JRC Farming Practices dataset (version 2026)

The JRC Farming Practices dataset (version 2026) builds on the 2023 release by further consolidating the evidence base on the effects of sustainable farming practices on climate, environmental, and productivity outcomes. The dataset is derived from a systematic screening of peer-reviewed meta-analyses published since 2000, covering a broad range of agronomic practices, cropping and livestock systems, land management options, and mitigation techniques.

The 2026 version includes 615 meta-analyses systematically selected and categorised according to the farming practices assessed, impacts evaluated, geographical coverage, and quality criteria. Please see readme file with detailed information on all the variables used in the files of the dataset.

The main enhancements introduced in the 2026 version are:

• Addition of quantitative results reporting effect sizes extracted from a selection of the highest-quality meta-analyses, covering a wide range of farming practices and impact metrics (section 10);

• Updated evidence for agroforestry and livestock feeding techniques (section 10);

• Harmonisation and classification of sustainability outcomes, impacts, and metrics retrieved from the scientific literature (section 11);

• Systematic linking of farming practices reported in the scientific literature to the JRC Farming Practices Classification (section 12).