Description:The history of agricultural and rural development in Aubrac reviewed from 1947 to 1992 shows clearly the importance of the development choices made by the local society in this small region of the French Massif Central. These people who are deeply attached to the essence of their country, ever reaffirmed and rejuvenated by integrating the changes occurring in modern society, chose to strengthen the links between i) the territory with its inherent constraints and handicaps as well as potential assets; ii) types of production and activities consistently seeking to achieve a profitable added value (rom local resources and iii), the total quality of agricultural products produced' locally and of services offered. With the help of specifie local ageneies charged with both agricultural and rural development, they were able to negotiate periods of economic crisis avoiding irretrievable losses. In the face of uncertainty and of the interrogations surfacing in 1993 Europe, the country and its people have managed ta maintain dynamic projects and evolution possibilities for the future.