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Abstract
Agricultural surpluses and exchanges the dilemmas of the european community - Supply and demand trends for agricultural products in the European Community lead to the accumulation of stocks that can be disposed of only with expensive subsidies. However, some French economists do not seem to recognize that a surplus problem exists. They put forward an interpretation of history which is difficult to reconcile with growing State intervention on behalf of the farm sector, and in particular with the support given under the CAP. They do not accept «neo-classical» economic analysis, yet their own approach does not seem capable of explaining imbalances between supply and demand. Neo-classical economists insist on the need to reduce farm prices, but this position need not be absolute. Prices do not have to be reduced to world ma/ket levels ; there is justification for more balanced protection ; and direct aids can assist farmers in difficulty. The real situation, unfortunately, is far from such a scenario, and prospects are not encouraging.