Elementary classes in agriculture (1914)
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From agronomic sciences
to agricultural practices
The application of agronomic sciences to agricultural
practices requires education and information for the farmers. In Europe
peasants began to learn how to read and write at the end of the 19th century.
In France, Jules Ferry instituted free primary
education (def.), secular and obligatatory. Educators play a
major role in the evolution of the rural world. Agricultural
education (def.) helps organize adult education programs (public conferences,
"winter" courses, demonstration
(def.) fields, etc.).
Simultaneously, companies that produce chemical fertilizers, plant protection
products, and mechanized agricultural tools, developed publicity promoting
the use of their products.
Agricultural societies and country fair organizations encouraged larger
yields and higher quality, particularly by organizing "agricultural competitions".
Education and information for farmers contributed to a gradual change
in ways of thinking, and to the triumph of a New
Agriculture (def.). Science and practices would join and give
birth later to a Production-oriented
Agriculture (def.), which aims to increase yields in agriculture.
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Today
Agropolis-Museum
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