A framework for conceptualizing agricultural diversification with a focus on the U.S. Corn Belt

CONTEXT Diversification of agricultural production has been proposed to address interrelated social, ecological, and economic challenges. However, definitions of agricultural diversification vary, and there has been negligible research documenting what farmers consider to be diversification. A shared understanding of agricultural diversification is needed to create common goals and support policies and programs that incorporate the vision of the agriculture community. OBJECTIVE We examine the meaning of agricultural diversification according to agricultural stakeholders with a focus on the U.S. Corn Belt. METHODS Data on farmer understandings of diversification from focus groups ( n = 20 groups) and a survey ( n = 725 respondents) across the U.S. states of Iowa, Illinois, and Indiana are compared to 1) a review of definitions of agricultural diversification found in academic and grey literature and 2) a definition created by a team of academics, Extension, and non-governmental professionals. RESULTS And CONCLUSION Five dimensions of agricultural diversity emerged: biological, economic, human, values, and cognitive. Across sources, diversification is typically discussed in biological and economic terms. Some sources mention values of conservation or sustainability as components of agricultural diversification and relatively fewer identify human dimensions. While the cognitive dimension of diversification did not emerge in the literature review, it was mentioned frequently by focus group participants. SIGNIFICANCE We provide a framework for understanding agricultural diversification and propose future efforts in this area define how the term is used across each of the five dimensions. Future outreach activities can leverage aspects of diversification that are compelling and achievable to farmers.