New TV show focuses on The Fresh Life in the Holland Marsh
News
Posted By Miriam King
Posted 4 months ago
New TV show focuses on The Fresh Life in the Holland Marsh
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Holland Marsh – Consumers wanting to know where their food comes from, the farmers involved, and ways of cooking up fresh, local produce can find out this and more on a new television show, The Fresh Life.
The show, which premiered on April 4, is a 13-episode half-hour program dedicated to local food, and highlighting farmers in the Holland Marsh – nearly 12,000 acres of organic farmland located in 5 municipalities, that raises over 50 different crops.
Put together by producers Marty Galin (of Soup-alicious fame) and Kaaveh Shoman, in co-operation with the Holland Marsh Growers' Association, The Fresh Life began taping in the fall of 2009.
According to Avia Eek, Marsh farmer and a director of the HMGA, the film crew would just "show up" at a farm - "A word to the wise in this regard: If a camera crew EVER shows up at your place of business or home, etc., and they offer you make-up – twice – take it!" - to begin the journey into the lives of farmers and farming in the Salad Bowl of Ontario.
"This was an opportunity to feature the uniqueness of both this land and its farmers to the rest of the province," said Alex Makarenko, chair of the Growers' Association. Working with the producers, "we were able to capture the essence of farming within the Holland Marsh – and those farmers that participated really projected life on the farm for both the show and to consumers."
On March 28, those who were involved in the filming had a chance to preview the new show, at the home of Bill and Avia Eek. "I think a lot of people were curious about the show, and were anxious to see how it turned out," said Avia. "There was a short presentation of plaques, then we ate and drank, and retired to the "theatre" (basement) to view the segments and the first show. The room was so quiet, you could have heard a pin drop.
"The Holland Marsh farmers are featured at the beginning and at the end of each show. The middle of the show is about cooking,choosing wine, eating low fat, eating healthy, all things 'local food'."
The Fresh Live will be appearing every Sunday on SunTV, at 1:30 p.m., for the next 5 months - featuring "Real Farmers growing Real Food for Real People."
"There's even talk of doing a second season – now that's food for thought!" said Avia.
