Depth of Field is a series of 40 short documentaries produced and presented by the National Farmers Union (Canada) and March Forth Creative. These films highlight Canadian farmers and farm workers, focusing on their sustainable farming practices both on and off the land. Featuring topics such as rotational grazing, seed saving, soil health, and social justice, each farmer shares their unique priorities. Together, these unscripted films tell the story of farming practices that can help create the food system we all desire.
The National Farmers Union aims to inspire Canadian food consumers to learn more about the work involved in farming. The thoughtful commitment of small-scale farmers across Canada, like those featured in Depth of Field, plays a crucial role in building a thriving food system that benefits both people and the land.
“In the face of climate change, our farmers are taking action to ensure their production processes are increasingly sustainable. Organizations like [the National Farmers Union] that showcase the sector’s leadership in sustainability are helping to build public trust in Canada’s food system,” said the Honourable Marie-Claude Bibeau, Minister of Agriculture and Agri-Food, about Depth of Field.
We feature three of these films here. To access the complete library, click here.
Lucky Bug Farm, Ontario: Minimal Tillage Builds Soil Health
Lucky Bug Farm is a quarter-acre ecological market garden located 25 minutes from Kitchener-Waterloo. The farm relies on interplanting and minimal tillage to build soil health, resulting in a productive ecological market garden. While not certified organic, they prioritize buying organic seeds, using organic potting mix, and avoiding synthetic amendments, sprays, and fertilizers.
Toasa Cooperative in Nauwigewauk, New Brunswick: Building a Community
The Toasa Cooperative Ltd is a worker-owned cooperative market garden, incorporated in 2021, that aims to create a local, sustainable food system and build community.
Back to Roots, St. Clements, Manitoba: Reconnecting People to Their Food Source
Back to Roots Farm is a family-owned, natural-based farm cultivating mixed vegetables, free-range goats, and laying hens for eggs on 78 acres. They believe in reconnecting people with their food source and emphasize the importance of agroecological farming models, such as rotational grazing, which creates a balanced ecosystem on the farm.
Don’t miss the opportunity to meet the hardworking farmers, farm workers, producers, and land stewards who grow food in Canada. Access the complete library here. If you are interested in hosting community screenings, get in touch with the film team here.