Report Highlights Struggles Of Farmers Markets In NYC

NEW YORK (CBSNewYork/AP) -- A report finds that community groups wanting to open farmers' markets in New York City's low-income neighborhoods face obstacles.

The report was released Tuesday by Manhattan Borough President Scott Stringer.

EXTRA: Read The Full Report (pdf)

Stringer said that groups face high fees, confusing rules and a lack of coordination among agencies.

"We need a single entity so that people who want to create local farming opportunities in their communities don't have to go to a maze of different bureaucracies," Stringer said.

He said the process should be eased because farmers' markets help serve communities that have no access to fresh produce, and recommended creating a uniform application process and eliminating some fees.

The city's Greenmarket program is run by GrowNYC. The nonprofit has markets around the city but they tend to flourish in more affluent neighborhoods.

GrowNYC told the Times it was considering an online tutorial for anyone wanting to start a market.

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