What was one effect of the Columbian Exchange on agriculture?

The Columbian Exchange had a profound effect on agriculture, particularly through the introduction of new cash crops. One of the most significant developments was the cultivation of tobacco, which became a highly sought-after export in Europe. This new market for tobacco spurred the establishment of tobacco plantations in the Americas, particularly in regions like Virginia and Maryland. These plantations required considerable labor, which in many cases led to the increased importation of enslaved Africans to provide the workforce necessary for large-scale tobacco farming. The success of tobacco as a cash crop fundamentally altered agricultural practices and economies in the colonies.

The introduction of this new crop not only transformed agricultural landscapes but also influenced socioeconomic systems, migration patterns, and the very foundation of agricultural economies in the New World. This reality signals the lasting impact of the Columbian Exchange on agricultural practices, particularly in the establishment of industries centered around crops like tobacco.