Getting Fresh with Small Farms in South Dade
Innovative programs, like local farm incubators to help grow small family farms in South Miami-Dade, are important to Miami-Dade Commissioner Daniella Levine Cava. “South Dade is already doing many things right, like crop diversity, smaller family farms and many tree crops that are not seasonal and are often less resource intensive.” And, she says, there’s more work to be done. “We’re looking to do things differently in Miami-Dade. We’ve been working to provide greater opportunities for small farms to innovate. We are looking to establish local farm incubators, community spaces celebrating our farming history and culture, and innovating with our University partners who are eager to help our farmers.”
As part of her efforts, she is sponsoring a free screening of “FRESH” at the Deering Estate at Cutler Fri., Apr. 17. The documentary, by ana Sofia joanes, celebrates the farmers, thinkers and businesspeople across America who are re-inventing the food system. The film features urban farmer and activist Will Allen and sustainable farmer Joel Salatin of Polyface Farms, among other leaders in the sustainable food movement, and offers practical visions for a future of food and the planet.
“We are what we eat. FRESH shows us that we don’t have to accept the status quo: highly processed sugars and starches, pushing out fresh diverse produce and meats,” says Cava. “We have a special opportunity to build on our rich farmland and local ingenuity.”
In practical terms, Cava says consumers can be thoughtful about their food choices – and keep them local. “Think about what you are eating, where it was produced, and what you can do to switch to more locally grown with fewer additives, pesticides and processing. Buy from local farmers. You’ll be supporting your community and be healthier for it,” she says. “South Dade residents have a unique opportunity to visit local farms and see firsthand where their food is coming from and how it’s made. I encourage residents to head to their local farmers markets and visit local farms.”
