What is the artificial cultivation of food, fiber, and other goods called?

The artificial cultivation of food, fiber, and other goods is referred to as agriculture. This term encompasses a broad range of activities, including the planting of crops for food, the raising of livestock for meat, milk, and other products, and the development of various techniques to improve crop yields and animal husbandry.

Agriculture is a foundational aspect of human society and has been pivotal in the advancement of civilization. It involves not just planting and harvesting but also includes aspects like soil management, irrigation, and pest control, all aimed at optimizing productivity and sustainability.

While horticulture specifically refers to the cultivation of garden plants, fruits, and vegetables, it represents a subset of agriculture and does not cover the broader spectrum of agricultural practices. Silviculture pertains to the growth and cultivation of trees, focusing primarily on forestry, which is again a specialized sector within the larger agricultural framework. Farming is often used interchangeably with agriculture but can sometimes imply a more specific focus on the cultivation of crops and livestock rather than the entire domain of agricultural practices. Thus, agriculture remains the most accurate term for the overall process of cultivating a variety of goods.