Federal Realty Investment Trust has found an unusual way to fill unoccupied parking lot spaces at seven of its Massachusetts shopping centers.

This summer it’ll begin leasing space to local farmers to grow produce in converted shipping containers. The program is a partnership with Boston-based Freight Farms, manufacturer of the “Leafy Green Machine” units, which use LED lighting and hydroponic systems to grow produce using as little as 10 gallons of water daily. It even provides an app that enables growers to monitor growing conditions and plant growth remotely, using sensors installed in the 40-foot-long containers.

Federal Realty said it’s launching the program at 32 locations nationwide this year, including seven in the Bay State. The timing and number of units will be determined by the level of interest, said Caroline Katsiroubis, marketing director at Freight Farms.

Atlantic in North Reading, Campus in Bridgewater, Chelsea Plaza, Dedham Plaza, Linden Square in Wellesley, Queen Anne Plaza in Norwell and 180 Main St. in Saugus are the seven Massachusetts locations included in this year’s roll-out.

The program eliminates barriers to entry for new farmers and will offer opportunities to partner with local restaurants and grocery stores, Federal Realty said.