Original: Economic factors , such as regulations and standards for quality and appearance , also cause food waste ; farmers often harvest selectively , preferring to leave crops not to standard in the field ( where they can be used as fertilizer or animal feed ) , since they would otherwise be discarded later .
Simplified: Food is also wasted because it does not meet certain standards or regulations for quality and appearance As a result , certain crops that do not meet these standards are not harvested ; left in the field , they can provide fertilizer , or food for animals .