Trade-driven innovation: Smart green agriculture and policy for environmental sustainability

This research examines how international trade development affects environmental protection through smart green agricultural production. While smart agricultural practices—such as deforestation reduction, improved crop management, and reduced chemical use—are widely acknowledged as environmentally friendly, their specific effects on environmental sustainability remain underexplored, especially in the context of expanding international trade. Using a quantitative approach, the findings show that international trade development has significantly promoted smart green agricultural production, thereby enhancing environmental protection. Among these practices, improved smart crop management and reduced chemical use are particularly effective in driving sustainability. Moreover, agricultural innovation policies play a moderating role in strengthening the link between agricultural production and environmental protection. The study highlights that promoting smart green agriculture is crucial for safeguarding the environment in the context of growing trade. • Trade development significantly boosts smart green agricultural production. • Smart green agriculture contributes strongly to environmental protection. • Improved smart crop management most effectively enhances sustainability. • Reduced chemical use is a key driver of environmental protection outcomes. • Agricultural innovation policies strengthen the trade–environment linkage.