This self-made documentary, about Apricot Lane Farms in Moorpark, Calif., and the young idealistic married couple who started it, might turn you into one of those gadflies who demands the authentic story behind the fruit or veggies they eat.

John and Molly Chester start out as a hip L.A. couple, with John working in television – he shot and produced this film – and Molly a private chef. They adopt an abused dog, but the dog can’t handle apartment living and barks all day. After they get evicted, they decide to try to fulfill their dream to live off the land, spurred by the notion of reviving a long-neglected form of agriculture.

They purchase 200 acres of soil-dead land, and with the help of eccentric biodynamic expert Alan York, investors and workers inspired by the Chesters’ mission, they try turning it into a diverse, nutrient-rich farm. They think big, reviving an irrigation pond, building a worm compost facility, setting up a multi-fruit orchard, and bringing in a pregnant sow named Emma.

Early optimism quickly gave way to the vicissitudes of depending on Mother Nature, and it’s at this point that “The Biggest Little Farm” reaps its real rewards. Watching the Chesters fight past disillusionment to learn the real lessons of harvesting in communion with nature is what gives the movie its illuminating power, as they deal with wildlife like ducks, snails, gophers, owls and even coyotes.

“THE BIGGEST LITTLE FARM”

***

(PG, 1:31)