ABSTRACT
The discussion in this chapter is concerned with the geoenvironment stressors generated from the primary sets of activities associated with agricultural-based food production. These activities include the production and harvesting of farm products (including livestock) and the industries identified with these sets of activities. These industries are upstream industries. They fall under the classification of agroindustry. By definition, upstream industries deal with the production of raw materials that are later transformed to finished products by downstream industries. They are known generally as agroprocessing industries. They include industries producing food products for the consumer, textiles, forest products, etc. Agriculture (farming and food production) is a basic activity and an essential component in the life-support system of the human population. To obtain a sustainable society, the geoenvironment natural capital must be maintained at a sustainable level-meaning that harvesting and utilization of the resources represented by the natural capital must meet the requirements of replenishment and regrowth. In respect to the vital issue of food production to satisfy the needs of a sustainable society, this means that the activities associated with food production must be managed within the context of a sustainable agroecosystem.
