The transformation of rural France since the beginning of this century has been most clearly expressed through the effects of depopulation and the technical modernisation of farming on the landscape. Perhaps less visible, but no less important changes have taken place in the social fabric of farming, in the associations – the syndicates, cooperatives and mutualist groups – of the agricultural community. It is these associations that are the subject of this book. Their history provides an insight into the ways in which peasant and farmer alike sought, through association and cooperation, to influence the character and direction of economic change. In the changing relationships between members of the farming community, their associations and the state, the relationships between peasant, politician and producer, lie the real fascination of the changes that have affected the French countryside this century.

I am grateful to many institutions and individuals for their support and encouragement in facilitating the research for this book. Departmental archivists were always helpful and accommodating during my searches for material in the often labyrinthine Series M. The financial assistance of the University of Exeter and the British Academy is gratefully acknowledged and thanks are extended to Terry Bacon who drew the figures. I owe a particular debt to Alan Baker and Roger Béteille for all their help. Final thanks must go to my mother for all her encouragement and to Marie for her constant support.