Watch Establishing a Food Forest

Establishing a Food Forest is a 2008 documentary film that aims to educate viewers on how to create a sustainable and self-sufficient food production system. The film is directed by Permaculture expert and educator, Geoff Lawton, who takes the audience on a journey into creating a food forest. The movie begins with Lawton introducing the concept of permaculture, which is a sustainable agricultural design system that aims to simulate the patterns and features observed in nature. Lawton emphasizes that permaculture is not just about growing food, but it is a way of life that aims to create a balanced and harmonious relationship between humans and nature.

After establishing the groundwork for the permaculture philosophy, Lawton takes the viewers on a tour of the property where he is going to create a food forest. Lawton explains that a food forest is a combination of multiple layers of vegetation, including fruit and nut trees, berry bushes, climbing plants, and ground covers. All these layers work in harmony with each other, creating a self-sustaining ecosystem that provides food, shelter, and biodiversity.

Throughout the movie, Lawton demonstrates the process of establishing a food forest from scratch. The viewers get to see how Lawton prepares the soil, selects the plant species, arranges them in an optimal pattern, and maintains the system. Lawton's approach is guided by the principle of mimicking natural ecosystems, where different plants have a symbiotic relationship, and waste is recycled back into the system.

Besides the practical demonstration of creating a food forest, the movie also provides extensive information on the theory behind permaculture. Lawton explains the various principles of permaculture, such as observing and interacting with nature, minimizing waste, using renewable resources, and obtaining food through ethical means. Lawton also emphasizes the importance of sharing permaculture knowledge and resources, as it fosters a community-based approach to sustainable living.

One of the most impactful aspects of the film is Lawton's explanation of the global food crisis and its connection to unsustainable agriculture practices. Lawton highlights how modern agriculture, with its use of chemicals, monoculture, and heavy machinery, is contributing to soil degradation, water pollution, and loss of biodiversity. Lawton explains that permaculture techniques offer an alternative solution to these problems, as they aim to create a balanced and ecological food production system.

The movie also features interviews with other Permaculture experts, who provide additional insights into permaculture practices and techniques. These experts offer their own unique perspectives on how permaculture can transform food production, minimize waste, and promote community sustainability. The interviews add a valuable dimension to the movie, as they highlight the diversity of permaculture practices and demonstrate that there are multiple approaches to achieving a sustainable food system.

In conclusion, Establishing a Food Forest is an informative and inspiring movie that encourages viewers to take an active role in creating a sustainable food system. Through Lawton's practical demonstrations and insightful teachings, the audience gets to learn about permaculture philosophy and techniques, and how they can be applied in creating their own food forests. The film offers a hopeful and achievable vision for a future where humans live in harmony with nature, and where food production is ethical, ecological, and abundant.