Assessing agricultural multifunctionality from parcel to national scale: a quantitative framework for sustainable agriculture

The transition to sustainable food systems requires a comprehensive understanding of how agricultural land use impacts climate change and biodiversity. Land resources face increasing demands due to agricultural expansion driven by population growth and the need for food security. However, agriculture is a significant contributor to greenhouse gas emissions, particularly from livestock and soil management, posing challenges to achieving climate neutrality. At the same time, agricultural practices influence habitat quality, playing a pivotal role in biodiversity conservation.

Sustainable land management strategies are essential to balance these competing demands. Our study assesses the multifunctionality of agricultural land by evaluating its economic, social, climatic, and biodiversity contributions through a comprehensive framework that integrates quantitative indicators across these dimensions. We analyse economic, social and climate and habitat quality across different farming systems and land use scenarios at parcel level. The analysis highlights opportunities to improve farming sustainability through practices such as afforestation of organic soils, precision farming, and the adoption of diverse cropping systems.

By providing a detailed comparison of agricultural land use at the parcel level, our approach supports policymakers and stakeholders in designing strategies that optimise agricultural productivity while mitigating climate impacts and preserving biodiversity at the national level. This methodology fosters balanced decision-making, ensuring that agricultural land management aligns with climate goals, supports biodiversity, and sustains rural livelihoods.