This study is based on the recognition of a steady decline in the competitiveness of French arable farms within Europe. The aim is then to analyse from the data made available by CASD : (i) the distribution of farm income and its components in order to identify barriers to competitiveness and to find out levers for farm income increase ; (ii) the income volatility of French arable producers to design appropriate risk management tools ; (iii) the structural diversity of French arable farms, especially, the importance of income diversification, as a source of resilience to climate and economic hazards. This work is part of the overall thinking on the evolution of agricultural structures and practices that will ensure French arable farms better income, resilience and sustainability.