Researchers in agriculture and the natural sciences often have to choose between several publication routes, and this choice does not always come down to the "Scopus or WoS" dilemma. There are specialised databases that cover agricultural and related subjects in greater depth. AGRIS is one such platform, and in today's article we will discuss the specifics of publishing in it.
The AGRIS database: key aspects for researchers
AGRIS (Agricultural Science and Technology Information System) – is an international bibliographic database that has been maintained by the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) since 1974. Today, the AGRIS network brings together more than 2,000 data provider organisations from around the world, including scientific and educational institutions, publishers, government bodies, research centres and other organisations.
Unlike Scopus or Web of Science, AGRIS is not a scientometric platform for evaluating journals by citation metrics and quartiles. It is, first and foremost, a system for searching and aggregating bibliographic records: scientific articles, monographs, book chapters, conference proceedings, datasets, as well as "grey literature" – dissertations, technical reports and other scientific and professional materials.
In terms of subject matter, AGRIS covers a broad range of areas related to agriculture and the natural sciences, including:
- crop production and animal husbandry
- veterinary science, fisheries and aquaculture
- forestry
- ecology and environmental protection
- food technology
- agricultural economics and rural development
- related issues (from legislation to education in the agricultural sector)
Why consider AGRIS for publication?
AGRIS should be considered primarily by researchers whose publications relate to agriculture, food and related fields. The platform offers several key advantages for scientists working in these areas.
An additional channel for increasing international visibility
AGRIS brings together more than 16 million bibliographic records and is used by researchers, students, specialists and other users seeking information on food and agriculture. FAO states that presenting research results in AGRIS increases their global visibility and makes it easier to find scientific materials within the international information environment.
Relevance to agricultural and related subjects
This database specialises in research on agriculture and food systems and covers, among other areas, crop production, animal husbandry, veterinary science, fisheries, forestry, food technology, food security, sustainable development and other related fields. For such research, therefore, having a bibliographic record in a specialised international system can be an additional way of reaching the target audience.
Suitable if the requirement is not limited to Scopus or Web of Science
If, in order to meet the requirements of your university or funding organisation, you do not necessarily need a publication specifically in Scopus or Web of Science, it is worth considering AGRIS.
At the same time, AGRIS should not be regarded as a simpler alternative to these platforms. The publication conditions are determined by the specific journal, not by the database itself, so they can differ significantly from one publication to another.
Meanwhile, for an author who does not need the status of a publication in Scopus or Web of Science specifically, this widens the choice of potential journals and makes it possible to look for an option that matches their publication goals and budget.
The possibility of publishing in local languages
Another distinctive feature of AGRIS is its multilingualism. The database contains bibliographic records of scientific literature in more than 100 languages, and FAO specifically emphasises the importance of presenting scientific information in languages other than English.
This may be important if you plan to publish in a local language and want information about your work to be presented in an international information system.
Thus, AGRIS can be one of the criteria when choosing a journal if the research topic relates to agriculture, food, food technology or related fields, and it is important for the author to expand the international visibility of the publication. This is particularly relevant if the requirements of your university, grant programme or other institution allow publications that are presented in specialised international information systems.
At the same time, you should not choose a journal solely because it mentions AGRIS. Before submitting an article, it is worth checking the publisher, the subject area and the journal's requirements, the peer review procedure, and whether its publications are indeed regularly represented in the database.
If you are planning to publish an article in a journal whose materials are indexed in AGRIS, please contact the Scientific Publications company. Our specialists will help you select a relevant journal and format your article properly in accordance with its requirements, and will support you at every stage of the publication process. Would you like to find out more? Fill in the form below, and our manager will contact you shortly. Together towards new scientific achievements!
