On The Fence (Reimagining agriculture)

Aussies rely on farmers three times a day, everyday.

Yet we rarely even think of them. In fact, most Australians have no idea where their food comes from or how it is grown.

Industrial agricultural practices are some of the leading causes of chronic illness and environmental collapse.

Some estimates predict that we have less than 60 harvests remaining.

Coupled with the increasing prevalence of suicide and mental health issues in farmers, it’s time we have a real conversation about the future of our food system.

Regenerative agriculture shows us that when we work with mother nature and not against her, we can transform our food system, reconnect with nature and experience a new era of human and planetary health.

On The Fence explores the dramatic human stories of the farmers and communities at the heart of our transition to a new, more resilient and regenerative food system.

Our vision is ultimately to transform consumer behaviours to move towards supporting a more regenerative agricultural system which recognises and respects our interconnectedness with nature. Through the art of compelling and heartfelt stories, this documentary series will serve to inform, inspire and ultimately accelerate the collective movement towards supporting our regenerative farmers who are striving to restore our soil, and in turn human and planetary health.

This docu-series intends to:

– Inform everyday Aussies of the importance of how their food is grown in relation to environmental health and their own health so they can make better buying decisions.

– Support farmers who are experiencing challenges as they consider (or undergo) a transition to regenerative farming practices by providing successful case studies and connection to a like-minded farming community.

– Inspire retailers to source and stock more regeneratively farmed produce.

– Catalyse change within organisations and business in the food system to better support and incentivise the adoption of regenerative farming practices and products.

Ultimately, by re-establishing our connection to farming and the food we eat we will start to make healthier and more harmonious decisions around what we eat, where our food comes from and how we care for our country.

We are collaborating with a number of production and storytelling professionals including our internationally recognised director, Rich Bullock, our executive producers’ Josh Mullens and Lara von Ahlefeldt plus a range of supporting voices with renowned experience in impact documentary filmmaking, including Damon Gameau and Joost Bakker.

Each of these experts, having all been involved in a number of documentaries and film projects both locally and internationally, are offering guidance and advice as we continue to refine the concept and approach, and progress through the development process.

We also have access to a number of industry leading service providers including editors, sound, music and post-production houses.

There are three key actions we hope viewers will take after seeing the docu-series.

1. Generate conversation: our intention is that this docu-series prompts some much needed conversations in homes, schools and businesses about the way our food is grown, and its impact on individual and ecosystem health.

2. Change behaviour: once armed with this knowledge and information, we anticipate viewers will seek out, support and be more inclined to buy regeneratively farmed produce. The by-product of this change in consumer behaviour is that it will encourage more shops and supermarkets to stock regenerative farmed produce and therefore ultimately leading to even more farmers to begin to adopt more regenerative practices on their farm

3. Ongoing Support: beyond this docu-series, Farmer’s Footprint has a number of other initiatives that support farmers and land stewards across the country, and we aim to have viewers compelled to engage and support our work through donations.