Mixed farming

NACE code 01.5, 'Mixed farming', encompasses a diverse range of agricultural activities that combine the production of various crops and the rearing of different livestock. This industry plays a vital role in the global food supply chain, providing a wide array of agricultural products to meet the diverse needs of consumers and other industries. Mixed farming operations are particularly prevalent in regions with varied climates and soil conditions, allowing for the efficient utilization of available resources and the diversification of production.

Mixed farming operations typically involve a combination of crop cultivation and animal husbandry. Farmers may grow a variety of crops, such as cereals, vegetables, and fruits, while also raising livestock like cattle, sheep, pigs, or poultry. The integration of these activities allows for the efficient use of resources, as waste products from one enterprise can be used as inputs for another. Farmers often employ techniques like crop rotation, intercropping, and integrated pest management to maintain soil fertility, control pests, and enhance the overall sustainability of their operations.

The main inputs required for mixed farming include land, water, seeds or seedlings, fertilizers, pesticides, and livestock. Farmers may also rely on specialized machinery and equipment for planting, harvesting, and processing their agricultural products. Additionally, labor, both skilled and unskilled, is a crucial input for the various tasks involved in mixed farming, such as crop cultivation, animal care, and product processing.

The outputs of mixed farming operations are diverse and can include a wide range of agricultural products, such as 01.1 Crop and animal production, hunting and related service activities, 10.1 Processing and preserving of meat and production of meat products, 10.3 Processing and preserving of fruit and vegetables, and 10.6 Manufacture of grain mill products, starches and starch products. These outputs are then consumed by various industries, including food processing, retail, and manufacturing, as well as by individual consumers.