Study: Growing more veggies could profit Midwest

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Study: Growing more veggies could profit Midwest(AP) – 7 hours ago
DES MOINES, Iowa — A new study shows that if Midwest farmers raised more of the fruits and vegetables eaten there, they could create thousands of jobs and millions of dollars in income.
The Iowa State University study found that if farmers in six Midwestern states raised enough of 28 crops to meet local demand, they could create $882 million in sales, more than 9,300 jobs and about $395 million in labor income.
Michelle Miller of the University of Wisconsin says other regions of the country could see similar benefits if they also grew food to meet local demand.
But the Iowa State economist who conducted the study, David Swenson, says changing food systems will take time because, for example, expertise in the Midwest focuses on livestock, corn and soybeans and not produce.
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