As part of the 'Let’s Talk About...' series of discussions, and coinciding with World Agriculture Day, the Barcelona Provincial Council held the presentation of the book 'Farming Barcelona. Portraits of a Changing Agriculture' yesterday. The event, organised by the Council’s bookshop and the Barcelona Agraria programme, was a tribute to the province’s farming community, while also serving as an invitation to promote sustainable food models, encourage generational renewal in the sector, and connect society with those who care for our land.

In his welcome speech, Xesco Gomar, deputy president of the Natural Spaces and Green Infrastructure Area of the Barcelona Provincial Council, emphasised the crucial role of farmers in environmental protection and reaffirmed the Council’s commitment to agricultural sustainability. "At the Barcelona Provincial Council, we provide economic and technical support to six local agricultural areas of interest, and during this term, we will strengthen these policies. We will expand the territories and municipalities that wish to participate, offering increased institutional, economic, and technical support," he stated. Gomar also announced the upcoming presentation of the Barcelona Agraria programme, which aims to consolidate these initiatives.

The event, which became a meeting point for those committed to a healthier, safer, and more sustainable food future, featured contributions from Gabi Martínez, writer and author of the book’s introduction; Patxi Uriz, photographer and documentary filmmaker; and Mar Carreraa, journalist and eco-editor. During the discussion, Martínez highlighted that “the book breathes optimism, an optimism that arises after having gone through tough times. It invites us to explore genuine optimism, not superficial optimism.” He also pointed out that “the people featured in this book have projects that inspire change and, without concealing the challenges, they offer so many ideas, examples, and experiences that you can’t help but want to get involved.”

The event then transitioned into a dialogue with three leading farmers from the province of Barcelona: Maria Rovira from De La Maria Eco; Germán Domínguez from El Nano Farinetes; and Tatiana Segura from Can Rasca Orella. Moderated by Sònia Callau, head of the Agrarian Territorial Directorate of the Barcelona Provincial Council, the discussion focused on the challenges and rewards of agricultural work, as well as the core values guiding the farmers' efforts.

To close the event, Xesco Gomar emphasised the Provincial Council’s support policies for farming. "The challenges facing food growers are enormous, but the responsibility of local and regional administrations is undeniable." He stressed that "the key to moving forward is reaching agreements and demonstrating this commitment through public budgets."

Finally, Gomar invited attendees to visit the 'Farming Barcelona' photography exhibition, which will open on 13th September at the Barcelona Provincial Council headquarters (126 Rambla de Catalunya, Barcelona). The exhibition pays tribute to the diversity and vitality of the province’s farming community.

An emotional journey through rural Barcelona

The book 'Farming Barcelona. Portraits of a Changing Agriculture' includes an introduction, 27 interviews, and a series of photographs offering an intimate and profound portrait of the province’s farming community. Through these testimonies, the values of freedom, creativity, and community that drive our farmers are brought to light. The individuals featured in this volume combine agricultural tradition with innovation and the dreams of those who care for the land.

The book, designed by Enric Jardí and illustrated by Tereza Janáková, is available at the Barcelona Provincial Council's Bookshop.  

— BCN Agraria Editorial —