SARATOGA SPRINGS, N.Y. — Forgotten Farms gives us a glimpse into the past and a vision for a future regional food system. The documentary shows the cultural divide between the new food movement and traditional farming, highlighting the need to examine differences, develop mutual understanding, and find common ground. A truly sustainable local food system that benefits everyone will rely on all of our farmers.
September 29, 2017, 6:00 PM – 9:00 PM, Palamountain Hall, Gannett Auditorium, 815 North Broadway, Saratoga Springs, NY 12866
In Saratoga County, there are roughly 78,800 acres of farmland, with an average farm size of 135 acres. Farms in the county are family owned and operated with almost two-thirds report farming as their primary occupation. Over the last one hundred years, the amount of farms has decreased by thousands. In the dairy industry alone, there has been a decrease of 10,000 farms over the last fifty years; fewer than 2,000 remain.
Forgotten Farms examines class divides in our farm and food communities. Most people will buy their food in a supermarket and never have the opportunity to meet their farmer. Farm-to-table restaurants, Farmer’s markets, and CSAs are booming in more affluent communities and the new farmers are being celebrated.
“We believe dairy farming in New England remains critically important to our agricultural economy and our farming future. It is neither a dying industry nor an irrelevant one. They continue to be among the most successful commercial farms. The region’s lands and soils are well-suited to growing grass and cows, and milk is our most abundant farm product. Dairy farmers are the stewards of our farmland and hold the key to a regional food system. Their struggles are a result of unfair national milk pricing and the cheap food economy that benefits huge farms and relies on fossil fuels for shipping food cross country. Fortunately, our remaining dairy farmers are persistent, passionate, and resilient people who continue farming despite the financial hardships. There is a younger generation of dairy farmers who want to take up the mantle, but they are wary of the financial uncertainties.”- Film producers, Dave Simonds and Sarah Gardner.
The Forgotten Farms film screening is sponsored by Saratoga County Agricultural Promotion Committee, Cornell Cooperative Extension of Saratoga County, Saratoga PLAN, and Agricultural Stewardship Program. Tickets are $10 and may be purchased at the door. Please call 518-885-8995 to register.
Cornell Cooperative Extension Saratoga County
50 West High Street
Ballston Spa, NY 12020
518-885-8995
—Cornell University Cooperative Extension of Saratoga County
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