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Coffee: Coffee noun 1. a bush or small tree widely grown in the tropics for its seeds, which are used to make a drink. Latin name: Coffea arabica. 2. The drink prepared from the seeds of coffee bushes. COMMENT: The two main varieties of coffee are Arabica and Robusta. The Arabica shrub, (Coffea arabica) was originally grown in the southern parts of the highlands of Ethiopia, and was later introduced into south-western Arabia. The Arabica plant only grows well on altitudes of 1,000m and above. It represents 75% of the world’s total coffee production. Arabica coffee beans are generally considered to produce a higher quality drink than those obtained from the Robusta coffee plant (Coffea canephora) which originated in West Africa. Robusta coffee has a stronger and more bitter taste than Arabica. The most important area for growing coffee is South America, especially Bolivia, Brazil, and Colombia, though it is also grown in Kenya and Indonesia. Cultivating coffee plants requires specific climatic conditions and understanding market demands.

Coppicing: Coppicing noun the practice of regularly cutting down trees near to the ground to produce strong straight shoots for fuel or other uses Coppicing, a traditional method of woodland management, is now of interest for producing biofuel. COMMENT: The best trees for coppicing are those which naturally send up several tall straight stems from a bole, such as willow, alder, or poplar. In coppice management, the normal cycle is about five to ten years of growth, after which the stems are cut back. Implementing coppicing practices provides sustainable wood production and enhances forest management.

Carrot: A vegetable root crop (Daucus carota) grown for human consumption. Growing carrots provides nutritious food and valuable produce for fresh markets and processing, contributing to farm income.

Carbamate: A pesticide used as an insecticide, herbicide, and fungicide, no longer approved for use in the UK. Understanding the history and regulation of carbamates helps farmers adopt safer pest management practices.

Crop Protection Association: Crop Protection Association noun an association which promotes best practice in food safety with regard to the use of pesticides on crops. Abbr CPA. Engaging with the Crop Protection Association supports best practices in crop management and pest control.

Cheese: Food made from cow’s milk curds. Understanding cheese production helps farmers and processors produce high-quality dairy products for the market.

Country Planning: Country planning noun the activity of organizing how land is to be used in the countryside and the amount and type of building there will be. Also called rural planning. Implementing country planning practices supports sustainable land use and rural development.

Cotton: Cotton noun a white downy fibrous substance surrounding the seeds of the cotton plant, a subtropical plant (Gossypium sp.). COMMENT: Cotton is widely grown in tropical and sub-tropical areas, including China, India, Pakistan, Paraguay, and the southern states of the USA; it is the main crop of Egypt. It is sold packed in standard bales. Understanding cotton production aids in managing crops and optimizing yields.

Cider Press: A device for crushing apples to extract juice for cider making. Using cider presses helps farmers manage apple processing efficiently and produce high-quality cider.

Caesium: A metallic alkali element that is one of the main radioactive pollutants taken up by fish. Monitoring caesium levels in water and soil helps farmers prevent contamination and protect food safety.