It’s not something you see everyday, especially in New York City. But Ian Cheney and Curt Ellis have built a working farm in the back of their pickup truck.
Cheney and Ellis are the filmmakers behind the acclaimed documentary “King Corn,” part of a movement to support family farms against the industrialization of the national food system. Their latest endeavor aims to prove that great organic food can be grown, well, just about anywhere.
The two men firmly believe that the main thing Americans need to do to improve their daily diets is to work in more fresh fruits and vegetables. That’s why they started Truck Farm on the back of their midnight-black 1986 Dodge Ram flatbed and proceeded to drive it around Brooklyn. Neighbors were invited to graze on the lettuce, arugula, herbs, tomatoes, and hot peppers planted there and, when the harvest was good, the duo delivered bags of fresh produce to community members.
“I have a firm belief that this will catch the attention of the Chrysler corporation,” Cheney said. “It’s only a matter of minutes before they come out with the 2010 Dodge Ram Truck Farm model with a ready-made garden bed!” Well, we don’t know about that, but Cheney and Ellis are certainly attracting notice. And they’re not resting on their laurels — although the normal growing season in New York is over, the duo are currently converting the truck into a mobile greenhouse while their homemade hot sauce matures.
Cheney and Ellis are also creating a short film about their efforts called, naturally “Truck Farm,” with updates on their official website [http://www.wickedelicate.com]. In the meantime, you can watch the first two episodes below:
Truck Farm episode 1:
Truck Farm episode 2:
