Law, contract and partnership, the three terms for a new link between agriculture and society: the example of the farm territorial contracts

Abstract

The reorientation of the agricultural policy set up in 1999 aims at recognising the multifunctionality of agriculture and promoting practices more favourable for the new demands of society. The public action engaged through the "farm territorial contracts" relies on regulation and incentive, as well as it gives priority to the involvement of a lot of stakeholders. Law, contract and partnership are combined, with positive effects on the link between agriculure and society. The first analysis which could be done of this complex and promising operation shows its interest but also its difficulties, its limits and the questions it raises. They can be fruitfull for those who need to reform forest management planning, and for those who will implement it.