In order to check the decrease in the number of young farmers setting up on their own, a phenomenon that was giving rise to concern in certain regions, a subsidy for such farmers was introduced at the beginning of 1973. This aid amounted to 25,000 Francs, payable in three installments. At the beginning of 1976 this subsidy, a sum varying according to the region, was extended to the whole of France. This study, carried out in 1976, concerning 172 young farmers was intended on the one hand to discover and describe the way they set up in business, and on the other hand to evaluate their economic and financial situation two or three years afterwards. These farmers, aged about 26, for several years had assisted their parents ; they often marry after setting up on their own and their technical and educational level remains low. In most cases, the family farm, whether owned or rented, is at the heart of the land that is to become the young man's farm. But half of those receiving this subsidy, are legally independent of their parents and family and autonomous as far as the land they farm is concerned. The farm is gradually built up and continues after they have set up alone. The increases in land are usually rented. Their average farming income (31,000 francs) conceals great differences in their situation, and the great variety of debts and loans accorded shows up great inequality in their financial situation. Two years after they have set up it appears that the two most important factors determining the level of their income and the financial situation of the farm are their parents contribution and the original state of the farm they have taken over.
