Réflexion sur l'expérience des SAFER

The SAFER were created in France between 1961 and 1964, and are the instrument that is in charge of changing and transforming land structures in order to adapt them to the needs of a modern expanding economy. One of the most interesting aspects consists of observing how these societies have penetrated into the French technical, economic, sociological and political context; what wording methods they are using, what their outlook for further development is. The author suggests answers to these questions. Praised by some, fought by others, 29 societies have been set up in the course of only three years; they cover the whole national territory except for seven « départements ». Their organization is flexible : it brings together the representatives of farmers' associations and of the gouvernment service. These societies are non profit limited-liability companies which buy land freely put up for sale, improve it and resell it to farmers in order to increase the size of too small farms. Since the beginning 60.941 hectares have been acquired, of which 30.260 hectares Were acquired in 1964. The rôle of the SAFER is still small but is growing rapidly. Working methods have been developed to guide these interventions. The spontaneous and anarchic evolution of the land structures resulting from an important rural exodus, should be guided and canalized in order to avoid excesses of the « Grapes of Wrath » type or of poverty-stricken resignation. The SAFER are the first institution created in France to work towards this aim or with the hope of attaining it.