Finger Lakes Bioneers, Cornell Small Farms Program, and the Glen Theater will co-present the Watkins Glen premiere of The Greenhorns, a 60-minute documentary film directed by young farmer-in-training Severine von Tscharner Fleming. Audience members will take an inspiring journey across the US to explore new food and farming enterprises, rural and urban possibilities, and diverse producer and consumer initiatives. The film-making team, based in the Hudson Valley, celebrates the hopeful new generation of young farmers – especially important given that the average age of American farm owners is around 57.

Released in Spring 2011, this inspiring movie is now being shown around the country by community-based organizations and innovative venues to help promote and build a more sustainable economy. Citizens around the state of New York understand that this is not just a long-term quest because they can see that local solutions are being developed and implemented now.

The Greenhorns (http://www.thegreenhorns.net/) film screening is on Tuesday, December 6th at 7 PM. The Glen Theater is at 112 North Franklin Street in downtown Watkins Glen. Refreshments will be available at 6:30 pm.  After the screening, panelists and audience members will share comments and ideas related to the vitality of the Watkins Glen, Montour Falls, and Schuyler County economy, and explore how residents of the Seneca Lake watershed can continue to nurture and support current and emerging on-farm and food related businesses.

The panel of community-based farmers and food system advocates will discuss their innovative work, goals and visions. Moderated by Brett Chedzoy of Schuyler County Cornell Cooperative Extension, the panel will include Violet Stone from Cornell Small Farms program; Jacob Eisman, Six Circles Farm; Liz Martin, Muddy Fingers Farm; Kathryn Engel, RK Farms; and Lou Johns, Blue Heron Farm. Audience members are encouraged to join the discussion and bring their ideas and news on other local economy initiatives.

Formed in 2009, Finger Lakes Bioneers has hosted two regional conferences and helped link central New York audiences to the work of “Bioneer” innovators (www.Bioneers.org).  This fall/winter 2011 film series is being arranged in partnership with groups and venues in Auburn, Cortland, Elmira and Watkins Glen. The programming seeks to connect communities across our region on topics related to our shared future. The December 6th event is the first to be held in the Watkins Glen area. Visit www.wemakeourfuture.org to learn more about Finger Lakes Bioneers- a project of Sustainable Tompkins.