Two-thirds of sludge in France today – 500,000 million tonnes per year dry matter – is recycled in agriculture, so there is a need for a stable relationship between the farming industry and water companies. Two researchers, Chrisitan Nicourt from agricultural research institute INRA and Remi Barbier from environmental engineering agency Cemagref, have published a report comparing the different ways in which three counties (Bas Rhin, Dordogne and Seine et Marne) run their agricultural recycling set-up. They identify several types of approach but also shared features (more moving sludge away from built-up areas, more composting). But this recycling route is still precarious, being based on farmers' good will. An article signed Remi Barbier and Sylvie Lupton, published in INRA environment review no. 25, can be downloaded from :INRA environment review no. 25.