Description :
This episode of Reality and Humanity (episode 95), broadcast by Radio País, is part of the European project Tramontana Network (Réseau Tramontana in French), co-funded by the European Union and dedicated to highlighting rural heritage, traditional knowledge and the voices of mountain and rural communities. Returning to the village of Candau, in Béarn, the programme presents the testimony of a local farmer who reflects on his life, his relationship with agriculture and the evolution of rural society.
The interviewee describes his experience as a farmer, his period of military service, and his later involvement in collective agricultural practices through a CUMA (Coopérative d’Utilisation de Matériel Agricole), a system based on sharing agricultural equipment and mutual support between farmers. He explains how this form of cooperation helped small farms survive by reducing costs and creating solidarity among rural workers. He also discusses pastoralism, cattle breeding and the importance of maintaining quality agricultural production adapted to local territories.
The episode also explores the transformation of rural areas, the decline of small farms and traditional activities, and the challenges faced by modern agriculture. The farmer expresses concerns about industrial food production and defends local, organic and sustainable practices. Through his memories of village life, traditional crafts, Occitan language and rural customs, the programme preserves a valuable testimony about the cultural and social heritage of Béarn and the importance of transmitting this knowledge to future generations.