Midwest Fruit And Vegetable Production Study Shows Increased Income Potential In Illinois
April 28, 2010 The state of Illinois could gain more than 5400 jobs and about $988 million in retail sales through increased production and marketing of 28 types of fruits and vegetables for local consumption, according to a major study of the economic potential of increased fruit and vegetable production in the upper Midwest.
The same analysis shows that if local fruit and vegetable production were focused on the state’s nearby major metro areas, including St. Louis, the potential gain could be approximately 4,100 jobs and more than $783 million in retail sales.
The study, done by the Leopold Center for Sustainable Agriculture at Iowa State University reveals that meeting statewide need for fruits and vegetables would require only about 69,000 acres of land, or just 0.3% of the state’s 23.7 million acres of cropland. Just under 50,000 acres would be needed for the urban center option.
The new findings were announced during a mid-day event at the Illinois State Library in Springfield as part of the Illinois Stewardship Alliance Local Food Day activities.
Source: Press releases from the Leopold Center and AgPR
