Evolution of Organic

Gr 9 Up—This comprehensive history of the American organic farm movement features talking head commentary by many of its original founders. Beginning in the 1960s, a small group of California hippies concerned about the ever-growing use of chemical fertilizers and pesticides and troubled by Rachel Carson's dire predictions in Silent Spring, began an attempt at farming using only natural methods. Although facing government and food industry hostility, the young farmers persisted and found a growing demand for their products. Using many archival photographs, films, and interviews, this documentary presents the evolution of the organic movement from its early slow progress and eventual rapid expansion. Along the way, there are extensive explanations of the importance of soil building, compost, beneficial insects, and carbon dioxide capture. Using both 1960s and contemporary folk music, graphics, and extensive expert commentary, this somewhat technical resource will be useful in more advanced classes studying the environment, agriculture, and natural history.