A geospatial approach to identifying biophysically suitable areas for fruit and vegetable production in the United States

Abstract In the United States, production of many fruits and vegetables (F&Vs) is concentrated in a few key regions country, it may not be possible to maintain or increase output from these areas due natural resource constraints climate change. Rather, developing new more geographically diverse systems necessary meet food needs adapt changing conditions. However, there currently limited understanding availability location suitable land where future could occur. this project, we developed geospatial models identify quantify for producing F&V crops across contiguous States based on biophysical constraints. Suitability was criteria related cover use, topography, soil properties, climate. We found tremendous potential expand at national level, identifying 333 million hectares land, 47% which used agriculture. Suitable produce most F&Vs exists indicating that significant diversify future, though tropical sub‐tropical are restricted southern country. These results provide starting point opportunities production, reduce geographic concentration, establish supply chains.