THE mayor of Bridport has described a documentary about food and farming as 'essential viewing' for everyone.

This Good Earth, directed by Bridport-based Robert Golden and filmed in Dorset, explores the ways we farm and eat and the impact it has on the planet.

The 90-minute film is two years in the making and has been described as 'provocative', 'controversial' and 'exceptionally powerful'.

It is divided into three parts: soil, the land and biodiversity and farming, food and disease. It looks into the farming and food system to the state of the countryside’s plant life, animal life and soil, along with regulations, the state of the earth and the excessive loss of species.

Mayor Ian Bark said: "This Good Earth brings together farmers, scientists, ecologists and expert academics to contest the disturbing influence that agrochemical giants exert over the farming industry and warns that the way we currently grow our food could effectively kill us unless huge changes are made in how we treat our land and other species.

"Many of the magnificent images on screen are at times truly breathtaking. But overriding the beautiful imagery is a deeply worrying analysis of the impact of current intensive farming practices. This is interlaced with a clear vision of a kinder way in which to produce our food in greater harmony with the natural world."

"This Good Earth is essential viewing for farmers, consumers, ecologists and those concerned with human rights, as well as providing a key study tool for schools, universities and all of those who share the deep concerns of how and what we feed ourselves. That means you.

"I encourage you to see the film and enjoy the stunning photography, but more importantly heed of the words of wisdom being spoken by those who really know what is happening and how to change it for the better."

To purchase the film, visit www.this-good-earth.com and select 'buy film'.