Aerial views pick out the visual contrasts between different parts of Italy and point out the physical problems affecting farming in Sicily. Commentary, a map and pictures emphasise the obstacles to change and progress in Sicily: remoteness, bureaucracy, Mafia influence, and physical conditions.

03.10 - 06.40

Interviews and footage of vineyards give an insight into the life of Salvatore, a young farm worker. Commentary, and comments from Salvatore, explain how few people can live solely off field-worker wages. He supplements his income by supplying restaurants with wood fuel.

06.40 - 07.58

Aerial shots and commentary provide more background to life in Sicily - the significance of EU policy, and the harsh environment. Commentary raises the issue of modernisation in agriculture, and coverage of a local family's estate explores this further.

07.58 - 09.30

An interview with Pietro Condini provides details about mechanisation, cutting labour costs, and changes to the landscape, such as larger fields.

09.30 - 11.10

Commentary and aerial shots of Sicilian towns introduce the idea of rural-urban migration. The limited scope of Sicily to provide local urban jobs is pointed out. The decline of industry, and job losses in farming, are discussed. Footage of the ailing fishing fleet and unpleasant work on a desalinisation plant emphasises the difficulties.

11.10 - 15.00

Interviews with Guiseppe, a greenhouse owner, and supporting commentary switch the focus to more positive factors. Some land is fertile and productive; the warm climate is beneficial to many kinds of cultivation. Isolation and distance from markets emerge as difficulties. Aerial shots of roadways through the mountains and discussion of ferry costs to the mainland help illustrate the point. Lack of good economic advice is mentioned.

15.00 - 16.30

Water scarcity is investigated through interviews with a small-scale farmer and a rich land owner. Aerial and ground-level footage illustrate this well. 'Who you know' emerges as the key to getting a good water supply.

16.30 - end

The focus returns to Salvatore as cameras follow him on an evening out in town, and he talks about his aspirations and fears for the future.

Key words and ideas

• drought and water supply
• distance from markets
• transportation charges
• labour-intensive farming
• capital-intensive farming
• rural unemployment
• emigration
• bureaucracy and obstacles to change
• the Mafia and its alleged influence