Midwestern specialty crop impacts on the environment and health: a scoping review

The United States food system mainly relies on monoculture farming, leading to negative impacts on human and environmental health. Transitioning to specialty crop production (fruits, vegetables, and tree nuts) could alleviate challenges. The goal of this scoping review was to understand environmental and health impacts of locally distributed specialty crops in the Midwest.

Researchers searched databases for peer-reviewed literature and agricultural websites for grey literature. Inclusion criteria were specialty crop production; environmental, economic, or health outcomes; Midwest location; and local distribution. Researchers charted data based on the reach, effectiveness, adoption, implementation, and maintenance framework.

Grey (n = 9) and peer-reviewed (n = 19) sources met inclusion criteria. Sources reported specialty crops reached diverse populations through community gardens and farmers’ markets with positive impacts on nutritional intake. Effectiveness of production practices on soil and plant quality and greenhouse gas emissions was mixed.

Local specialty crop production shows promise, but more rigorous study designs with long-term follow-up are needed.