Enkele aspecten van de Franse landbouw

Before the war French agriculture lagged far behind that of other countries. Both then and since it had been better north than south of the Loire. This was caused by many differences such as those in climate, soil type, aspect and use of the soil, variety and quality of crops, types of cattle, agricultural education, extension and cooperation. In farm size the monocultures in south-east (wine) and southern France were an exception. Co-operatives included some wine caves and fruit- marketing organizations. Owned and rented properties occurred throughout France. The 'métayage' and its consequences existed only south of the Loire and was one of the most harmful factors in central and southern France. The 'Statut du fermage et du métayage' of 1946 had already caused much improvement.

After a discussion of rural depopulation the writer pointed out that wheat, pig meat and butter were not of sufficient quality and cheese did not keep well enough for large-scale export. Alcohol surpluses and alcoholism were further problems. Those agricultural regions and farms which had already been most modernized, and had taken the most initiatives, had profited most by State aid after the war.

This had accentuated the difference between the regions and between farms.