United States of America

United States occupies a vast area of approximately 9.83 million km² in North America and has a population of over 330 million people. Its geography is highly diverse and includes the Atlantic and Pacific coastal plains, the Appalachian Mountains in the east, the central lowlands and Great Plains, and the western mountain systems such as the Rocky Mountains and Sierra Nevada. Major river systems, including the Mississippi River, provide fertile agricultural land and transportation routes. The country’s climate ranges from humid continental and subtropical to arid and Mediterranean, supporting a wide range of agricultural and ecological zones.

Historically, the territory was inhabited by diverse Indigenous peoples prior to European colonisation beginning in the 16th and 17th centuries. British settlement along the Atlantic coast laid the foundation for an agrarian economy based on crops such as tobacco and cotton, often produced on plantations using enslaved labour. Following independence in 1776, westward expansion opened vast areas of fertile land in the interior, particularly in the Great Plains and Mississippi Valley. Advances in mechanisation and infrastructure during the 19th and 20th centuries transformed agriculture into one of the most productive in the world.

Today, the primary sector remains highly significant despite the dominance of industry and services. Agriculture, forestry and fisheries together contribute about 1–2% of GDP, yet the United States is one of the world’s largest producers and exporters of food and agricultural commodities. Approximately 44% of the land area is used for agriculture, including cropland and pasture.

The United States leads global production of crops such as maize (corn), soybeans and wheat. Corn production alone exceeds 350 million tonnes annually, while soybean output surpasses 120 million tonnes in many years. Livestock production is also substantial, with large-scale cattle, poultry and dairy industries forming a major component of agricultural output.

Forests cover roughly 33% of the country’s land area, making forestry an important resource sector. Timber, pulp and paper industries are particularly significant in regions such as the Pacific Northwest and the southeastern states. Sustainable forest management has become an increasing focus in recent decades.

Fisheries contribute a relatively small share of GDP but are regionally important, especially in coastal states such as Alaska and along the Gulf of Mexico. Key marine products include salmon, pollock, shrimp and crab. Inland fisheries and aquaculture also support local economies.

Overall, the primary sector in the United States reflects the interaction of extensive natural resources, technological innovation and historical development. Fertile plains support large-scale crop production, vast forests underpin timber industries, and long coastlines sustain fisheries. Although the sector represents a small proportion of national output, it remains critical for global food supply, exports and rural livelihoods.

Gerold first visited the United States in 1985, travelling with Stefan Wenzel from New York across the country. After hiking in the Grand Canyon, the journey continued to San Francisco and along the West Coast, including visits to Yosemite National Park and the redwood forests. The return journey by car led through Death Valley, the Rocky Mountains, Chicago, and Niagara Falls back to New York. In 1990, Gerold travelled through the United States with Klaudia during their honeymoon, driving extensively across the country from Miami through the South and Southwest.
Further visits followed in 2001, 2006 — including participation in a conference in Minneapolis — and 2008, when Gerold was invited by the University of New Hampshire as a senior scientist in the field of organic dairy research.
While Gerold appreciated the vast landscapes, these visits ultimately reinforced his preference for the cultural and regional diversity of Europe. 

Klaudia was once in the USA, in Los Angelas, with Edith, on a tour to Mexico.