The article discusses the significance of the Documentation Centre and Agrarian Reform Archive (CDARA), established in the 1990s in Portugal to preserve the documentary heritage related to the Agrarian Reform that followed the Revolution of April 25, 1974. This reform was a pivotal socio-economic, political, and cultural event, albeit short-lived, that aimed to redistribute land and promote collective agricultural practices. As the Collective Production Units (UCPs) and Agricultural Cooperatives faced extinction due to economic challenges and labor shortages, many valuable archives were at risk of destruction.
CDARA was created to collect, organize, and make accessible the extensive documentation from these agricultural units, as well as from unions, regional reform centers, and consumer cooperatives. The center serves as a thematic library, housing a diverse range of materials, including books, newspapers, pamphlets, photographs, and audio recordings, all related to the Agrarian Reform. The article emphasizes the importance of CDARA in preserving this rich historical record, which is crucial for understanding the complexities of the Agrarian Reform and its implications for Portuguese society.
The author aims to raise awareness about CDARA’s existence and its potential as a resource for researchers and the public. By highlighting the need for rigorous and impartial study of the Agrarian Reform, the article advocates for the preservation of this documentary heritage, which is essential for comprehending the historical narrative of post-1974 Portugal. Ultimately, the CDARA represents a vital effort to safeguard the memory of a transformative period in Portuguese history, ensuring that future generations can access and learn from this significant socio-cultural phenomenon.
