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Getting food to the grocery store is a complex and labor-intensive process involving several systems that begins with agricultural production and ends with food distribution. In the simplest terms, it involves four steps: production, processing, distribution, and consumer market.

The first step is producing or growing the food — that is, growing plants to feed animals producing meat, and growing grains, fruits, and vegetables for human food. Food production relies on growers, including farmers and ranchers, workers, and critical inputs (soil, sun, natural resources, and water). After harvest, plant or animal products must be stored properly and at proper temperatures, all the way through the process from storage to distribution centers to grocers (usually within only a few days) and then to homes.

When a seed is planted, it can take anywhere from three to six weeks to water and fertilize the crop and ensure that there are no issues with pests. When a fruit or vegetable crop is ready for harvest, it must be picked at the right stage of ripeness and the right time of day. Fruits and vegetables are examined for regularity in size and appearance. Fruits or vegetables that are less than perfect often get used for juices or other foods such as canned soups or fruit. Unfortunately, some imperfect produce will be left in the field too, mostly because consumers expect only “perfect” produce to be on supermarket shelves.

People have strong convictions about food and eating — whether it’s discussions about which foods are best to eat, claims about what food can do for you, or how food may harm you.

Over the years, I’ve heard a lot of misinformation about how food is produced or grown. I’ve found farmers to be a great resource for learning more about where your food comes from. I’ve visited many farms across the United States and talked candidly with fruit and vegetable farmers, dairy farmers, and farmers who raise pigs and cattle. Overwhelmingly, I’ve found them to be good people who care about the land, the environment, their animals, their families, and their communities. They eat the food they grown and harvest, and they’re proud to bring safe and nutritious food to the whole country.

Luckily, some farmers have taken to social media to share their stories so those who are removed from the land in which food is grown or produced can better understand the challenges and processes involved in bringing food to our supermarkets.

The following sections cover some common misconceptions.