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We open with shots of cells under a microscope followed by views of a coral reef, rainforest and deforestation as the commentary talks about the genetic diversity within nature which is disappearing due to intensive agriculture. Aerial views of farmland - as farmers try for ever higher yields they utilise fewer varieties and rely more on pesticides. This summer one of the few varieties of wheat still grown in Northern Europe failed. Interview with Pat Mooney of the Seeds Action Network who has studied the problem.
We then visit the Philippines where we see rice fields. Similar things are happening there with an over reliance on a mono-culture. Interview with Martin Clucas of the International Society of Plant Breeders on what a monoculture means. Views of work underway to develop new crops at the International Rice Research Institute in the Philippines. Interview with Glen Denning of the IRRI on their methods and views of crop research. There are claims that concentrating on a few varieties has made third world countries dependent on first world pesticide suppliers. Interview with IRRI plant breeder Gurdev Khust and views of the gene bank where older varieties of seeds are stored. Pat Mooney then talks about his claims that the USA are preventing some countries from accessing seeds stored in their gene bank.
We then see views of the Plant Breeding Institute in Cambridge which has recently been sold to the chemicals firm Unilever. Views of seed packets in a garden centre (many of the old firms have also been bought by chemicals firms). Martin Clucas then denies that the firms will develop seeds to match their pesticides. There is also talk about new seeds which do not reproduce so growers have to return to the suppliers every year for new stocks. Views of factory in the Philippines processing corn seeds. Interview with the local manager. Shots of small farmer at work in the Philippines and subtitled interview about increasing costs. Further interviews about the developed and developing world’s agriculture.
We then visit the Henry Doubleday Research Association and see the crop varieties that have been saved. However if the plants are old and have slipped off the government approved list the sale of these seeds is illegal. Interview with Pauline Pears about the legal situation and a tour of the horticultural areas showing older varieties of crops.
Narrated by James Bellini
Thanks to: Asia Visions, Philippines; Brandon Productions, Canada; British Society of Plant Breeders, Ely; Plant Breeding Institute, Cambridge
Camera: Gerry Pinches
Sound: Steve Phillips; Bill Dodkin; Ray Bragg
Graphics: Stuart Kettle
Production Secretary: Annie Clarke
Production Assitants: Dolores Shine; Maggie Madison
Film Editor: Bob Woodward
Associate Director: Jamie Hartzell
Producer: Vivica Parsons
Director: John Thornicroft
Production number 1177/87.