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Abstract
The effects that the energy crisis has had on the relatively energy-intensive
French agriculture are discussed in this paper for the period 1974-1984. The
economic significance of energy in agriculture and the economic effects of higher
energy prices are examined. An analysis is made of developments in the use of
different sources of energy in the agricultural sector: savings in petroleum products
used for heat production, diversification of fuel sources for heating, growing
consumption of wood for space heating, and increased use of electricity. The effects
of the energy crisis on France's agricultural economy, particularly with regard to
farm income, the choice of sites for agricultural production, and trade in agrofood
products are discussed. Finally, a detailed breakdown is given of the changes
in the use of production factors, caused by the increase in energy prices. Agriculture
appears to have become more economical or more efficient.