Asparagus! Stalking the American Life (2008) Online

I saw this short film on the DVD entitled "Sixth Media That Matters Film Festival". It's an interesting film from Anne De Mare and Kirsten Kelly about asparagus--and how the US asparagus industry might be destroyed and how a particular county might not survive as the Asparagus Capital of the World.

The first part of the film shows the great pride Oceana County Michigan has for its famous crop. You see folks dressed like asparagus, women vying for the title 'Asparagus Queen' and the like. The second part is the problem approaching the county--the State Department is planning on undercutting the US growers by encouraging Peruvians to start an asparagus industry--one that will sell their product for significantly less due, I assume, to lower labor costs and US government subsidies. I have no idea if this was enacted and would love to know how the county is doing today.

All in all, an informative and interesting short--as well as a great example of unintended consequences.