The gross Agricultural product in France amounted to 44 thousands million Ecus in 1989 or 23 per cent of that of the EC; animal and plant production contributing equally to this figure. About 1 million farms are still in operation representing roughly in thousands : 180 growing crops and cereals in the North and South West, 150 growing fruit and vines in the South; 400 raising cattle sheep and goats, 150 producing pigs and 40 highly specialized farms producing poultry in the West Milk and dairy products and beef and poultry meat are the major animal products exported, while there are substantial imports of pig, and sheep meat to meet the requirements of the home market Agricultural business and consequently research have for long time been focused on the improvement of breeding stock and of the conversion efficiency of plant into animal protein. Present Agricultural Research in France, mainly performed in INRA laboratories, involves 7000 people of which 3000 are scientists (this has increased from 2000 in 1980). The total governement budget is 310 million Ecus/year, 82 per cent represented by salaries. But in a climate of surpluses,, consumers are less and less prepared to spend money on food : 16 % in 1987 instead of 20 % of their annual wages ten years ago, and are aware of food safety and quality. Therefore, in the past five years, research forces have been directed towards increasing the productivity of crop plants by expanding the number of scientists from 922 to 1029 (+ 11.6 %); also special attention was paid to agro-food research which has expanded from 319 to 525 scientists (+ 64.6 %).