The Greenhorns is a documentary film that explores the lives of America’s young farming community—its spirit, practices, and needs. As the nation experiences a groundswell of interest in sustainable lifestyles, we see the promising beginnings of an agricultural revival. Young farmers’ efforts feed us safe food, conserve valuable land, and reconstitute communities split apart by strip malls. It is the filmmakers's hope that by broadcasting the stories and voices of these young farmers, we can inspire another generation of optimistic agrarians.
Our aim is to valorize the role of younger growers who continue to refine farming practices, to innovate in new markets, and to reclaim land under sustainable management. With this film, we hope to build the case for those considering a career in agriculture—to embolden them, to entice them, and to recruit them into farming.
This film will challenge us to look squarely at the prospects and choices for American food security in the coming years. But it’s not a political attack; nor is it meant to make you feel bad about what you eat. This film documents those who are establishing solutions to our contemporary crises. The stakes are high, but so are our chances of preserving our farmland, our food supply, and the practice of family farming if we can inspire more of America's youth to return, in any degree, to the soil that feeds us.
Until this site is up and running, we will post various essays relating to themes important to The Greenhorns on pages of our blog, The Irresistible Fleet of Bicycles. The links on the right column of the blog include Essays, Farmer Resources, Food Resources, links for aspiring Greenhorns and Recommended Online Films.
Check out Organic Volunteers for information on working and interning on sustainable farms.
