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(Miami-Dade County, FL) -- More than 200 residents arrived at Wild Lime Park this past weekend for a taste of something different. The reason: Commissioner Joe A. Martinez’ first “Made in Miami-Dade” Farmers’ Market, held on Sunday, December 13, 2009. The event was developed by the commissioner to support local growers and encourage residents to spend their money on produce and other goods grown in the community.
“We had a great response from people all over West Kendall who were waiting for something like this to take place in the area,” said Commissioner Martinez. “I hope this event’s popularity will spread so that our next market will garner even more recognition for our agricultural businesses.”
This past July, Commissioner Martinez launched the “Made in Miami-Dade” campaign, intended to boost the local economy by having goods produced by Miami-Dade businesses highlighted, either with events or with visible labeling. The Farmers’ Market not only featured ripe produce, but also freshly baked bread, plants, and crafts for sale. Residents also looking to maintain a “greener” lifestyle could also exchange their old showerheads for newer, high-efficiency, thanks to Miami-Dade’s Water and Sewer Department.
Commissioner Martinez worked for nine months to bring the Farmers’ Market to life, collaborating with Miami-Dade Parks and Recreation, the Dade County Farm Bureau, Redland Raised, Las Palmas, and the West Kendall Business Association.
“Miami-Dade’s agricultural business is the second largest economic engine in our community, following tourism,” said Commissioner Martinez. “It benefits us all to support our farmers.”
Mark your calendars for the next scheduled Farmers’ Markets coming next year:
• Sunday, January 10, 2010
• Sunday, February 21, 2010
• Sunday, March 14, 2010
• Sunday, April 11, 2010
For more information on these events, contact Commissioner Martinez’s district office at 305-552-1155.
Left photo: Miami-Dade County Commissioner Joe A. Martinez checks out some of the ripe produce available at his first “Made in Miami-Dade” Farmers’ Market on Sunday, December 13, 2009 at Wild Lime Park in West Kendall. Right photo: Commissioner Joe A. Martinez (right) with Chef Adrianne Calvo of Chef Adrianne’s Vineyard Restaurant and Wine Bar. Chef Adrianne visited the market to pick out the freshest ingredients for her restaurant.
(Photo credits: Ryan Holloway/Miami-Dade County)
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