In order for food to get to your table, it must make its way from a raw agricultural product through production channels before it reaches you, the final consumer. These channels form a production chain composed of seven basic steps.
The first step is production, the act of growing a crop or animal for food. In this stage, the crop is cultivated or the animal is raised until the optimal harvesting stage.
The second step is harvesting, the act of gathering raw agricultural products for consumer use. This step may be done by hand, but most often is done with the help of equipment.
The third step is processing, the conversion of a raw product into a product ready for human consumption. Some foods require less processing than others.
The fourth step is distribution, the transportation of products from their processing point to the place where they are available for sale.
The fifth step is marketing, this includes everything that is done to convince consumers to purchase a product. Marketing takes place at the grocery store, in restaurants, on TV, and through various other media outlets.
The sixth step is consumption, this involves the actual use of the food product by the consumer. When you eat your canned corn, you are taking your place in the production chain.
The seventh and final step is disposal, the management of the unused portion of the product purchased for consumption.
The waste management system that hauls away your trash and recyclables would be an example of this final step in the food production chain.