Vegetable Industry Unification in Spain
In the sun-drenched province of Cádiz, a unique farm named La Petite is making a significant impact. This 2.5-hectare haven, operated by the Esperanza en Acción foundation, is more than just a farm—it's a community.
On a typical Saturday morning, members of the foundation gather at La Petite. Among them is José González Díaz, the foundation's founder, who sits on a bench, overseeing the bustling activities. Nearby, Abdou, a resident at the farm, works diligently in the garden, volunteering his time and reaping the rewards of a supportive community.
Abdou, who moved out a few months ago, remains grateful for the help he received from Esperanza en Acción. The foundation assisted him in securing an apprenticeship contract with a small carpentry, a stepping stone towards a more stable future.
La Petite is home to a variety of animals—pigs, chickens, ponies, goats—and even boasts a homemade playground that attracts families with children. The playground, along with a bench where José sits, are results of the hard work put into the farm.
Pape, another resident at the farm, arrived at the Canary Island of El Hierro after a 70-day boat journey from Dakar, Senegal, in November 2023. He remembers the journey with a heavy heart, as six people lost their lives due to lack of food, water, and medicine.
Since arriving in Spain about a year and a half ago and submitting an asylum application, Pape has taken his new life calmly and has no intention of returning to Africa. He spends his time learning about the different vegetables grown on the farm, such as carrots, beans, salads, Swiss chard, and spinach, and even cooks a dish from his homeland, "Poulet Yassa", for himself and his friends.
Esperanza en Acción works closely with local companies to help residents find their first job in Spain. They collaborate with construction companies, restaurants and hotels, a nursery, an electrical company, and a metalworker, providing valuable opportunities for the farm's residents.
Each Saturday, vegetable boxes are distributed at the farm, with 55 boxes given out that day. The contents of the boxes come from the educational garden at the center of the land.
Recent immigration law reforms have affected the process of "rooting" (establishment) in Spain. Previously, if someone arrived in Spain and first applied for asylum, which was then rejected after several months or years, this waiting time could be credited towards rooting. This is no longer possible since the reform.
Despite these changes, La Petite continues to provide a safe and supportive environment for migrants like Abdou and Pape, offering them a chance to rebuild their lives and find a sense of belonging in Spain.
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