Running Head: Documentary Critique: ‘Sustainable’ 1

The Importance of Sustainable Farming Practices,

A Critique of the Film, ‘Sustainable’

Jasmine Slade

UNC Charlotte

Introduction
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The concept of sustainable practices on all facets of life relates to our ability to satisfy our

current needs and wants with respect to the future populations’ ability to do the same. The

central idea within the discussion of sustainable life is how we can leave behind high-quality

living standards for posterity which in turn, brings light to how we exploit resources, invest

funds, and manage technological development. Our current economic norms of consumer

capitalism lead us to a flawed worldview that separates human life from nature. The prevalent

narrative that the sole purpose of nature existing is to only supply us with resources for our

commercial use perpetuates the widespread disrespect for our environment. The film

‘Sustainable’ addresses the environmental issues in the food industry and the remarkable

possibilities of sustainable farming. The film does a good job clarifying the concept and reality

of sustainable farming practices by discussing the characteristics of conventional farming, the

characteristics of sustainable farming, and illustrating how diverse crop rotation can preserve and

expand the amount of arable land.

Organic Farming versus Conventional Farming

The film, ‘Sustainable’ highlights the importance of sustainable farming and how the

practices within it can combat climate change. Organic farming is the method of sustainable

agriculture that is centered on not using harmful pesticides or herbicides in the process of

growth. More often than not, many people believe that organic farming cannot be the sole

agricultural method for supplying the world with food. Studies from the Rodale Institute (shown

in the documentary) show that yields from organic farms are at a higher level than conventional

farms and are also more likely to survive through environmental hardships such as droughts. The

film also educates the viewer on the concept of carbon sequestration which is a plant’s ability to
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store carbon from the atmosphere into the soil through its function of photosynthesis. The carbon

can only be preserved in the soil when the microorganisms that hold them are not destroyed by

chemicals and intensive tillage which is why supporters and researchers of organic farming

explain their practices as a way to combat climate change. Another central method of

organic/sustainable farming mentioned in the film is that of diverse crop rotation. This practice

consists of planting a variety of crops which encourages the biodiversity of the ecosystem of

organisms in the soil thus, leading to heightened soil health, increased moisture retention, and

possible rehabilitation of nonarable land. The film incorporates the clever usage of illustrations

to explain the scientific concept of carbon sequestration which shows the intent of the creators to

ensure that the knowledge is meaningfully communicated.

On the opposite end of the spectrum is conventional farming which produces crops at a

vast industrial level and serves as fuel to many corporations’ production processes. Conventional

farms typically partake in the monoculture of corn, soy, and wheat and are characterized by their

extreme usage of chemicals and disgrace for the health and future of the environment. The

United States’s largest aquifer, The Ogallala Aquifer, is being depleted at exponential rates due

to industrial farms depleting it through excessive irrigation. The financial hardships that

conventional farmers face are explained by the fact that they are functioning in a perfectly

competitive market. A perfectly competitive market is one where sellers cannot influence the

price of their product while the demand for goods may vary. All participants in this market

structure make homogenous products. The amount of industrial farms is extremely vast to the

point where the actions of one farm will not affect the market prices or actions of other farms.

They cannot supply more or less depending on the price level, therefore, the only aspect farmers

can rely on in order to make a profit is the size of their yields. This explains the constant
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instances of soil degradation and chemical usage on conventional farms. Industrial farmers make

less per acre compared to organic farmers due to preset prices that are out of their control

combined with the fact that poor harvest seasons can affect them unexpectedly. Considering the

inconvenient conditions of a perfectly competitive market, conventional farms always receive

subsidies from the government in order to maintain their existence and make a profit. I think the

film could have elaborated further on the economic differences between organic/sustainable

farms and conventional farms and the characteristics of a perfectly competitive market. I was

only capable of recognizing the market type because of the previous classes in economics that I

have taken. However, the film does a great job of explaining the environmental external costs of

conventional farming that makes it more expensive to conduct than sustainable farming.

Community Unification

Marty Travis, a sustainable farmer and one of the narrators for the film, brings light to

how his farming practices motivate him to have a relationship and passion for farming which

encourages many local chefs and bakers like Greg Wade and Dan Barber -- to name a few-- to

buy produce from Travis’s farm. Chef Wade explains that it inspires him to make more

innovative dishes when the farmers that he purchases from have a meaningful connection with

their food. Strong and long-lasting relationships are developed between Travis and his buyers

which leads to the expansion and preservation of sustainable farming. In order to further push the

expansion of authentic farming in his area, in 2005, Travis founded a cooperative organization

called The Stewards of the Land where local and passionate farmers meet to agree on different

crops to be responsible for to then have their harvests sold at a central location to restaurants and

other buyers alike. This organization helps farmers to continue to do what they love while also
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making it easier for buyers to keep track of products. The community unification illustrated in

the film can be connected to the discussion of developing our cultural worldview mentioned in

part one of the Sustainable World Sourcebook. Part one discusses how the norms of consumer

capitalism have encouraged the majority of individuals to have negative worldviews such as the

belief that one person cannot make a difference and that a healthy society depends on a growing

economy. The reading also mentions how we should see ourselves as one with nature and view

an assault on Earth as an assault on ourselves. The growing web of relationships that Travis has

developed with farmers, chefs, bakers, and other people shows how he is spreading

consciousness to others on our impact and connection with the environment.

Conclusion

The film ‘Sustainable’ effectively communicates to viewers the benefits and possibilities

of sustainable farming along with the unfortunate reality of industrial farming. The creators and

narrators of the film did a great job of communicating that it is important to keep future

generations in mind when satisfying our current needs and wants which is the main idea behind

sustainable living. After watching this film and seeing how simple and remarkable it can be to

invest in sustainable farming, it immediately inspired me to figure out how I can support local

farmers in my area. I think this film is worthy of everyone’s attention because so many

individuals continue to believe the paradox that sustainable farming cannot feed the world and

future generations.