CUMAs (Cooperatives for the Use of Farming Equipment) are local cooperatives where farmers pool their means of production: farm machinery, equipment, workshop buildings, salaried labor, etc. This collective organization helps to reduce mechanization costs, gain access to new technologies, optimize work sites and organize the work of member farms. They are thus more efficient and innovative, while sharing the investment risks.
In France, the Cuma network represents over 199,000 farmers, 10,000 Cuma, 45 departmental federations and 10 regional federations. Each federation supports the Cuma by providing advice and services.