Which of the following should NOT be included when determining material and labor costs?

The reasoning for not including food and travel expenses when determining material and labor costs lies in the specific focus of cost calculations in a horticultural context. Material and labor costs encompass the direct expenses related to the materials required for a job and the labor directly associated with executing that job.

Food and travel expenses do not directly tie to the materials used or the labor performed for the specific horticultural project at hand. They are considered ancillary expenses, which do not contribute to the core costs incurred in producing a horticultural product or providing a service. Instead, direct job expenses, indirect job expenses, and overhead expenses are all legitimate components of the cost calculation since they directly affect the overall profitability and pricing strategies associated with a horticultural venture.

In essence, understanding which expenses are directly related to the project helps maintain clear financial tracking and budgeting, ensuring that the focus remains on costs that truly impact the operation at hand.