With the modernisation of agriculture, trees were gradually taken out of development policies. In this respect, the way trees are handled in various regulations is enlightening. Through the testimony of three tree planter farmers recorded for the purposes of a recent documentary, it is soon apparent that, at 5, 15 or 30 years interval, they came up against similar reluctance and similar problems in obtaining support and recognition of their agroforestry projects as being eligible. These farmers are asked to produce more efficiently, and sometimes to maintain natural elements, at the risk that they may be penalised — which seems contradictory — particularly in view of the constraints and sometimes disadvantages that trees may impose on overall farm management. For trees to be part of “sustainable development” requires some upfront clarification of regulations and legal provisions. In this respect a number of promising developments have occurred. Additionally, projects must be designed from a more positive, or even participative, angle between players in the rural environment so as to break down the isolation of farmers when contemplating land management decisions.