FORMA programs and regional impact - FORMA administers, in the animal production sector, programs based on producers groups and other local organisations which can have a regional impact. These programs have three main characteristics : — they are not run through the usual local, regional, national network of consultative committees but on contracts signed with economic entities ; — these units receive a very large liberty of action. Furthermore they are the only ones, in their area, through which certain subsidies can be obtained. These subsidies go to producers ready to participate in technical or commercial programs ; — great care is taken to fit the programs to local needs and to problems which are locally considered as urgent. This structure is very adaptable. At the regional level, it gives the opportunity to bring together on definite goals farm unions, technical institutes and economic units whether cooperative or- private. It gives farmers who want to progress extra help. Started three years ago, these programs get good reception at the local level and are adopted today by a large number of farmers.