In the Middle colonies, the climate was warmer, and the soil was better for farming than it was in New England. Colonists could grow more crops and sell them. Farmers stockpiled wheat and grains like barley, oats and rye. Because of the large supply of grains, the Middle colonies earned the nickname “the breadbasket.” In the Middle colonies, iron, paper, textiles (cloth and fabric) and glass were also produced in factories. Merchants bought and sold goods. Artisans were skilled at making things by hand. They included blacksmiths, who worked with iron, silversmiths and shoemakers.

What is the main purpose of this passage?

A
to describe how goods were grown, produced and sold in the Middle colonies

B
to explain that some of the colonies had nicknames

C
to describe how factories worked in the Middle colonies

D
to explain that the climate in the Middle colonies was warmer than the climate in the New England colonies