Midwest Farmers Could Produce More Fruits & Vegetables

DES MOINES, Iowa (AP) - 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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