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F A R M I N G
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F O O D
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Discover the Diversity
of Connecticut Agriculture |
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Farming history and
contemporary public
policy are focus of program |
Connecticut’s
rich agricultural tradition dates to its earliest settlement. From the
first days of small subsistence farming through its development into an
economic mainstay, Connecticut farmers and the farming way of life
helped build the state, give sustenance to millions, and provide state
residents with a special sense of place.
Today, however, many say that
the future of farming in Connecticut is at risk. Others see
transformation and resurgence.
Working the Land, a new documentary
now available on DVD from
SimonPure Productions, tells the compelling story of state agriculture – from its earliest history to
its present-day diversity. The program also explores trends
affecting farming in the state and the public policy that shapes its future. Along the way, we visit many
picturesque state farms and meet the farmers who work the land and
waters of Connecticut.
Acclaimed
actor Sam Waterston narrates the documentary.
Where once nearly everyone in Connecticut lived on or next to a
farm, today hardly anyone does.
In 1944, there were 22,000 farms in
the state. Today, there are 4,200.Farmers who have managed to
survive, and sometimes thrive, have done so by successfully
adapting to changes in the marketplace and in society.
The diversity and adaptability of the state's farms is a bright
sign for the future viability of Connecticut agriculture.
Nevertheless, each year more farmers go out of business and more
farmland is lost.
One factor threatening
Connecticut farms is sprawl and its
great
need for developable land.
The relentless and poorly coordinated development of Connecticut's rural and suburban areas has led to a startling loss of state farmland.
In recent years, Connecticut lost the highest percentage of its farmland
to development than any other state, a trend that is accelerating.
Yet, despite these discouraging circumstances, agriculture is
still a significant part of the state economy, generating about $2 billion
annually
with about 50,000 people working in the sector.
There are still successful egg, dairy, vegetable, fruit and tobacco
farms in Connecticut, some farmed by the same family going back
generations. They are joined by a new breed of farmer
-- from small-scale
part-timer to multi-million-dollar operator
-- who pursues innovative ways
to grow, harvest, make and sell an increasingly diverse array of farm
products. In addition to more traditional farm products, today’s
Connecticut farmer might provide consumers with
plants,
organic produce, gourmet vegetables, wine, cheese, grass-fed lamb or
beef.
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Feeding chickens
in Moodus, 1950s
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With an affluent
population eager for local product and easy access to New York and
Boston, state farmers have the opportunity to develop and serve a huge
consumer base. Another bright spot is the growth of agri-tourism to
wineries, pick-your-own farms and farmers' markets.
The
nature of farming and the beautiful landscapes infuse Working the
Land with visual material that ranges from charming to spectacular.
Archival photographs and film footage are combined with newly shot
material to help bring the story to life.
The program is produced, written and directed by
Ken Simon, executive producer
and principal at SimonPure Productions in East Haddam. Simon’s previous
historical documentaries have won three Emmy Awards and 17 nominations.
Click here
for Faith Middleton's interview with Ken Simon on WNPR.
Working the Land
is a co-production of SimonPure Productions and Connecticut Humanities
Council. It premiered this April on Connecticut Public Television and is the latest program in The Connecticut Experience documentary
series, a collaboration of CPTV and Connecticut
Humanities Council that explores themes, events and personalities from
state history.
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