This paper connects the discussion on the trade-offs between agricultural production and environmental concerns, including the asserted need for global land use expansion; and the issues of rural livelihoods and food security. Several widespread narratives are challenged. The key insights are:...

Increased future demands for food, fiber and fuels from biomass can only be met if the available land and water resources on a global scale are used and managed as efficiently as possible. The main routes for making the global agricultural system more productive are through intensification and...