How We Grow

Filmmakers Haley Thompson and Tomas Zuccareno explore the burgeoning local food movement by looking at several farms in Western Colorado's One Valley. Located at an elevation of 7,000 feet, the farms are scattered around the Roaring Fork River under the shadow of Mount Sopris. This is an historic farming area in which irrigation ditches compensate for the sparse rainfall. Although the growing season is short, some farmers tend greenhouses year-round. Harper Kaufman of Two Roots Farm describes her work as "essential." Her colleague, Christian LaBar, says it gives him a "sense of purpose" to grow food for local families. Brook Levan of Sustainable Settings farms because he enjoys the flavor of fresh produce. Whitney Will of Roaring Gardens is following in the footsteps of her mother, who worked as an organic farmer in Snowmass (where she met her husband). Will produces Community Supported Agriculture boxes for local subscribers. She and other growers also sell their products at outdoor markets and to farm-to-table restaurants. In addition to the farmers, the filmmakers profile organizations such as Aspen TREE, which introduces students to the benefits of farming. Since the average age of the American farmer is 58, speakers emphasize a need to encourage the younger generation to see it is a viable vocation. While the filmmakers focus on Colorado, the ideas discussed—including health and environmental benefits—apply nationwide. Recommended. Aud: C, P. (K. Fennessy)