Ana Lira Collaborates with Agroecological Farmers Cristina Petroni and Vera Silva for Fliporto Launch

A new collaborative work by Ana Lira, developed with farmers Cristina Petroni of Sítio Sete Estrelas and Vera Silva of Sítio Machado, will be launched at Fliporto, near the Espaço Agroecológico de Setúbal. The project grew from an agroecological practice in which decisions are made collectively: Silva describes consensus as always sought and never unilateral, while Petroni says all productive work is defined by every family member without exception, and fair decisions follow the majority after hearing the whole collective. Both women initially did not immediately understand Lira's proposal, a process Petroni says unfolded gradually. They framed the project as an opportunity for city audiences to learn about the work of agroecological farming families rather than as a work about them. Silva said the piece must show the truth of their daily lives, including care for the land, food culture, the labor of rural men and women, and the political struggle for a dignified life in the countryside. Petroni said it must make clear that real, clean food free of exploitation is accessible to all. The work is intended to draw more people to the fair, where visitors can talk with farmers and learn about the process of those who grow their food.