July 2011.Giving cameras to farmers for the harvest season reveals the logistics and economics of producing local organic food. This is a true story that begins with four independent farmers in Western North Carolina who film themselves in the fields, in the coolers, and in the markets.
Behind the Scenes
SelectionThe film project begins in Western North Carolina, with a group of farmers that two Purple States producers based in Black Mountain have come to know.
ParticipantsMeghan Cole is in her first year of farming in Western North Carolina, having recently arrived from California; Jeanette Wilson is an organic farmer on the land where she lived as a child, and her daily tasks resemble what her grandparents did on the same property; Jennifer Perkins is co-founder and owner of the Looking Glass Creamery in Fairview, and has deep connections to micro-dairies in Western North Carolina; Susan and Nick Nichols raise lamb and chickens for market at Highlander Farm in Fairview.
FinancingProduction costs for the initial phase are being covered through contributions by local businesses and individuals to the Organic Growers School, which is partnering with Purple States. Presenting sponsorship by Carolina Farm Credit.
Editorial ControlThe producers selected the farmers and will determine the content of the edited videos.
Credits
- Produced by Cinnamon Kennedy with Meredith McKissick
- Directed by John Kennedy
- Video editing by John Kennedy
- Videography by the farmers
Meet the farmers and glimpse their world. People like to talk about local food. The realities of life on small farms may surprise you.