Final answer:
The key factor in dividing the world into agricultural regions is whether the product is for on-farm consumption or for the market. Climate, water availability, and market proximity are critical influencers on the type of agriculture practiced. Different agricultural regions have evolved based on these natural and economic factors.
Step-by-step explanation:
The most important distinction for dividing the world into agricultural regions is whether the product is consumed on or off the farm. The geographic distribution of agricultural activities is influenced by factors such as climate, availability of water, and proximity to markets. These conditions lead to different types of farming, including subsistence agriculture, which is designed to feed just the farmer's family, and commercial agriculture, which is oriented towards market production.
For instance, the model proposed by Johann von Thünen suggests that the land closest to a market would be used for perishable products like dairy due to high transport costs, while land further away would be more suitable for crops like grain that are less perishable and cheaper to transport. Furthermore, in the United States, about half of all land is used for agriculture, though much of it is not for direct human consumption but rather for commodities such as biofuels, and to feed livestock.
Different climates and land compositions lead to diverse agricultural regions, each with unique characteristics and production focuses. These regions evolve based on both natural conditions and human economic decisions. Throughout history, agriculture has developed independently in areas such as the Fertile Crescent, India, China, and the Americas, offering a wide array of agricultural practices around the world today.