It is my belief that if we were open to the Homestead Act as before, then poverty stricken families could rebuild the farms for their own financial independence, reducing the need for welfare dependency, and the country could strongly benefit from skilled agriculturists.
If food production truly needs to be increased by 70% by 2050, then I believe wasted land should be put to use.
For example,There is plenty of desert land in Arizona that will need to be rebuilt. Arizona will fail without change and homelessness will increase, putting a greater stress on America's economy.
However, I belief that as well, the acreage should be limited to 40 acres per person and training and certification in Homesteading should be provided to the people to learn to rebuild.