We need our farms. The land where our food is grown is often so far out of site that we as a collective culture have lost touch with an integral connection to the planet. Urban growth and city development is an inevitable and necessary component of progress. However, if land is not preserved for agricultural use, we as consumers stand to loose more than just locally grown produce. The American family farm has the power to remind us that we are connected to the earth. SOIL is a documentary film that explores this connection
Focusing on a "year in the life" of four small Oregon farms, Soil will present a way of life that faces many challenges in the 21st century and give viewers a sense of appreciation for America's small farms and their value to our culture. Through a poignant weave of stories, this documentary will connect to the heart of family farming, and the commitment it takes to love and work the land in a sustainable manner. It will explore the importance of preserving this integral part of Americana, and it will ask viewers to consider their food source from a different perspective. Soil will also offer hope for the future of farming by showing viewers the importance of supporting their local farms.
FARM PROFILES
Rossi Farm began in an area of South East Portland known as Ladds Addition back in 1880 when Aldo Rossi moved to the US from Genoa Italy. After 128 years and 4 generations, Aldo’s great-grandson Joe closed Rossi Farm permanently. His land continues to be farmed by leasers but the pressures of being an urban farmer and the realization that his family legacy would not be carried on fueled Joe’s decision to leave the only way of life he knew. A year with Joe Rossi will illustrate the challenges and struggles that family farms must face in their fight for survival. The unfolding of Joe’s new life will also tell a story of emergence through embracing the unknown. Joe now attends Portland State University where he is completing his bachelors degree which he started in the 1980’s.
Dancing Roots Farm is a 10 acre farm located about 20 miles east of Portland. Shari Sirkin and her husband Bryan Dickerson bought the farm in 2002 after the land had sat fallow for over 30 years. They wanted to live a different way of life and saw that there was a growing need for small farms and farmers. Today, they grow fresh produce for their CSA members and restaurants all over Portland. In a country where multi-generation family farms are being displaced by globalization, lower-cost producing regions, and agri-business, the future of food in depends on CSA farms like Dancing Roots.
Davis Homestead Farm is a tree farm that has been in operation in the same Beaver Creek location since the 1880's. Today, 72 year old Bette Davis runs the farm and continues to work the fields when needed. When her father died in 1938, Bette was only 5 years old. Her mother Lena assumed the non-traditional role of the farm manager, tending to all aspects of the farm. Her mothers strength and commitment influenced Bette’s life in ways that are apparent today. At 64 years old, Bette completed her college degree in the same class as her youngest daughter Karen. Bette’s oldest daughter Lynda is now the business manager of the farm. Bette Davis and her family’s legacy of perseverance is a shining example to all who face adversity.
Farming goes back many generations in the Siri Family. After emigrating from Italy, Antonio Siri began farming in Portland in the early 1900’s. In the 50’s, his son Fred established his own farm after learning the trade from Antonio. Fred was later joined by his son Jim in the 1970’s, forming Siri and Sons Farms. Soon after graduating from Oregon State University’s Agriculture Business Management program, Jim’s son Joe Siri became a partner in the farms operations along with his wife Alma. As part of Joe’s senior project, he turned Siri and Son Farms into an all-organic operation. The 180 acre farm now supplies organic produce markets like New Seasons with fresh produce year round.
