No wonder the spirit of resistance is forever linked to France. At the Fête de l’agriculture Paysanne this weekend the verve of underground activity was alive and well, manifesting in much more than the delicious produce ‘peasant’ farmers were united in producing. The honey and cheese, basket making and fresh vegetables were a sunny welcome, reflecting the effort of their making and the pleasure of their sharing. But the organic purpose of the day was to bring together people of shared vision to grow and defend the future of community based farming. With noticeable distinction, women led the event, their feminal common sense fighting for small and diverse livelihoods against huge and homogenised landlords. Family versus big farma.

How I love to be in the company of gritty optimistic women – especially those in the silver sixties! This is the median age of farmers in France according to Isabelle from The field of possibilities (Le champ des possibles), a farm of one hectare in Le Pradet. She joins a syndicate of many small farmers who advocate for land regulation where, say, 3 farmers could feed 3 families, rather than one big business occupying land not intended to feed people nearby. The problem is worldwide, super markets dominate our options (I challenge you to find fresh milk at Aldi or Lidl in France!), so how inspiring it is to discover a small French farming syndicate that says their primary role is to defend ideas…

The sausage sizzle would have alerted everyone within cooee to the fete. The smell of the barbecue – and the sweet crepes – was as enticing as the rousing songs from the stage. And with Provence currently celebrating 80 years since liberation, there is still reason to resist, this time from the front line. I’ll be sure to show my solidarity one farmer’s market at a time. See you there!