In the Almerian municipality of Adra, known for its agricultural activity, lies Cortijo Pimiento Rojo. This farm, which primarily cultivates lamuyo peppers, eggplants, and other vegetables, is led by Juani Pérez following her husband's retirement. Alongside Violeta, an employee with over 20 years of experience, Juani manages all farm tasks, from sowing to pest prevention.
Although her mother wished for her to be a teacher, Juani found her calling in the land. "When I married a farmer in '86, things changed; I learned to be a farmer, and it's the best thing that could have happened to me," she recounts. For her, agriculture is fundamental: "We can live without many things, but we must eat every day. And what better way than to ensure what we eat is natural, of good quality, and locally sourced?".
The farm uses solarization methods to combat pests naturally, hermetically sealing greenhouses after moistening the soil to raise the temperature. They also control pests with beneficial insects that feed on harmful ones, a technique that, while not 100% effective, helps keep plants healthy. She is grateful not to have yet dealt with the parvispinus pest, which has affected other crops in Almería and Granada.
Juani highlights the advancements in the profession over the last 40 years, such as automation with tractors that ease physical labor, and the use of healthier, organic products. "We are interested in caring for what we apply to the plants because more aggressive products can kill the insects that protect us from pests," she explains.
She defines herself as a defender of a "feminine and feminist" farm, run by her and Violeta. She emphasizes the importance of support from unions and associations like AFAMMER in making women's work in rural areas visible. "We have progressed, but there is still a long way to go to achieve equality because nowadays it doesn't matter who drives the tractor; a woman can do everything a man can do," she states.
The agricultural sector faces significant challenges, including climate change, water scarcity, and low prices at origin compared to retail prices. Juani laments that "large retailers and those who handle the product earn more than the producer who strives." Food sovereignty and the lack of generational renewal are other concerns, as consuming products from afar leaves a larger carbon footprint than consuming local produce.
Despite the sacrifices, physical labor, and risk of pests, Juani encourages young people to consider agriculture a "wonderful profession from which one can live with dignity." "We are the foundation upon which everything else rests; we have control over our business, and it is a profession that will never die because everyone has to eat," she concludes.
