About Food Production
Food production is a chain involving farmers, harvest crews, storage facilities, processors, truckers, inspectors, wholesalers, retailers, restaurants, and consumers. A problem at one stage can affect the entire chain.
Harvest
Harvest removes the crop or animal product at the right stage.
Learn MoreStorage
Storage slows spoilage and protects quality.
Learn MoreProcessing
Processing changes raw agricultural products into usable foods.
Learn MoreTransportation
Food often travels through several vehicles and warehouses.
Learn MoreInspection
Food systems use standards and inspections to protect safety and quality.
Learn MoreFood Loss and Waste
Food can be lost on farms, during transport, in stores, or in homes.
Learn MoreTraceability
Records help identify where food came from.
Learn MoreWorkers
Food production depends on many kinds of skilled labor.
Learn MoreHarvest
Timing affects flavor, moisture, storage life, and quality. Some crops are hand-picked, while others are harvested mechanically.
Storage
Grain bins control moisture and insects, refrigerated rooms slow produce decay, and milk is cooled quickly after collection.
Processing
Milling wheat into flour, pasteurizing milk, freezing vegetables, pressing oil, and canning fruit are all forms of food processing.
Transportation
Cold chains keep perishable foods chilled or frozen from production to sale.
Inspection
Rules may cover sanitation, temperatures, residues, labeling, animal health, and facility conditions.
Food Loss and Waste
Better storage, packaging, forecasting, donations, composting, and consumer habits can reduce waste.
Traceability
Lot codes, farm records, shipping documents, and digital tracking systems are useful during recalls or quality investigations.
Workers
Farm operators, mechanics, veterinarians, crop advisers, truck drivers, scientists, inspectors, warehouse workers, and food processors all contribute.