Converting Vacant Lots to Farms Can Feed Cleveland Population, Study Finds

Grewal's solution to increase the output from urban agriculture is based on converting vacant lots into farms, and residential lots producing crops.

"In the first scenario, Grewal found that if Cleveland converted 80% of its vacant lots into farms it could produce 22% to 48% of the city's demand for fresh produce (vegetables and fruits) depending on the type of farming. It could also produce 25% of poultry and shell eggs, and 100% of honey.

"In addition, if Cleveland used 80% of every vacant lot and 9% of every occupied residential lot, the city could generate between 31% and 68% of the needed fresh produce, 94% of poultry and shell eggs, and 100% of honey."

"Growing food in the city would also keep $29-115 million in the local economy."