a type of farming in which most of the produce (subsistence crop) is consumed by the farmer and his or her family, leaving little or nothing to be marketed
subsistence farming in American English
noun
1.
farming whose products are intended to provide for the basic needs of the farmer, with little surplus for marketing
2.
farming that brings little or no profit to the farmer, allowing only for a marginal livelihood
Also: subsistence agriculture
Word origin
[1935–40]This word is first recorded in the period 1935–40. Other words that entered Englishat around the same time include: Arts and Crafts Movement, bingo, gangbuster, hard core, unit trust
Examples of 'subsistence farming' in a sentence
subsistence farming
As nations emerge from the poverty of subsistence farming, they build heavy industry.
Times, Sunday Times (2009)
Most of its 12 million people are dependent on subsistence farming.
Times, Sunday Times (2009)
But does eating locally necessarily entail a regression to subsistence farming?
The Times Literary Supplement (2012)
It aims to help farmers to leave subsistence farming for higher-value crops.
Times, Sunday Times (2007)
The villagers scrape a living by subsistence farming, which brings in just about enough to keep them fed and clothed, but little more.
Times, Sunday Times (2010)
The conversion of millions from subsistence farming to salaried jobs could create consumer demand of a sort never before seen.
Times, Sunday Times (2010)
The emphasis on projects to help small-scale producers go beyond mere subsistence farming is increasing.
Times, Sunday Times (2013)
They do not make up for the wealth differences between ourselves and subsistence farming communities.
Times, Sunday Times (2010)
We will not be reduced to subsistence farming and exporting fish and chips if the banks leave.