Farmers bequeathed values based on effort, hard work, thriftiness, a love of the land, harmony with the natural rhythms of time and respect for the land. As a result of these values, they left characteristic landscapes which seemed inalterable for centuries on end.
At this point, a visit to the museum encompasses a given period in our history, the one characterised by the most profound changes in its economic structure: when beasts of burden permanently gave way to the advantages of combustion engines.
The farming world, with a centuries-old tradition and values closely tied to survival, changed in a brief period of time after the mechanisation of the countryside.
The soil’s yields improved year after year, and harvests were more plentiful and profitable. And this improvement process is still underway today.
Industrialisation has brought many advantages, as well as many disadvantages. The human footprint left on the countryside is deep and leaves many questions as yet unanswered.
In the 21st century, we all depend on the countryside and should change our attitude if we want to maintain the health of the Earth and our own wellbeing.