Comprehensive Global Study Identifies Staple Crops as Overlooked Drivers of Tropical Deforestation

Chalmers University study identifies maize, rice, and cassava as major deforestation drivers, while beef production accounts for 40% of global forest loss.

By: AXL Media

Published: Mar 24, 2026, 9:18 AM EDT

Source: Information for this report was sourced from Chalmers University of Technology

Mapping the Hidden Footprint of Global Food Production

Food production remains the leading cause of global deforestation, yet the specific impact of individual commodities has historically been difficult to track across different borders. Researchers at Chalmers University of Technology have addressed this gap by developing the Deforestation Driver and Carbon Emissions (DeDuCE) model. Lead author Chandrakant Singh and colleague Martin Persson combined extensive satellite land-use data with global agricultural statistics to map 184 commodities across 179 countries. Their findings provide the most accurate picture to date of how various agricultural products contribute to the loss of 122 million hectares of forest over the last two decades.

The Dominance of Meat and Major Exports

The study confirms established knowledge regarding the heavy environmental toll of the livestock industry. Clearing forests to create pasture for beef production accounts for a staggering 40% of all agriculture-driven deforestation. Following beef, the major export commodities of palm oil and soybeans contribute 9% and 5% respectively. These drivers are often concentrated in specific ecological strongholds, such as the rainforests of Brazil and Indonesia. However, the comprehensive nature of the DeDuCE model allowed researchers to look beyond these well-known industrial culprits to identify broader systemic pressures on global forests.

Staple Crops Outpacing High Profile Exports

One of the most unexpected revelations of the study is the significant role of locally consumed staple crops. Maize, rice, and cassava are together responsible for approximately 11% of all agriculture-driven deforestation. This figure is more than double the combined impact of cocoa, coffee, and rubber, which account for less than 5%. Unlike export-oriented crops, the deforestation footprint of staples is not confined to specific regions but is distributed globally. This shift in perspective suggests that international debate, which often focuses on the consumption habits of wealthy nations, must also account for agricultural production destined for domestic markets in producer countries.