is to cultivate the best tasting and finest quality fruit and vegetables for the

local community.

EXAMPLES OF UNUSUAL FARM BUSINESSESSometimes the success of a farming business may depend on something unusual. Here aretwo types of quite curious farms.

Pizza farmsThese farms do not grow pizza, as the name suggests. They specialize in the production of allthe ingredients needed to assemble pizza from scratch. Some of them divide their crops into‘slices’ to resemble a pizza from above.

If you want to visit one of them there are many farms in the US where you can enjoyhomemade pizza withingredients grown on theproperty.

Cactus farmsThe barren desert doesn’tseem like an ideal place tobuy farmland, unless you areplanning to grow cacti. Cactican be a very lucrative crop.Nopales, a Mexican cactusplant, is one of the mostpopular vegetables in Mexico,accounting for about 150million dollars in sales.

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10. > Grammar < Complete the following sentences with the correct question word. Choose fromthose above. In some case more than one word can be used.

1. .............................................................. do I want to farm?Because I want to work in a natural environment.

2. .............................................................. do I want to farm?Close to a city.

3. .............................................................. will work with you?My family.

4. .............................................................. are you going to find the money needed?I will ask the bank for a loan.

5. .............................................................. kind of products/services would you like to offer?Organic vegetables.

6. .............................................................. will you do it for?For people who like to eat fresh, healthy food.

7. .............................................................. are you going to sell your products or services?At the local markets.

Listening

11. Listen to the following mission statements and provide the information required.

Products / services offered Main goals

Farm n. 1......................................................................................................... .........................................................................................................

Farm n. 2......................................................................................................... .........................................................................................................

Farm n. 3......................................................................................................... .........................................................................................................

Farm n. 4......................................................................................................... .........................................................................................................

Asking questions

When you want to ask questions you use question words such as:

Why to ask for a reasonWhat to ask for informationWhen to ask about timeWhere to ask about placeWhich to ask about choiceWho to ask about identityWhose to ask about ownershipHow to ask about manner

GRAMMAR CORNER

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12. Listen to the mission statements again and write down the words and phrases that describethe values and choices made by each farm. The first two have been done as examples.

1. ............................................

2. ............................................

3. ............................................

4. ............................................

5. ............................................

6. ............................................

7. ............................................

8. ............................................

9. ............................................

10. ............................................

11. ............................................

12. ............................................

13. ............................................

14. ............................................

15. ............................................

When you have finished compare your answers with those of your classmates.

Organic

Honorably

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THE TRADE OF FARM MANAGERSThe main career paths in farmmanagement are assistant farm managerand farm manager.

Farm managers tend to work in animalproduction, dairy or crop productionalthough some do work with all three.The job is varied and includes planningstrategies for maximum yield, organisingfarm administration, working machinery,organising associated businesses andmanaging staff.

Farm managers need to have technicaland practical competencies, as well as theability to make sound business decisions.Farms are typically run by managementcompanies or single-owner farmers.Your work would depend partly on the type of farm, but could include:> planning how the farm will run over the coming year;> setting budget and production targets;> buying and selling animals or produce;> keeping financial records and records of livestock and/or crops;> recruiting, training and supervising staff;> working with vets to monitor animals for infection and disease;> working with officials on areas like habitat conservation.

On smaller farms, you may do practical farm work, such as looking after livestock, drivingtractors and other machinery, and harvesting crops. You could also have the responsibilityfor other activities where the business is diversified, for example there may be a farm shop,horseback riding facilities or accommodation for tourists.

Previous hands-on farming experience and technical knowledge are as important asacademic qualifications. However, a degree is greatly valued and most farm managers hold atleast a degree or foundation degree in agriculture or a related subject such as:> agricultural engineering;> crop management;> farm business management;> horticulture;> land/estate management.

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Problem solving

13. Read the box Careers and find out about farm managers’ working hours and salaries.

You can have a look at this web page:https://www.prospects.ac.uk/job-profiles/farm-manager

Working hours:

..................................................................................................................................................................................................................................

..................................................................................................................................................................................................................................

Salary:

...................................................................................................................................................................................................................................

...................................................................................................................................................................................................................................

When you have finished answer the following questions.

1. Would you like to be a farm manager?

…………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………..……………………...

2. Which aspects of the job do you like or dislike?

…………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………..……………………...

3. Do you think it pays well as a job in relation to its working hours?

…………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………..……………………...

14. Today there are many types of software and apps available which can help farmers inmanaging finances, planning and monitoring production and livestock and so on. Here aresome of them:

• Quicken (www.quicken.com)• Cropio (www.cropio.com)

• Easykeeper (www.easykeeper.com)

Visit the websites and find out:

• which main functions they perform • pricing

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FARM MANAGEMENT TOOLSFarmers looking for ways to improvefarm management skills have anarray of tools available to them:manuals or guides, educationalprograms or curricula, Internetresources, and computer programs.

Selecting the appropriatetools will depend on the individualskills and goals for the farmingoperation. Resources or programchoices will be based on theneeds of each farmer and must beevaluated individually.


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My name is Janie Burns and my farm, Meadowlark Farm, is located near Nampa,Idaho. It has been called Meadowlark Farm as a tribute to the number of songbirdsin the area.

Farming has been in the family tradition for generations and I was raised on afarm in Ontario, Oregon. So, I can say that farming runs in my blood. Furthermore, Ilove living and working outdoors along with eating healthy, natural food.

It took me sometime to get here, though. After receiving a degree in English lit-erature I studied geology and worked for several years off the farm. In the early 90sI landed in Idaho and started a market garden. Research carried out in the local su-permarkets revealed little diversity in the vegetables sold there along with a constantuse of chemicals.

That’s how I started my production of organic vegetables which included asparagus,turnips, beets and radishes. Over time the original quarter acre grew to a half acre andsince then has just kept expanding. As I planted more vegetables, I began producingcut flowers and introduced livestock. The off-farm income provided by my partnerhelped cover the household expenses while I transitioned from vegetables to livestock.

Almost anyone can do vegetables, but raising animals is a bit different. Animalsare a year-round responsibility and not everyone is willing to take on that responsi-bility for life.

Much of my strategy is about knowing the market. It is also essential to have afarm identity. I take advantage of the proximity of a metropolitan centre by sellinglamb, poultry and eggs directly to urban customers hungry for freshness and quality.

Customer education is also important. I have hosted several farm tours and openhouses. These are great opportunities to show people what you do and to explain whythings are done a certain way.

After so many years of farming I may not be making a lot of money, but I feel that Iam doing the right thing. I wake up every morning being hopeful that I am helping todo my little part for making a better world. Every person who comes out here is enviousof the qualities for which I am not paid, but by which I gather great enjoyment andsatisfaction: my access to fresh air, to being outside, to doing something everyday thatcontributes to my health and to that of the others. How does our society measure that?(Adapted from: Rural Roots and University of Idaho Research Team, Measuring success on the “Urban

Fringe”, Meadowlark Farm, www.nwdirect.wsu.edu, 2005)

GlossaryOff the farm: notrelated to a farmCut flowers: flowersor flower buds thathave been cut from theplant bearing itHost: to receive orentertain peopleOpen house: open dayGather: to derive

C Case Study: Meadowlark Farm

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Unit 1 | Farming as a Business | C Case Study: Meadowlark Farm


15. Read the text and complete the following interview between a journalist (A) and Janie Burns (B).

A: Good evening Mrs Burns. May I ask you a few questions about your farm?

B: …………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………..……………………...

A: Where does the name of your farm, Meadowlark Farm, come from?

B: …………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………..……………………...

A: Why did you start this farming business?

B: …………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………..……………………...

A: Did you always work in farming?

B: …………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………..……………………...

A: What made you decide to grow organic vegetables?

B: …………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………..……………………...

A: Did your production change over time?

B: …………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………..……………………...

A: How did you manage the transition financially?

B: …………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………..……………………...

A: Did you find any problems in transitioning from vegetables to livestock?

B: …………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………..……………………...

A: What can you tell us about your marketing strategies?

B: …………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………..……………………...

A: How would you describe your overall farming experience?

B: …………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………..……………………...

16. Place each of the words below next to the correct group of adjectives and terms.

food • customers • income • responsibility • identity • opportunity

1. Urban, potential, loyal, regular, international ......................................................................

2. Year-round, great, primary, individual, shared ...................................................................

3. Healthy, natural, wholesome, processed, raw .......................................................................

4. Great, once-in-a-lifetime, rare, business, commercial ...................................................

5. Farm, new, unique, corporate, personal ....................................................................................

6. Off-farm, sufficient, large, low, regular ......................................................................................

17. > Pair work < In pairs write at least six sentences which relate to your future farmingbusiness. Use some of the word associations from the previous exercise. One has been doneas an example.

1. ...................................................................................................................................................................................................................................

2. ...................................................................................................................................................................................................................................

3. ...................................................................................................................................................................................................................................

4. ...................................................................................................................................................................................................................................

5. ...................................................................................................................................................................................................................................

6. ...................................................................................................................................................................................................................................

7. ...................................................................................................................................................................................................................................

One of our first objectives is to develop a unique corporate identity.


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Open discussion

18. > Pair work < Read the last paragraph of the text on Meadowlark Farm again and answer thefollowing questions.

1. What do you think about it?2. How much do you value enjoyment and fulfilment in respect to making money?3. There are a series of benefits that derive from doing a job that you love. Can you think of two

of them?

When you have finished compare your answers with those of your classmates.

Research paper

19. > Pair work < Carry out a research paper on a farm that you know in your area. Find out thefollowing elements:

Name of farmer/s: ...................................................................................................................................................................................

When was the farm set up: ...............................................................................................................................................................

Location: .........................................................................................................................................................................................................

Farm size: .......................................................................................................................................................................................................

Farm production: ....................................................................................................................................................................................

When you have finished answer the following questions.

1. How would you evaluate this farm in terms of profitability?

…………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………..……………………...

2. What kind of marketing strategy did they choose?

…………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………..……………………...

3. Do you think that the products they supply are appropriate to the demand?

…………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………..……………………...

4. Are their products competitive? Why?

…………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………..……………………...

5. If you were asked to propose a change what would you suggest?

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Unit

15

Typesof Agriculture

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………………………...............………………

………………………...............………………

………………………...............………………Industrial

AGRICULTURE

2Knowledge• Main agricultural practices• Different types of agriculture

Skills• Understanding how a successful

rooftop farm works• Describing a graph• Researching the advantages

and disadvantages of industrialagriculture

• Discussing problems related tourban agriculture

Competences• Planning your own farming activity

Warm up

1. > Pair work < In pairs answer the following questions.

1. What is the difference between industrial and sustainable agriculture?

…………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………..……………………...

2. How would you define urban agriculture?

…………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………..……………………...

3. What are its main advantages?

…………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………..……………………...

4. Is urban agriculture practiced in your city or town? If yes, provide some details about it.

…………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………..……………………...

2. Can you think of at least six nouns and adjectives that can be associated with the wordagriculture? One has been done as an example.


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After the Second World War the development of industrial agriculture, or conven-tional farming, was promoted in order to increase food production worldwide.

Industrial agriculture requires huge amounts of innovation in agricultural machin-ery and its utilization, in synthetic fertilizers and pesticides, in genetic technology, inthe use of large amounts of irrigation water as well as creating new markets for con-sumption.

A key feature of the industry is its cultivation of a single crop for food, feed, fi-bre, or fuel purposes, a practice called monoculture. Monoculture results in econo-mies of scale that can reduce production costs and, as a result, the prices of goods inthe marketplace. At the same time, monoculture can deplete the soil of its nutrientsand consequently, makes extensive use of fertilisers and pesticides.

Industrial agriculture is the dominant type of agriculture in Europe and NorthAmerica. It is also found in other countries such as Japan, Australia, South Africa,Argentina and southern Brazil.

Industrial agriculture has a number of advantages. Worth mentioning are the reduc-tion of food costs, the increase in variety and availability of plants and livestock, longershelf life and availability of food products’ and less dependence on human labour.

On the other hand there is a growingconcern about industrial agriculture and itsmethods. This is related to the health haz-ards it poses, the unethical and inhumanetreatment of workers and animals and theendless amount of waste produced. Otherproblems include: the chemicals used to aidthe growing process, the synthetic hormonesand antibiotics administered to farm ani-mals, the preservatives used to allow food tobe stored and shipped for long stretches oftime and the contaminated water from run-off of animal waste and pesticides.(Adapted from: What Makes Industrial Agriculture

‘Industrial’?, www.fewresources.org)

A Industrial Agriculture

GlossaryDeplete: to impoverishShelf life: the length oftime for which an itemremains usable, fit forconsumptionHazard: a danger orriskWaste: any substancewhich is discardedafter primary useRunoff: the drainingaway of water (orsubstances carried init) from the surfaceof an area of land, abuilding or structure,etc.

Industrial agricultureis a modernagricultural practicewhich refers toindustrializedproduction of cropsand livestock. ▶

Read moreabout:EU RuralDevelopmentPolicy

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Unit 2 | Types of Agriculture | A Industrial Agriculture


3. Read the text and find terms and word associations which mean much the same as thefollowing.

1. Macchinari agricoli: .................................................................................................................................

2. Mercati per i beni di consumo: .......................................................................................................

3. Prezzi della merce: .....................................................................................................................................

4. Riduzione dei costi del cibo: ..............................................................................................................

5. Crescente preoccupazione: .................................................................................................................

6. Pericoli per la salute: ................................................................................................................................

7. Trattamento disumano: ........................................................................................................................

8. Prodotti chimici: .........................................................................................................................................

9. Conservanti: ...................................................................................................................................................

10.Deflusso: ............................................................................................................................................................

4. Match each of the expressions from the text with those with the same meaning.

1. A key feature of2. Has a number of advantages3. Worth mentioning are4. On the other hand5. This is related to6. Other problems include

a. Additional issues areb. Has many positive aspectsc. A pivotal aspect ofd. This is connected toe. Howeverf. Of particular interest are

1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6.

5. Read the text again and answer the following questions.

1. What are the main characteristics of industrial agriculture?

…………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………..……………………...

2. Where are they employed?

…………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………..……………………...

3. List two advantages and two disadvantages of industrial agriculture mentioned in the text.

…………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………..……………………...

Research paper

6. Choose one of the disadvantages of industrial agriculture and carry out a research paperabout it. Focus on the following elements:

• features of the problem …………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………..……………………...

• measures taken to solve it ………………………………………………....…………………………………………………………………………………..……………………...

• actions that can be taken to solve it in the future ………....……………………………………………………………………..……………………...

When you have finished write down a short summary of the text integrating it with theinformation you have found in your research. Use some of the terms from exercise 3 andsome of the expressions from exercise 4.


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1. .....................................................................................

The world’s population is expectedto rise dramatically over the next 40years. At the same time, economic de-velopment will lead to an increase indemand for meat, dairy products, veg-etables and fruit.

To feed the world and to feed it well,global food production will need to dou-ble by 2050. The problem, however, isthat half of the habitable land on Earth isalready used for farming.

As resources are limited, the chal-lenge is to achieve global food securitywhile having a positive impact on the en-vironment and society. Sustainable agri-cultural practices provide the solution.2. .....................................................................................

Sustainable agriculture has environmen-tal, social and economic dimensions –and all three must be considered together.

Protecting and improving the natu-ral environment are fundamental, andissues like climate change, energy, waterscarcity, biodiversity and soil degrada-tion need to be addressed.

The social dimension covers labourrights and the health of communities,including access to and affordabilityof food, labour rights and communityhealth. Food quality, safety and animalwelfare are also important social aspects.

On the economic side, sustainableagriculture is productive, efficient andcompetitive.3. .....................................................................................

Today sustainable farming practicescommonly include:• crop rotations that mitigate weeds,

disease, insect and other pest prob-lems, reduce soil erosion and reduce risk of water contamination by agriculturalchemicals;

• pest control strategies that are not harmful to natural systems and humans;• more soil and water conservation practices and strategic use of animal and green

manures;• use of natural and synthetic inputs in ways that pose no significant hazard to man,

animals and the environment.(Adapted from: J. Halliday, Schuttelaar & Partners, Short Guide to Sustainable Agriculture, SAI Platform and

Sustainable Food Lab, www.saiplatform.org, 2009)

B Sustainable Agriculture

GlossaryWelfare: physical andmental healthWeed: a wild plantgrowing where it is notwantedManure: animalexcrement used forfertilizing land. Greenmanure is plants thatare ploughed back intothe soil

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Unit 2 | Types of Agriculture | B Sustainable Agriculture


7. Read the text and give each paragraph a suitable title. Choose from the following.

• Small is beautiful• The need for sustainable agriculture• Co-operation and peace

• Three sides of sustainable agriculture• Soil conservation• Sustainable agriculture in practice

8. Read the text again and fill in the mind map with the correct elements. Choose from thosegiven. Some have been done as examples.

Adjectives

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GlobalAdverbs

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Dramatically

Word associations

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World populationVerbs

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RiseLead toDouble

SUSTAINABLE

AGRICULTURE

When you have finished try and write down five sentences about sustainable agriculture usingsome of the language elements that you have found. One has been done as an example.

1. …………………………………………………………...……………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………..……………………...

2. …………………………………………………………...……………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………..……………………...

3. …………………………………………………………...……………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………..……………………...

4. …………………………………………………………...……………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………..……………………...

5. …………………………………………………………...……………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………..……………………...

Sustainable agriculture will help protect and improve the natural environment.

• World population• Rise• Economic development• Dramatically• Global• Lead to• Feed• Double• Food production• Have• Fundamental• However• Environmental, social, economical

dimensions

• Protect• Improve• Natural environment• Productive• Reduce• Efficient• Climate change• Crop rotation• Harmful• Pest control strategies• Commonly• Conservation practices


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The rapid growth of cities in the developing world is placing enormous demands onurban food supply systems.

Urban and Peri-Urban Agriculture (UPA) can be defined as the growing of plantsand the raising of animals within and around cities.

Urban and Peri-Urban Agriculture provides food products from different typesof crops (grains, root crops, vegetables, mushrooms, fruits), animals (poultry, rabbits,goats, sheep, cattle, pigs, guinea pigs, fish, etc.) as well as non-food products (e.g.aromatic and medicinal herbs, ornamental plants, tree products). UPA can make animportant contribution to household food security, especially in times of crisis orfood shortage.

Urban farmingVegetables have a short production cycle; some can be harvested within 60 days ofplanting, making them well suited for urban farming.

Garden plots can be up to 15 times more productive than rural holdings. An areaof just one square metre can provide 20 kg of food a year.

Urban vegetable growers spend less on transport, packaging and storage, and cansell directly through street food stands and market stalls. More income goes to theminstead of to middlemen. Urban agriculture provides employment and incomes forpoor women and other disadvantaged groups.

Horticulture can generate one job every 100 m3 garden in production, input sup-ply, marketing and value-addition from producer to consumer.

However, in many countries, UPA goes unrecognized in agricultural policies andin urban planning. Growers often operate without permits. Since it is officially “invis-ible”, the sector receives no public assistance or attention in many cities.

Urban agriculture carries health and environmental risks – potential use of con-taminated land and stagnant water, urban pollution, inappropriate use of pesticidesand the use of raw manure that can leak into water table. These issues require properattention.(Adapted from: www.fao.org/urban-agriculture/en/)

C Urban and Peri-urban Agriculture

GlossaryShortage: situationin which somethingneeded cannot beobtained in sufficientamountsSuited: right orappropriateStand: a base fordisplaying somethingStall: a stand, booth,or compartment forthe sale of goods ina market or largecovered areaMiddleman: a personwho buys goods fromproducers and sellsthem to retailers orconsumers

Read moreabout:Garden cities

The Food andAgricultureOrganization (FAO)is a United Nationagency that worksto make agricultureforestry and fisheriesmore productive andsustainable.

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Unit 2 | Types of Agriculture | C Urban and Peri-urban Agriculture


9. Read the text and find verbs that are associated with the following terms.

1. ............................................ plants

2. ............................................ animals

3. ............................................ a contribution

4. ............................................ employment

5. ............................................ assistance

6. ............................................ risks

When you have finished try and find another verb that can be associated with each of theterms above. You can use the dictionary for help.

Writing

10. Complete the following interview between a journalist (A) and Toby Backland (B), agriculturalofficer at FAO.

A: Good morning Mr Backland. I would like to ask you a few questions.

B: ………………………………………………………………….....……………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………..……………………...

A: Urban agriculture is spreading increasingly to towns and cities. What kind of products does itprovide?

B: ………………………………………………………………….....……………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………..……………………...

A: It has been said that urban agriculture has a number of advantages. Could you tell us somethingabout that?

B: ………………………………………………………………….....……………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………..……………………...

A: Does urban agriculture achieve equal recognition in all countries?

B: ………………………………………………………………….....……………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………..……………………...

A: Are there any kind of risks involved in it?

B: ………………………………………………………………….....……………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………..……………………...

Research paper

11. > Pair work < Here are some examples of urban agriculture:

• home vegetable gardens• rooftop vegetable gardening• backyard poultry

• beekeepin• fish farming• farm to school

Form groups of three or four. Each group chooses one of the examples above and has to findout the following elements. You can browse the Internet for information.

• Definition• Reasons for doing it

When finished, each group will present its findings to the rest of the classroom. Use thelexicon given.

1. We have chosen ...2. This type of urban agriculture consists of ...3. It can be carried out ...4. It was developed because ...5. It has a good number of advantages including ...


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Open discussion

12. > Pair work < Despite its numerous advantages, research shows that urban agriculture isstill informal and sometimes illegal. Think of three actions that could be taken to solve thisproblem. When you have finished compare your answers with those of your classmates.

Listening

13. Growing vegetables on a roof may seem to be futuristic, but can become a reality if thecorrect technical expertise is applied. Urban roofs are providing new fields of farmingactivity. With over two acres of rooftops under cultivation in Brooklyn and Queens, BrooklynGrange Farm is one of the largest urban rooftop farms in the world.Listen to the interview with Anastasia Cole, vice president of Brooklyn Grange Farm andcomplete the following sentences.

1. Brooklyn Farm is a commercial urban farm, meaning that we grow ………………………...............………………

and sell it.2. Rooftop farms have the potential to improve urban ………………………...............………………, create jobs,

increase access to healthy foods and provide environmental and agricultural education tothose of us who live and love the ………………………...............………………

3. We grow dozens of crops each season and harvest over ………………………...............………………of produceevery year.

4. The pollutants of greatest concern are ………………………...............……………… . They are denser than air, sovegetables grown on a rooftop high above the ………………………...............……………… are protected fromthese contaminants.

5. Along with our products we offer a number of events and ………………………...............……………… .6. If you want to know about our activities you can visit our website at: ………………………...............……………… .

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GROW LONDONUrban gardening is a growing trend in manyof the largest cities in the world. Londonersare really embracing the global trend tothink, eat and grow locally.

GROW London, a festival for urbangardeners is held in London every June.GROW London brings together the worldsof horticulture and contemporary designlike no other event in the UK. It’s theideal place for finding plenty of ideas onhow to transform your outside space.Along with that, the festival showcases anextraordinary selection of outdoor furniture,rare plants and flowers, and a variety offine garden sculptures, pots, planters,accessories and tools.

Learn more about it by visiting:www.growlondon.com

INT

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ES

TIN

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AC

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WORKING FOR SUSTAINABILITYThere are many career opportunitiesboth in sustainable and urbanagriculture. These include: programmanager, fresh operations manager,agronomist, sustainable food systemscampaigner, director in sustainableagriculture practice and so on.

In order to start out on one of theseand other careers in agriculture you mayneed a degree in a specific sector. Have alook at the online degree in SustainableFood and Farming offered by the Universityof Massachusetts Stockbridge Schoolof Agriculture (www.stockbridge.cns.umass.edu) and find out about: admissionrequirements, application materials,requirements for students whose nativelanguage is not English, and fees.

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Unit 2 | Types of Agriculture | D What Is Mini Farming?

Mini farming is a lot like gardening, exceptthat is seen from the perspective of economics.

Gardening is a hobby because of the waymost people do it. By the time you account forthe costs of transplants, seeds, fertilizer andpesticides, you only manage to break eveneconomically. The value of the food grownapproximates the cost of the inputs.

Alternatively, mini farming looks at theyard around your home as a source of valua-ble products. Your home is transformed froma place of consumption into a centre of pro-duction that pays you back.

Another issue is nutrition. Several studies have shown that the fresh fruits andvegetables more need are quite expensive. In fact, healthy low-calorie foods are aboutten times as expensive than the unhealthy calorie-dense foods available.

Even for the people who can regularly afford fruit and vegetables, the depletion oftrace nutrients in agricultural lands over the decades has led to a constant reductionin the nutritional content of the vegetables we buy.

Mini farming methods use organic amendments rich in trace minerals as well ascomposting and biochar to retain those minerals. Of course, food grown at home isfresher than food from the supermarket, which results in a higher vitamin content as well.

On the scale of a mini farm, sustainable organic methods not only produce themost nutritious food, but they are the most economically productive as well. Minifarming combines intensive agricultural methods with organic sustainable methodsand up-to-date soil and pest management practices to provide an amazing produc-tion of nutritious and delicious food at a net profit.(Adapted from: B. Markham, Mini Farming Handbook, Skyhorse Publishing, 2014)

GlossaryBreak even: to reacha point in a businessventure when theprofits are equal to thecostsAmendment:something which isadded to soil in orderto improve its textureor fertilityBiochar: charcoalproduced from plantmatter and stored inthe soil as a meansof removing carbondioxide from theatmosphereUp-to-date:incorporating thelatest developmentsand trends

D What Is Mini Farming?


14. Read the text and tick the topics mentioned.

1. Difference between gardening and mini farming

2. Starting with the soil

3. Dealing with neighbouring properties

4. Reasons for being engaged in mini farming

5. Disadvantages of industrially farmed foods

6. History of mini farming

7. Crop rotation

8. Economical and nutritional advantages

15. Write down the advantages of mini farming mentioned in the text.

1. ..................................................................................................................................................................................................................................

2. ..................................................................................................................................................................................................................................

3. ..................................................................................................................................................................................................................................

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Module 1 | Why Start a Farming Business?

16. > Pair work < This is a list of verbs from the text: find at least one term that could beassociated with each of them. Use the dictionary for help. The first has been done as anexample.

1. Do: .........................................................................................................................................................................................................................

2. Transform: ......................................................................................................................................................................................................

3. Produce: ............................................................................................................................................................................................................

4. Use: .......................................................................................................................................................................................................................

5. Raise: ...................................................................................................................................................................................................................

6. Combine: .........................................................................................................................................................................................................

7. Provide: .............................................................................................................................................................................................................

17. Look at this pie chart showing the world’s farms by farm size. It covers a total of about 460million farms in 111 countries. Describe it using the lexicon given.

gardening, an activity

72% (<1 ha)

12% (1-2 ha)

10% (2-5 ha)

3% (5-10 ha)

1% (10-20 ha)2% (>20 ha)

How to talk about plans, desires and advice

When you are imagining a situation or action that is not real you use would or wouldn’t.It would be nice to grow organic vegetables

When you want to express a desire or inclination.I would live to work in the USA.

When you give advice.f I were you, I would purchase a new tractor.

GRAMMAR CORNER

• This chart shows ...• As you can see ...• Worldwide farms of less than ... account for ...• Farms between ... account for• In contrast ...• It appears evident that ...

18. > Grammar < Match the expressions in column A with those in column B to form sentences.

1. I would love to2. If I were you I would not3. I would like4. I would purchase5. If I were you I would

a. that plot of land if I had the money.b. contact a qualified soil testing lab.c. use this pesticide, because it is harmful.d. grow olive trees.e. to set up my own farm.

1. 2. 3. 4. 5.

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Let’s put theory into practice

Making a business planYou have decided to start farming. As you have seen there are many factors totake into account when you decide to start a farming business.

1. Answer the questions below.

• What are your favourite tasks on the farm (e.g., handling animals, production, marketing)?

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• How much do you like working with others, including employees, family members, andbusiness partners? Would you rather work by yourself?

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• Do you enjoy marketing and having contact with customers? Why or why not?

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• Approximately how many hours a week are you willing and able to work? Consider bothon-farm and off-farm work.

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• Are you a risk taker? Are you comfortable with uncertainty, or do you prefer to knowwhat to expect in most situations? Why?

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2. Think about your future farm. What do you imagine? Write a brief description of yourideal farm.

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Let’s put theory into practice

Making a business planYou have decided to start farming. As you have seen there are many factors totake into account when you decide to start a farming business.

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3. Write a mission statement for your farm, specifying your short, medium and long term goals.Include the reasons why you want to farm. If you have a partner in the farm, discuss how yourgoals work together.

Use some of the terms and expressions from exercises 11 and 12 contained in Unit 1.

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A SWOT Analysis takes into account strengths, weaknesses, opportunities and threats. It can helpyou identify obstacles and advantages of your farming or potential farm venture. First, identify eachpro and con as a strength, weakness, opportunity, or threat. Strengths may include knowledge, priorexperiences of your farm team, equipment etc. Weaknesses can be lack of experience or money.Opportunities may include educational programs and access to specific areas of the market andthreats could be rising input costs and lack of access to labour.

4. Complete this SWOT Analysis of your future farm with the appropriate information.

Strengths Weaknesses

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Opportunities Threats

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5. Write a business description and a marketing plan.Use the information contained in the text ‘Getting Started in Farming’ in Unit 1 at page 6.

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When you have finished compare your work with that of your classmates.

Documents

Module 1 Why Start a Farming Business? - Zanichelli · (Adapted from: Tnau Agritech Portal, Introduction to Farm Management, , 2013) Glossary Policy: a course ... Why Start a Farming