Product labels such as all natural, healthy, no artificial ingredients or made with organic ingredients can be confusing, even for the conscious consumer. What do these labels truly mean? Under the first National Organic Program, which takes effect on October 21, 2002, the USDA will regulate the organic food industry using four new labeling laws. What are these laws? How will they affect farmers, distributors and consumers of organic food?

ORGANIC is a 90-minute digital to film documentary with an inside look at the organic industry including: 1) history; the pioneers, relationships with government, labeling and laws, 2) farmland; farmers, certification agencies, CSA's, co-ops, farmers markets and restaurants, 3) industry; pricing, processors, handlers, manufacturers, distribution, 4) big business; stock market, consumer accessibility and ancillary products, 5) trade associations; protecting special interests, lobbying, sponsoring conferences and events, 6) health; scientific research showing effects on humans and the environment, and finally, 7) the world; overview of the expanding organic global marketplace.

This journey will include stories from across the U.S.A. as well as Canada, England, Germany and Cuba. The style will be similar to that experienced on NPR and PBS: inquisitive, informational, entertaining, positive, creative and fun! The demographic is geared at active, conscious consumers aged 12-65. Ideally, this will screen theatrically Fall 2003 with a television broadcast and DVD/CD package to follow.

The intent of ORGANIC is to explore and demystify the organic food industry. This documentary will provide viewers with the tools they need to make informed decisions on the food they choose to eat. Ultimately, those choices influence the health of our bodies and the shape of the world.

Prior to becoming a filmmaker, Producer/Director, Stephanie Swengel, spent two and half years working as an organic farmer, managing a CSA in rural Massachusetts. Her passion for the subject stayed with her not only in her personal eating choices, but also professionally. Among other environmentally focused projects, she has produced two organic cooking pilots.

The writing team is led by Leslie Cerier, an expert in the organic food industry. Her third organic cookbook, Going Wild in the Kitchen, is being published by Square One Publishers, Inc.

Nic Harcourt, Music Director/KCRW is the music consultant. It is ORGANIC's intent to sell a music CD to accompany the DVD with a percentage of proceeds being donated to an organic educational fund such as the Organic Farming Research Foundation. We plan to approach musicians to either write new songs and/or waive their publishing rights. We have in place Shelly Hogan, to manage the legal clearances who cleared all the music for MOULIN ROUGE.

In addition, our cinematographer, Evan A. Nesbitt has 13 years experience, is a vegetarian and is passionate about organics and the environment. Sound and second camera is equally as passionate Mark Hoover who also has years of experience in television, film and music production.

Interviews with farmers, manufacturers, government, scientists, trade and organic lifestyle begin in Washington DC while attending the Natural Products Expo East, October 3-6.

As part of the 501(c)(3) fiscal sponsorship program under the International Documentary Association, we are in the process of applying for grants from foundations that specialize in organic and sustainable farming, environmental education, alternative health, public affairs and the arts. A few examples are The Pew Charitable Trusts, Beldon Fund, Jessie Smith Noyes Foundation and the Wallace Genetic Foundation. We plan to also seek contributions from organic food corporations, manufacturers and individuals. One nonprofit organization who supports environmental media has donated $3,000 to get us to Washington, D.C.

Other in-kind services and discounts we plan to approach include the airlines, cell phones, ADR stages, tape stock, video transfers, and hotels.

Last year Stephanie volunteered for Dennis Weaver and team on the "Drive for Life." Dennis drove a hydrogen fuel cell car from Santa Monica to Denver promoting the clean fuel industry. She plans to approach BMW, Ford and Toyota contacts to see if they'll donate a hybrid car for the crew to travel the U.S.A.

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