After almost two years of solitary travelling, Carol Drinkwater returns home to her olive farm in Provence to find that France is at the forefront of an organic revolution. 2 per cent of French farming has gone 'bio', become organic, and others are following. Consumers are waking up to the dangers of processed foods, while back in the Midi the traditional farmers, Carol's neighbours, are dejected. Spraying their crops guaranteed larger yields as well as fruits not blighted by insects. It takes three years of hard toil to gain a 'Bio' ticket...why bother?

Several organisations are calling upon Provencal farmers to offer their holdings as experimental ground for pest control. Should Carol's farm be included, or is this a brave new world beyond her organic dreams? Olive farming at Appassionata is halted. Quashia, the gardener, is not pleased: 'We must spray!' He threatens to quit, and sets off for a three-month sabbatical.

The daily setbacks and joys of life on the olive farm unfold as Carol digs deeper into the crises facing us, particularly those living off the land. Carol has long dreamed of an alternative way of life, fresh produce, care of the earth. But when her findings throw up shocking facts, should she ignore these discoveries, take them further or stay within the boundaries of her farm? 

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Return to the Olive Farm: Life, love, bees and olive groves in Provence