Commercially-farmed

Relating to the practice of agriculture on a large scale for profit, often employing intensive methods. This typically involves cultivating crops or raising livestock with the primary aim of generating revenue through sale. Commercial farming often prioritizes efficiency, standardization, and maximizing yields, sometimes at the expense of environmental sustainability or animal welfare. The term highlights the economic focus of the operation, differentiating it from subsistence farming or hobby farming. It encompasses a wide variety of agricultural activities, from monoculture crop production to concentrated animal feeding operations (CAFOs).

Commercially-farmed meaning with examples

• The supermarket chain sourced its produce exclusively from commercially-farmed orchards, ensuring a consistent supply and standardized appearance for consumers. However, this practice raised concerns about potential pesticide use and the impact on biodiversity. The sheer scale of production allowed them to meet demand affordably and quickly.
• The debate raged over whether commercially-farmed salmon, raised in tightly controlled aquaculture pens, offered the same nutritional value and ethical considerations as wild-caught fish. Critics cited concerns about overcrowding and disease, while proponents argued it was a sustainable way to meet increasing consumer demand for seafood.
• The government implemented regulations to improve the conditions of commercially-farmed chickens, mandating larger enclosures and access to natural light. These measures aimed to balance the economic interests of farmers with the ethical concerns of consumers and animal welfare activists, promoting more humane methods.
• Growing environmental awareness has led to increased scrutiny of commercially-farmed crops, particularly those reliant on heavy applications of fertilizers and pesticides. Consumers seek out organic options, supporting more sustainable agricultural practices and minimizing their impact on ecosystems. The trend is to make farming more sustainable.