Impacts of agricultural production decisions on the safe and just operating space: A systematic literature review

Abstract Agricultural production decisions impact how agriculture navigates within the safe and just operating space (SJOS). The ability to model and assess these impacts is crucial for policy analysis. This study systematically explores the literature for links between agricultural production decisions and SJOS. As agricultural production decision categories, we examine on-farm technology usage, farm structural change, and field structural change. We identify the impact mechanisms of various aspects of these categories and discuss the scope of evidence available. Technology usage impacts the SJOS often through farmers’ choice of technology and its effect on yield. Farm structural change impacts the SJOS through economies of scale and scope, while field structural change impacts directly and through management efficiency. There is considerable knowledge of these relationships but also research gaps. The study provides fundamental insights for characterizing the decision properties of agricultural production and is useful for guiding policy modelling for improved SJOS outcomes.