The Miami City Commission will vote Thursday on a measure that would pave the way for farmers markets to get operating permits in the city.
Several years ago Miami approved a pilot program to make it easier for some small new farmers markets. On Jan. 1, 2014, that program lapsed and no one really took notice. Until an organization in Wynwood tried to get permission for a new farmers market and was told the special permit no longer existed.
Since then, Commissioner Marc Sarnoff has introduced an ordinance that would permanently reinstate the program.
“Farmers markets are probably good things,” says Sarnoff, “especially in certain areas, they can stop what's called food deserts.”
Food deserts are areas where fresh produce is hard to find.
Sarnoff says the popularity of markets is beyond the point where the city needs to provide financial support, but the city should not impede the permitting process.
There were no opponents to the ordinance on an initial vote, and it's expected to pass on Thursday. If it passes, it will go into effect by the end of April.
