Food with purpose: Short film highlights local food system revolutionaries

LAUREN MATUSHIN, DEPARTMENT OF HORTICULTURAL SCIENCE

A documentary titled Stories of Food features Department of Horticultural Science Associate Professor Julie Grossman, PhD. Produced by Slow Food Minnesota, the 15-minute film highlights the collaborative efforts of local people in pursuit of a more sustainable food system. We talked with professor Grossman about the film and Minnesota’s interconnected world of food. 

“Minnesota is a hub for emerging farmers,” Grossman explains, “and it is important to highlight their many contributions to our Minnesota food system.” Emerging farmers, such as immigrant and Black, Indigenous and People of Color (BIPOC) farmers, traditionally face considerable barriers to the resources necessary to build profitable agricultural businesses. “People need to hear from the farmers themselves — their perspectives on healthy food production and its importance to them. Our University researchers work to respond to farmer needs, especially the farmers who have historically been left out of the decision-making process.”

Grossman’s research at the University focuses on soil fertility within organic agricultural systems, and she speaks enthusiastically on how input from emerging farmers is key in developing usable practices. “Soil is the cornerstone of organic agriculture. Healthy soils are alive, and all organic farmers know the adage that we must ‘feed the soil to feed the crop.’ The best way to produce research results that are actually used on the farming landscape is to develop close relationships with the end users — the farmers. When scientists and farmers work together to answer questions, the results are more likely to stick.”

Like many of her fellow food system activists, Grossman speaks of the passion that drives people who are drawn to the food system sector and their desire to make a positive change. “The feeling of hard work with an outcome as important as good, healthy food entices many to learn the trade,” she explain. And more than ever, young people are being drawn to the industry. Grossman’s courses in the College of Food, Agricultural and Natural Resource Sciences (CFANS) offer students both classroom and field opportunities and, for some, it’s the first chance they’ve had to see behind the food system curtain. By offering students the chance to experience a food system first hand, to see the bigger picture behind a farmer’s market stall or grocery store shelf, local Minnesota food system activists like Grossman are inspiring the next generation of food revolutionaries. 

“Everyone has a role to play in changing the way food is produced,” Grossman says, “and for many, the first step is learning who the farmers are. The next step is supporting them.” Follow professor Grossman's lab on Instagram to learn more about her team's work, and explore the Minnesota Department of Agriculture's tips and recommendations for connecting with emerging farmers.

Film Synopsis

Meet the people in our region who are at the forefront of the Slow Food movement. They are growers, producers, chefs and food activists in relationship with the land. This documentary film is a collection of stories: bright narratives of the folks revolutionizing the way we relate to food. Watch the film online.