Description :
This episode of Radio Pais is part of the European Tramontana Network, a project co-funded by the European Union that documents, preserves and shares the oral memory and living heritage of rural and mountain communities across Europe. Through conversations with local inhabitants, the programme explores agricultural traditions, work, and the challenges facing rural territories today.
The programme visits Simone, a producer from the commune of Clarac, who speaks about her work growing fruit and selling produce at local markets. The discussion highlights the realities of small-scale farming, including the effects of adverse weather on apple and pear harvests, the importance of processing fruit into products such as juice and compote, and the close relationship between producers and their customers. The guests also recall the history of local markets and their role in supporting rural economies and community life.
The conversation then broadens into a reflection on agricultural work as a way of life. The speakers discuss the satisfaction of passing a farm on to a younger generation, the continuous nature of farming with few real holidays, the seasonal rhythm of fruit production, and collective efforts to protect crops from frost and other natural hazards. Throughout the programme, farming is presented not only as an economic activity but also as a cultural heritage based on knowledge, cooperation, perseverance and a strong attachment to the land.