Towards a comprehensive analysis of agricultural land systems in the EU and US: A critical view on publicly available datasets

Abstract

Understanding agricultural land systems is paramount to preparing for future transitions under climate change. Systematic quantitative, multi-context analyses of agricultural land systems are a promising way of increasing our understanding but rely on the availability of large-scale and commensurable data. The available data, however, are outcomes of political priorities and processes and thus not neutral windows into agricultural realities. We map, describe, and compare publicly available and publicly curated data describing agricultural land systems—those devoted to the production of food, fuel, and fiber—in the United States (US) and European Union (EU) to identify underlying data collection norms and political priorities. We discuss how these priorities shape what we can(not) see in each region and articulate future data needs to support an in-depth understanding of agricultural land systems dynamics. This comprehensive understanding of how and why agricultural land systems change is imperative to promoting sustainable, resilient, and just agriculture futures.