Control of Farm Structures and the Actions of the S.A.F.E.R. Following the Agricultural Orientation Law of 4 July 1980 and Current Government Policy

This article examines the reform of French agricultural structure policy after the Agricultural Orientation Law of 4 July 1980, with special attention to the role of the S.A.F.E.R. institutions. The author revisits the objectives of earlier legislation, discusses why a new reform was deemed necessary, and highlights persistent concerns over regional disparities, indebtedness, farm size, and generational renewal. The paper explains how SAFER procedures were made more operational in order to facilitate land transactions, installation of young farmers, and more effective oversight of agricultural structures. It presents land regulation as a central tool for maintaining viable family farming and balanced rural development.