Paula Jones, age 12, of Monroe, La., for her question:

WHY IS IT CALLED TRUCK FARMING?

Truck farming is the production of vegetable crops on a large scale, usually in areas well suited to these crops, and distribution of the crops to markets by road or rail over long distances. Smaller farms commonly provide produce to nearby cities.

Large scale truck farming developed with the growth of industrialized societies. The word "truck" refers to the original practice of bartering goods rather than the use of trucks for the shipment of the product.

Truck farming is actually raising vegetables for market.

The terms "truck farm" and "truck garden" mean the same thing. The old use of the word "truck" meant "to exchange or barter goods." People have come to speak of vegetables that are raised for sale as garden truck.

Truck farm products are the second largest food group in the United States in terms of volume and consumption. Only milk and milk products exceed them. The leading truck farming states include California, Florida, New York and Texas.