Abstract:

"The ultimate goal of farming is not the growing of crops, but the cultivation and perfection of human beings," Masanobu Fukuoka writes in his book "The One Straw Revolution." He has spent 30 years perfecting his agricultural techniques on his fertile farm in southern Japan. Fukuoka says that his approach to agricultural problems always starts with the question, "How about not doing such and such?" in contrast to most agricultural thinking which presupposes that we can improve on nature. Mr. Fukuoka has decided not to plow, not to grow rice in flooded fields, and not to use machinery to sow or harvest. What he does do on his farm is documented in this unique record of a full year of overlapping crops. Awards: Honorable Mention, American Film Festival, Reviews: "A handsome film...free of heavy-handed ideology...can stir us all to take a closer look at the future of American agriculture." Editor's Choice, Science Books & Films "Excellent presentation of natural farming methods...all nicely blended with the thoughtful philosophy of this farmer." EFLA's Evaluations "