Bauer unser

“Grow or decay” has been the motto that characterized the Austrian agriculture. Farmers today have expanded, specialized, invested and intensified, or gone out of business. There are few self-determined food producers remaining. Embedded in EU policy is a system of constraints, dependencies and propaganda which is stifling this industry.

The film remains unbiased as he documents the untarnished status of Austrian farming businesses and the people that run them. From small organic holdings to conventional industrial agriculture, the farmers represent very different aspects of the industry. But they all express their biggest concern: we cannot continue this way. They all question the industry’s motto “faster, cheaper, more”.

Nevertheless, our agricultural system isn’t efficient. 40 % of the current worldwide farm produce are wasted. According to the Food and Agriculture Organisation (FAO) of the United Nations, we would have the capacity to feed 12 billion people if the distribution and use of food were more sustainable.

This film shows how society and policy are surrendering to the demands of the industry. But there’s also moments of hope. It will encourage you to go to your local farm and enjoy regional products, and to become a better consumer overall.