Farmers raise crops to sell on the market. This is called commercial farming. Many crops are raised for export. In the developing countries of Africa, Asia, and South America, crops such as coffee, tea, and cacao are grown for export. These crops are an important source of income for these countries.
Many countries sell commodities instead of finished products.
For example, Brazil may sell sacks of coffee beans to the United States. Explain to participants that they will be testing the idea of supply and demand and trading agricultural products as countries. They should spend anywhere from 10 to 70 percent of their money on food. The more money that is spent on food, the less it is available for housing, education, and other needs. If they don't have enough food or money, they must appeal to the other countries to share resources.