ELI5: Explain Like I'm 5

Industrial agriculture (crops)

Industrial agriculture, also known as modern or factory farming, means growing crops on a large scale using machines, chemicals, and technology to produce a lot of food quickly and with little human labor.

The process starts by planting seeds, and instead of using people and animals to till the soil and water the crops, heavy machinery like tractors and irrigation systems are used. This helps farmers to plant and harvest crops in a shorter period, which saves time and makes farming more efficient.

To protect the plants from pests and weeds, chemical pesticides and herbicides are sprayed. These chemicals can kill unwanted plants and insects but can also make the soil unhealthy and pollute the water.

Industrial agriculture also uses genetically modified crops that are created in a lab to be more resistant to pests and weather changes. They can grow more yield per acre than traditional crops, but there are concerns about their safety and long-term effects on biodiversity.

In conclusion, industrial agriculture can produce a lot of food, but it also has negative impacts on the environment, animal welfare, and human health. It is important to find a balance between producing enough food to feed the world's growing population while taking care of the planet's resources for future generations.