Herbicide Trials (1984)

Herbicide Trials (1984) poster

In 1983, fifteen Cape Breton, Nova Scotia, landowners went to court to stop the spraying of herbicides by the local subsidiary of a Swedish multinational on forests adjacent to their properties. They found that the testimony of scientists and the support of public opinion, both here and abroad, were not enough to win their case. The film shows their ordeal and the landmark Sydney trial. Concerns raised included potential conflict-of-interest situations where a government must protect citizens' health while supporting certain kinds of industry; the relative value of the political and judicial processes in mediating social problems; and the need for a public forum for debating environmental issues. The film contains outstanding footage from chemical-industry films of the 1950s and recent material about Vietnam veterans affected by Agent Orange.

Director: Neal Livingston
Genre: Documentary
Runtime: 49 min
Release Date:
Editing: Neal Livingston
Production: ONF | NFB
Country: Canada
Language: English
Original Language: en

Keywords

environmental activist, herbicide, cape breton, environmental documentary

More Films by Director: Neal Livingston
More Films in Genre: Documentary

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Herbicide Trials about?
In 1983, fifteen Cape Breton, Nova Scotia, landowners went to court to stop the spraying of herbicides by the local subsidiary of a Swedish multinational on forests adjacent to their properties. They found that the testimony of scientists and the support of public opinion, both here and abroad, were not enough to win their case. The film shows their ordeal and the landmark Sydney trial. Concerns raised included potential conflict-of-interest situations where a government must protect citizens' health while supporting certain kinds of industry; the relative value of the political and judicial processes in mediating social problems; and the need for a public forum for debating environmental issues. The film contains outstanding footage from chemical-industry films of the 1950s and recent material about Vietnam veterans affected by Agent Orange.
Who directed Herbicide Trials?
Herbicide Trials was directed by Neal Livingston.
How long is Herbicide Trials?
Herbicide Trials has a runtime of 49m (49 minutes).
What genre is Herbicide Trials?
Herbicide Trials is a Documentary film.
Where was Herbicide Trials produced?
Herbicide Trials was produced in Canada.