Entry #7 Blog Topic: Fresh

 I am with a sense of urgency and hope after watching Fresh. The film exposes the unpleasant reality of factory food production, environmental degradation, animal cruelty, and mistreatment of workers, yet also shows the positive impacts of organic farming. It really made me think about where my food comes from and how it is produced.

Prior to seeing this movie, I never really doubted where my food came from. I had heard about things like factory farming but had no real idea of the scope. Fresh challenged me to consider the fundamental link between what I ate and its effects on the world.

The film's intention is clear: to uncover the harm industrial agriculture causes and present alternatives with regenerative, sustainable agriculture. It calls on individuals to approach food differently and select a more moral choice. As Joel Salatin states, "We can farm in a way that restores, regenerates, and heals the land." Fresh is speaking to consumers unaware of the industry's failings but open to learning and making a change.

The tone of the film is frightening but optimistic. It exposes the damage that factory farming causes but also offers hope through the efforts of farmers embracing sustainable farming. It empowered me, knowing that small adjustments in what we consume can make a big difference.

There were some impressive aspects of the film, including the haunting images of factory farms and the inspiring examples of regenerative agriculture. Both of these were eye opening and helped me to understand how much better we can do by adopting sustainable agriculture.

It made me think about how I, too, fit into food system and in what ways can be a force for change. I was disturbed by it but also left feeling hopeful, knowing that decisions I make will have a pay off.

In my opinion, Fresh is a must watch. it's an eye opener to the reality of how food is made and a glimmer of hope that change can happen. We have a vested interest in the food system because our decisions impact the environment, animals, and workers. We can't ignore these issues; we must take action and get involved.

Work Cited

Fresh. Directed by Ana Sofia Joanes, Ripple Effect Films, April 2009.