“Our Children Will Accuse Us” shows us how political will can disrupt the established order, in favor of products recognized as better for health. The commune of Barjac in Gard has thus invested in local products from organic farming for school canteens and home-delivered meals. An initiative that is easily understood if one believes an American scientist who states that “the new generation of children is the first in modern history to be in poorer health than its parents.”
For example, a scene from the movie decrypts an “industrial” school meal. The children are filmed in this context. A list of toxic ingredients in each dish appears, prominently featuring lead. In France, 90% of crops are chemically treated. This represents 76,000 tons of pesticides poured out each year.
On this basis, the film immerses us in the daily life of children schooled in Barjac: transitioning the canteen to organic foods, education on sustainable development in the classroom, and maintaining the school garden, with Yannick Noah’s song “Aux arbres citoyens” as a musical highlight.
It is also interesting to follow their families and the evolution of eating behaviors at home. Punctuated with interviews, cross portraits, serious moments, and touches of humor, this film questions our consumption habits.
“Organic” and You
According to the 2008 Agence Bio/CSA barometer on the perception and consumption of organic products in France, consumers of “organic” products overwhelmingly report maintaining their expenses. In a context of pressure on purchasing power, 11% have increased them and 16% have reduced them. Organic farming is becoming democratized, including in school restaurants where 1 child out of 4 has already had a healthy meal. According to the barometer, the perception of organic products is increasingly positive. It remains strongly linked to the ideas of nature and health, as well as the quality and taste of the products.
