The Von Thünen Model

The Von Thünen Model explains agricultural land use and location based on distance from a market. Developed in the early 19th century by economist Johann Heinrich von Thünen, it suggests that different types of farming are organized in concentric circles around a central city. Close to the city, you'll find perishable goods like fruits and vegetables, as they need to be transported quickly. Further out, you'll find dairy, then grains, and finally livestock, which require more space and can be transported over longer distances. This model illustrates how transportation costs influence land use and agricultural production.