People need to eat. Zubrin talked about 50m diameter plastic enclosed farms on the surface of mars. Each would feed 3 or 4 and fit on a quarter hectare. At first the plastic with UV protection would be part of the supplies they bring to mars but later they would manufacture it locally. Radiation may require sunlight to be used indirectly but perhaps not in all cases. We're just going to have to find out.
The plants grown would not just be food but also a source of industrial materials. Not everyone would have to be a farmer nor would they all have to grow the same plants. This creates a basis for trade.
Soil is a living thing. It would probably be a good idea to include bags of living earth soil as part of the starter kit for martian farms. Organic material from early mars farms can be used to create more soil for other farms. Freeze dried food is compact and can keep people alive, but a nice fresh beefsteak tomato makes it worth living.
Fish and fowl and other livestock can come soon after.
Update: Another article.
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