Oil crops represent an important feedstock to decarbonise the energy sector and to meet the no net emissions of greenhouse gases by 2050 (European Green Deal). However, the greenhouse gas performance of biomass to energy, biofuels and bio-based products, can be negatively impacted by Indirect land use change (ILUC) effects, associated with the increasing demand for biomass, which may increase the competition for land, threatening food security. Consequently, cultivation of industrial crops on marginal land is suggested as an approach to minimize land use change controversies. Therefore, the objective of this work was to identify the opportunities and constraints associated with the cultivation of oil crops in marginal soils. Data on case-studies on marginal soils to source feedstock for the biobased industry was used. In the study, effects of the cultivation of those crops in the marginal soils were addressed towards yields, impact on soil and water and on the biodiversity and landscape. Results obtained suggest that growing these crops in marginal soils provide benefits regarding soil properties and erodibility, although yields are affected by the degree of marginality. Impacts associated with water resources and fertilizer related emissions were high, but impacts associated with pesticide related emissions were low. The use of appropriate management practices (e.g. adequacy between crop and location, fertilizers balanced application) established on marginal land at farm level may reward biological diversity, soil quality index, impact on water resources and on emissions. Lessons learned will help to optimize sustainable low-ILUC feedstock to support feasible bio-based value chains.