Final answer:
The leading crops in Central America are coffee and sugar cane, favored by the tropical climate and rich volcanic soils found in the region. These are grown primarily in coastal and mountainous areas and are significant for both domestic use and export.
Step-by-step explanation:
The two leading crops in Central America are coffee and sugar cane. These crops thrive in the region's tropical climates, which are ideal for their growth. Coffee and sugar cane have been historically important since being introduced by Europeans and have continued to be significant for both the domestic consumption and export market, particularly with a primary trading partner such as the United States.
The areas where these crops are primarily grown include the coastal regions and the fertile mountainous areas with rich volcanic soils. The combination of favorable climate and soil conditions has made Central America an important production hub for these crops. The mountain regions, benefitted by volcanic activity, have particularly attracted agricultural development due to the rich soils there, enhancing the growth of these crops.
It's also worth noting that plantation agriculture is prominent in Central America, focusing on cash crops like bananas and coffee for export. Importantly, the 'three sisters' field cropping system, which includes maize, beans, and squash, is a traditional practice in regions like Quiche, Guatemala, indicating the prevalence of these staple foods in local agriculture as well.