Whether you enjoy a floral honey or a juicy steak, your taste buds zing thanks to local farmers. Often there’s a disconnect in where our food actually comes from and the Chatham Arts Council and EbzB Productions are here to explore that!
Commissioned by the CAC, EbzB Productions—led by the artistic duo of Serena Ebhardt and David zum Brunnen—is launching a county-wide oral history project called Farm to Story to celebrate the people who grow, produce, and deliver much of the food that sustains our community. “Many folks simply aren’t aware of the deep wisdom that farmers carry,” said Serena Ebhardt, EbzB Productions’ Artistic Director. “We hope this project not only brings visibility to them, but also celebrates and elevates them as the foundation of our well-being.”
Through a series of interviews with more than 50 farmers, EbzB Productions will generate an oral history of farming, including the generational change occurring on farms, the blend of sustainable and conventional farming tactics, the unique challenges farmers face, and more. What in the world will this look like? Let us tell you.
The fascinating stories gathered will culminate in public presentations this spring–from performance and documentary-style film to curated photography—all to honor the county’s farming and agriculture community, because without them, there would be nothing on our supper plates.
“Farming in Chatham County has a rich history that is still alive today,” said Phil Uptmor, Chatham County beekeeper. “Sharing farmers’ experiences and their dedication to producing local products with the highest quality products that help feed the local economy is a story that needs to be shared as Chatham grows, so that the community can recognize the importance of our agriculture presence, both past and present.”
Farm to Story is a deeply collaborative effort. And we’re fortunate that so many organizations have come together to make this happen. Partners already committed to the project include Chatham County’s NC Cooperative Agricultural Extension Service, Chatham County Livestock Association, Chatham County Beekeepers Association, Central Carolina Community College’s (CCCC) Sustainable Agriculture Program, Hispanic Liaison, Livestock Conservancy, with additional partners and presentation venues being announced in the months ahead. This project was generously funded by a grant from Chatham County.
While EbzB is (literally) out in the fields gathering the rich historical stories these farmers have to share, we’ll keep you updated! And this spring, we’ll be so excited to share Farm to Story with you. Think vibrant communities, artistic infusion, unexpected stories, and a celebration of Chatham. Stay tuned. For more, click here.
To support Farm to Story, click here.
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