Over the last fifty years, the increasing farm size and the evolution of production methods have led to an increase in energy use, either direct or indirect (grey energy used to produce or transport inputs). This energy, essentially finite fossil fuel, has become more and more expensive and emits greenhouse gases. The research consisted of studying the links between energy consumption and economic results. The aim was to try to answer the following questions: will the necessary reduction in energy consumption, associated with less intensive agriculture, be accompanied by a fall in agricultural incomes? How can farmer’s income be maintained and even improved whilst adopting low input methods?

The study involved data collection using questionnaires carried out on approximately sixty arable farms in Haute-Normandy (west of Paris, France). On each farm, energy balance is realised thanks to the energy equivalents of the inputs and outputs (Risoud, 1999).

Analysis of the results, using the measure of efficiency defined as the output / input ratio allows for the establishment of relationships between economic and energy variables (Lynam, Hardt, 1989). The results show a large dispersion of efficiency values among the farms, explained by the diversity of crops and the strategic choice of farmers to spare inputs.

Keywords: energy efficiency, arable land, sustainable agriculture, economic results