A political science analysis of changes since 1945. Until 1959, the agricultural officiers in each department spread technical progress using mass methods (lectures, demonstrations) which lead to teacher-pupil type of relations with the farmers. The creation of farmer's study groups (CETA) based on a vision of modernization involving initiative by elite farmers motivated by the spirit of enterprise and the desire of farmer's organization to gain control over advisory activities led to loss of power by the agricultural officers. After a period of high decentralization (1 959-66) the Chambres d'Agriculture assumed a major role in all advisory activities (renamed « développement »). At present the whole concept of modernization is being questionned ; a new project must be built.
