For the first time in a full-length documentary, contract farmers tell their stories and industry experts reveal how the corporate production model pits farmer against farmer.
In the U.S. alone, 97% of the chicken produced is raised by family farmers under contract with large companies. Around the world and all across agriculture, contract farming is taking hold. Farmers who sign contracts often face unfair challenges and hidden risks under the terms that are offered by large firms.
Under Contract investigates the exploitative “contract farming” model used by massive meat corporations in the poultry industry and the little understood fine print of modern agriculture.
As part of the filmmaking team, we were honored to contribute research and footage to a highly publicized segment on Last Week Tonight with John Oliver regarding the chicken industry.
Oliver exposed the grueling reality behind industry PR, the predatory tournament system, and the suppression of farmer voices. The episode and the documentary it featured helped spark an ongoing dialogue about the need for protective agricultural regulations and corporate accountability.
For a closer look at the reality of contract farming and the fine print that locks farmers into debt, watch the episode.
From the show: John Oliver explains how chicken farming can be unfair, punishing, and inhumane. And not just for the chickens!