In France, the National Federation of Cuma represents almost half of French farmers with a co-operative model that may be relevant for Ireland.

Cuma stands for Coopérative d’Utilisation de Matériel Agricole (farm machinery co-operative), which are local co-ops where farms pool resources such as machinery, labour, sheds, and workshops.

Thanks to this specific legal framework, members of Cuma can significantly reduce machine related spending in their own business.

It also allows them to access the latest technology options and rationalise on-site farming operations.

Currently there are around 9,200 of these co-ops all over France, with around 182,000 members.

According to Cuma, members are "more efficient, innovative, and share the risks associated with investment".

The organisation also highlighted the co-ops as "a place to share experiences and spread new practices, engage in ongoing training, get involved in local development and establish social ties based on solidarity".

In essence, Cuma are communities of farmers that share their equipment amongst each other, watering down the investment burden of equipment.

Benefits to farmers

According to Cuma, members can benefit from improved economic performance by lowering production charge.

They can lower their financial burden of buying farm equipment by pooling equipment amongst each other.

Mechanisation typically amounts to 30% of the total expenditure of an average farm, sometimes up to 50%, the co-operative said.

Cuma member also share staff, so they can hire qualified professionals at a very competitive rate to support them in their assignments, such as tillage, harvest or animal work.

Mechanisation remains the main activity of the Cuma.

Its activities cover a large scale of agricultural work using machinery.

With 250,000 pieces of equipment in operation, the Cuma has a diversity of self-propelled equipment and tower equipment.

The question is, could Ireland benefit from a similar system of co-op machinery and farm equipment that members pool and invest in new equipment?