Which of the following is a direct example of a cash crop and its typical region?

• A. Corn in North America
• B. Rice in Northern Europe
• C. Wheat in Antarctica
• D. Coffee in Latin America and Africa

Answer: (D)

A cash crop is grown mainly for sale to others in international markets rather than for the farmer’s own use. Coffee fits this idea well because it is produced primarily to be exported and sold globally, making it a staple example of cash cropping. Regions like Latin America and Africa have climates—tropical with suitable altitude—that support large coffee industries, and these areas rely on coffee export income rather than solely on local food production.

In contrast, corn grown in North America is largely a staple crop used for food and feed, not primarily an export-for-profit cash crop. Rice in Northern Europe isn’t typical due to climate and agricultural patterns, since rice thrives in warm, wet environments more common in Asia and parts of Africa. Wheat in Antarctica isn’t feasible given the extreme conditions. So the direct example of a cash crop and its typical region is coffee in Latin America and Africa.