“There are some really big questions and problems that we’re facing today – land acquisition, access to capital are huge barriers to farming – but maybe the most important one is that we don’t have enough young farmers.”
– Stuart Oke, Farmer, Rooted Oak Farm
CURRENTLY IN PRODUCTION. FOLLOW ALONG AT WWW.NEXTGENFARMERS.FILM
Working Title: Farming:The Next Generation
Written and Produced by: Tamer Soliman & Sarah Douglas
Trailer Edited by: Rob Tyler
Ask anyone these days and chances are they’ll say they support local food – they’re aware of the importance of shopping at the farmers market, enjoy farm-to-table dining, and appreciate the seasonality of what they eat. But how often do these values translate into actions? And how many of us ever acknowledge the people behind our food system, our farmers?
With an average age of 55, Canadian farmers are getting older. The next generation of farmers are inheriting the responsibility for Canada’s future food security—and face many challenges along the way. In fact, with the imminent retirement of the old guard, many without a succession plan, we are at a pivotal crossroads in Canadian agriculture. What and how this new generation choose to farm now and in the coming years, and what farming systems members of the public choose to support, will have implications on the future of food, climate, and community in Canada.
Initial interviews show this new generation of farmers to be knowledgeable, energetic, and passionate. Many see their work as a form of activism, and have a strong desire to transform our system into one that can not only grow healthy food but also feed their local communities in ethical and sustainable ways.
We hope that by sharing the aspirations, the struggles, and the visions of these young farmers, viewers will be inspired to do their part to support the next generation of farming in Canada.