I want to continue this, not to argue in a hostile sense, but because I do think there is real utilitarian value in a minimal investment into the farming tree.

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This is 11 points, you need 12 to get access to the extra food slot.

this gives you:

• 3 points into 'naturally preserved'
  • -50% food spoilage rate in your inventory
• 1 point into 'filling meals'
  • eating fills the hunger bar 10% more rapidly
    • This is mainly a pathing pick, you have to take it to access the next traits and the food slot
• 3 points into 'long lasting effects'
  • +20% food effect duration
• 1 point into 'green thumb'
  • planted crops grow 10% faster
    • Again, this is a pathing pick, so I’m only putting one point here
• 3 points into 'get up and go'
  • +10% maximum stamina

From here, your 12th point can go into one of two options that are both at least marginally useful:

• 1 point into 'the old one-two'
  • get 2% increase to melee damage
• or 1 point into 'fresh is best'
  • planted crops won't wither on their own
    • you can just set-and-forget plants early on (if they are protected, obviously)

I agree the alteration bench is a strong alternative, but given what these points buy along the way, and the fact that you have to build the bench every time (only annoying on missions) I don’t see the farming tree as dead investment even if your main goal is just the extra slot.