Just off the 101 freeway in Ventura County outside of Los Angeles is an organic farmer named Phil McGrath. Unable to compete with the technological advances of large-scale corporate agriculture, Phil turned to organic farming out of necessity.

By selling directly to posh restaurants and the well-to-do patrons of farmers’ markets, Phil has taken advantage of an opportunity that is uniquely available near large cities like L.A. At the same time, Phil has taken it upon himself to educate himself about the environmental benefits of organic farming, and engages frequently in ecological outreach programs designed to spread this knowledge to the community and beyond.

Issues of environmental interest aside, Phil is also an interesting character in his own right: sort of a cross between an aged ex-hippie and a strangely effeminate redneck, his humble demeanor gives way to a marked assertiveness when he discusses issues of emotional significance to him.

Freeway Farmer will examine the life and work of Phil McGrath, both on the farm and off, as a meditation on the phenomenon of ecologically friendly farming practices and as a profile of a unique and striking individual.



Producer/Director/Photography: Colin Stryker