Farming on the Brink
Save Family Farming’s next documentary production.
Farming on the Brink provides an unfiltered look at the increasing challenges confronting local farming, particularly the rising costs necessary to sustain operations. This upcoming film chronicles the journey of Manuel Imperial, a committed second-generation farmer whose family immigrated from the Philippines over 40 years ago and begin farming in Wapato, Washington. Today, Manuel grapples with preserving his family’s farm in the face of escalating regulations and overwhelming expenses.
Save Family Farming aims to share Manuel’s story, amplify the perspectives of farmworkers across the state, and seek insights from leaders who can shed light on the labor issues in Washington.
Watch the full film now
MORE ABOUT THIS DOCUMENTARY
“Farming on the Brink” is an upcoming documentary by Save Family Farming that follows the journey of Manuel Imperial, a passionate farmer whose livelihood is threatened by the increasing financial burdens and systemic challenges facing small farms today. Through Manuel’s story, we aim to highlight the resilience, determination, and unwavering spirit of family farmers who continue to work the land despite overwhelming odds.
Family farms are the backbone of our agricultural heritage, providing us with fresh, locally-grown food and sustaining rural communities. Yet, these farms are disappearing at an alarming rate due to rising costs, market pressures, and regulatory challenges. “Farming on the Brink” seeks to raise awareness about these issues and advocate for policies that support the survival and prosperity of family farms.
Don’t just watch the film, become an advocate for agriculture!
FAMILY FARMING IN CRISIS
Check out our other videos and interviews with farmers throughout the state who are facing the hard realities of farming in Washington State. Many are making difficult decisions on what their future will look like.
Why This Small Farm is
Leaving Washington State
Family Farming in WA is in crisis, and we’re putting a new focus on it to let you know what’s happening, and why. Ona Lee of Clara’s Canning is one of many past guests of the Real Food Real People Podcast that aren’t able to keep farming in Washington state because of this unfolding crisis. She opened up to host Dillon Honcoop about it this week, as she was packing up her family’s farm to move from Washington to New Mexico for a fresh start.
Losing the Farm:
The Cascade Farms Story
Jeff and Diana Bedlington were the caretakers of their third generation family farm.
Through their hard work and commitment to caring for the land and feeding its people, they took pride in looking forward to the fourth and fifth generations continuing the legacy of growing quality potatoes, started by Jeff’s grandfather in the 1950s.
In 2023, they made the heartbreaking decision to sell their farm, bringing an end to that dream and vision. In this new mini-documentary, they share what led to the most difficult decision of their lives.
Washington Organic Family Orchard Calls It Quits Following New Laws
April Clayton is devastated after her and her family were forced to stop growing fruit in their orchards north of Wenatchee. She shares with Dillon the reasons why skyrocketing labor costs driven by new laws, coupled with soaring inflation have left her and her husband with no choice but to call it quits.
For more videos on Family Farming in Crisis, visit our Losing the Farm YouTube channel.
ABOUT SAVE FAMILY FARMING
Save Family Farming is an organization dedicated to advocating for the rights and sustainability of family farms. We work to communicate the stories of the people who raise the food we all need. We seek to educate the non-farming public on the current state of agriculture in Washington while seeking to protect and promote policies that ensure the viability of small farms and support the communities that depend on them.