As we move away from the bus stop, the already faint sounds of the city gradually fade, giving way to a natural chorus of countryside sounds. Our steps lead us along a dirt path that winds up to the entrance of a farm. The air here is different; purer, charged with an earthy scent that speaks for itself.
Crossing the open gate, we are greeted by the vibrant scene of farm life. Cows and goats graze placidly in green fields, occasionally lifting their heads with benign curiosity as we pass. Dogs run back and forth, playing in well-kept courtyards that extend alongside the farm buildings. We breathe deeply, inhaling the raw essence of agricultural life. It's an authentic smell, a mix of fresh hay, soil, and the natural presence of animals, a scent without the synthetic heaviness that once permeated the air due to the fossil fuels used in farming practices. Looking beyond the courtyards and pastures, we notice agricultural machinery at work in the fields. They are imposing machines, but their operation is surprisingly quiet. Now fully electric, they move with precision between the rows of crops, free from the toxic fumes that once darkened the sky with a foul mist.
This change has also had a noticeable impact on the surrounding flora. The trees along the field edges are strong and sturdy, their leaves a lush mosaic of healthy green. There are none of the distinctive signs of damage caused by pollutants, those tiny perforations and blackened edges that told a story of suffering. Now, they too breathe freely, their natural systems less burdened by the diseases that were a side effect of the old age of agriculture. As we stroll and interact with the animals, a deep sense of peace envelops us. Here, on this farm, as in so many other places, a return has been made to a more conscious and respectful way of living. A balance seems to have been rediscovered, honoring the traditions of the past while embracing the innovations of the present. And in this balance, the earth thrives, the animals thrive, and we too find a renewed sense of belonging and a deeper appreciation for the simplicity and wisdom of living in harmony with nature. We head towards the small local produce shop and buy some good cheese.
We start chatting with the kind lady who runs the whole farm, asking her if she feels the differences as much as we do. Her face, marked by the seasons and daily commitment, lights up as soon as she begins to share her experience with the revolutionary switch to electric farming.
"You see," she starts, leaning comfortably on the counter, "this land has been passed down for generations in my family. I've seen farming methods evolve, but nothing compares to the change that electrification has brought." She gestures towards a silent tractor working in the distance, smiling.
"Before," she explains, "the old diesel tractors were incredibly loud and polluting. Every time they started up, you could hear the roar all over the farm, and the smoke... oh, the black smoke permeated everything." She grimaces, as if she can still perceive the acrid smell. "Now, look at them... electric vehicles have changed everything. They're silent, efficient, and, most importantly, respectful of the environment we live in. No more stops for fueling; now it's about simple, clean recharging. And luckily, they've installed the charging stations right out here for me!"
She continues, telling us how maintenance is much less burdensome, stating that electric engines have fewer moving parts; therefore, they break down less, and the power these vehicles have is immediate, making work easier, especially with the more challenging terrains.
As she speaks, it's clear how this change has had an impact not just practically but also emotionally on her. She describes how the air quality has improved the health of her crops, how the absence of noise pollution has brought unexpected serenity, and how even the animals seem calmer and happier without the roars and fumes.
"Even the farming practices have improved," she adds, with a tone of hope in her voice. "With more precise and less invasive machines, we can practice more sustainable agriculture. We preserve the soil better, manage water more efficiently, and reduce the use of pesticides thanks to advanced monitoring techniques."
With every word, the woman's vision paints a vivid picture of an agricultural world that has embraced the future without forgetting the roots of the past. It's a delicate balance between adopting new technologies and maintaining harmony with the land, and all this started thanks to the adoption of fully electric vehicles.
We absorb her words, thanking her for the cheese and for sharing all this with us. As we walk away, the lady's thoughts echo in our minds, a sweet melody of hope underlining every step towards the sustainable future in which, incredibly, we've managed to immerse ourselves.
