There are many aspects and activities that make life on Earth possible. One thing that separates humans from all the other animals is our social organization and societies. Humans have lived in societies for several thousand years. One of the most important discoveries in the history of humankind is the discovery of agriculture. In this article I’ll discuss the most important factors regarding agriculture and farming, and why it is literally the backbone of modern society, and why without it we, as humans, would no be able to exist in such large numbers.

Of course, farms produce food. In the past, a farm would supply a small village or country. But today’s farms provide food for the entire world. Most food you eat is a collection of products from farms around the world. Sugar from Australia, soybeans from Brazil, Potatoes from the Unites States. These foods examples of how interconnected each country really is. Without such large production and widespread distribution of food from farms, the global economy would soon collapse.

As the world’s oil supplies are starting to shrink, we must prepare for the day they finally run out. Farms may hold the key to an unlimited supply of clean fuel. Ethanol, a fuel made from corn, is something that may replace gasoline, which is derived from crude oil. While it is far from perfect, and not as efficient as it could be, ethanol may one day completely replace our dependence on crude oil. Farms would then be sources of food, and fuel.

Another important aspect of farming is research and development. Many believe that with a certain size of dirt, there’s so much food you can grow. But as the world’s population continues to grow, innovative farmers are finding more efficient ways to increase the yield from the same land. Over the past hundred years, the yield per acre has increased significantly, as farming technology has increased to support a fast growing population.

Finally, farming is an important part of many counties economy. Free trade is the backbone of any countries chance at prosperity, and so long as there is a consumer somewhere in the world, countries can prosper. For example, if a country can only grow sweet potatoes, they can sell them on the open market, and use the money to buy the food that they need. They aren’t stuck eating only sweet potatoes.

In short, farming is a fundament yet incredible aspect of the global economy. It keeps countries prosperous, it keeps people fed, and it may well end our dependence on fossil fuels sometime in the future.