Faced with the rapid evolution of the agricultural sector in 2025, it is becoming urgent to adopt innovative solutions to address workforce challenges. The retirement crisis and the decline in traditional farmers require a rethink in employee management. The use of agricultural employer groups appears to be a strategic option, allowing farms to pool their human resources. These structures, often under the name *Terra Group* or integrated within agricultural cooperatives or agricultural unions such as the National Federation of Employer Groups, facilitate the sharing of qualified employees. Their goal? To offer a collective, flexible response adapted to the changes in the agricultural profession while guaranteeing security for employers and stability for employees.
Why the agricultural sector in 2025 emphasizes the need to join an employer group
The agricultural sector is undergoing a profound transformation, accelerated by socioeconomic, climatic, and technological factors. Most farmers, especially small businesses, will struggle even more in 2025 to recruit and retain their workforce. Why? Because family labor is shrinking, replaced by a growing demand for permanent or seasonal employees, who are often difficult to recruit due to a lack of attractiveness or training. The IDEAL solution to address this issue, especially in sustainable agriculture, is the use of Employer Groups (EGs). These provide a reassuring legal and logistical framework. Instead of hiring alone, a farmer can share an employee with other members of the EA, allowing for the management of peaks in activity during harvest or planting. This is especially true given that in 2025, with an aging agricultural population, job stability is becoming a crucial issue. The use of EAs, supported by the Chamber of Agriculture, is becoming a relevant strategy for attracting new profiles and improving the attractiveness of the sector.How to Create an Agricultural Employer Group: Key Steps in 2025
Creating an EA in agriculture cannot be improvised; it requires a precise process, even if everything is facilitated by the 1985 law. The first step is to define a legal framework: choose an association form under the 1901 law or another suitable structure. Next, it is necessary to draft clear bylaws, specify the rules for using shared employees, and establish transparent governance. The administrative process includes filing a declaration in the official journal, opening a dedicated bank account, and registering with the MSA (French Agricultural Association). Formalizing this new system also requires establishing a collective agreement based on the activity (production, work, marketing).
But what will really be different in 2025 is the increased support: training programs specifically tailored to agricultural employers, particularly through the Agricultural Employment Center (Pôle Emploi Agricole) or the National Federation of Employer Groups (Fédération Nationale des Groupements d’Employers), simplify the process. The creation of these structures must also include digital tools to manage schedules and compensation, particularly in the context of sustainable agriculture where specific constraints exist. Finally, financial security and the organization of sharing are fundamental. For example, by integrating a platform like
Agricultural Employee Recruitment
, farmers can better manage their recruitment and job sharing. How an Agricultural Employer Group Works: Concrete Benefits in 2025The operation of an agricultural employer group is based on cost sharing and flexibility. In practice, an employee hired by the employer group works for several members, which optimizes working time and reduces social security contributions. According to the National Federation of Employer Groups, in 2022, the majority of employees employed by these organizations were on fixed-term contracts, to meet seasonal needs, particularly during harvests or planting operations. Compensation management becomes simpler because it is centralized via the employer group, thus avoiding the need for multiple procedures for each farmer.
The main advantages?
💪
Flexibility
- : the employee is deployed according to peak activity. 🌱 Building your profile
- : the opportunity to retain an employee over the long term. 💼 Legal Security : Fewer risks associated with sharing an employee, particularly in terms of liability.
- 📈 Attractiveness : Encourage the hiring of young people or those with qualified skills, thanks to training offered by the Chamber of Agriculture or through the BTS Apprenticeship program.
- For example, the Terra Group, an example of an agricultural GE in the Occitanie region, shares experienced farm workers during harvests. The result: lower costs for each farmer and better control over their workforce. Pooling, Training, and Sustainability: The Pillars of Successful Integration of an Agricultural GE in 2025 The challenges are not limited to simple creation, but above all to the sustainability and growth of the group. In 2025, to ensure their success, it is essential to focus on member training, particularly raising awareness of the employer profession, through modules organized by the BTS ACSE. These training courses allow farmers to better understand their administrative and social obligations, promoting sound management.The development of a network of local stakeholders, such as the Cuma (Combination of Agricultural Assemblies) or the Agricultural Union (Syndicat Agricole), also facilitates coordination. The goal? To create a true ecosystem in which each stakeholder knows their place. The pooling of equipment, such as agricultural machinery, with computerized management via a digital platform, strengthens this cooperation and avoids the duplication of costly investments.
Moreover, in 2025, financial solidarity must be strengthened by a law recognizing members as priority creditors in the event of economic difficulties for the EG. These measures ensure job stability and the continuity of agricultural services. The key to success therefore lies in the ability to combine training, networks, and legal requirements, while remaining flexible in the face of market needs.
New Trends and Innovations in Agricultural Employer Groups in 2025
The agricultural sector is constantly innovating, particularly in human resources management. By 2025, some GEs are experimenting with the complete digitalization of processes using mobile applications and collaborative platforms like those of *Terres de Liens*, two areas that improve the management of shared jobs. The video below illustrates how a cooperative like Coopérative Agricole uses these tools to centralize schedules and monitor training in real time. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=htirP70s5YANew forms of work, such as remote work for administrative management or distance learning, are also beginning to develop. Some GEs are relying on online training programs offered by the National Federation of Employer Groups to strengthen employee skills and increase employee loyalty.
The integration of artificial intelligence to predict labor needs or optimize scheduling management is also becoming a major trend. These innovations contribute to making agricultural employers’ associations a lever for a more humane, modern, and sustainable agriculture, in line with the challenges of 2025.
Frequently asked questions about joining an agricultural employer group in 2025
How can farmers be convinced to join an employer group in 2025?
The key lies in demonstrating the potential savings, simplified management, and job stability, particularly through testimonials from stakeholders such as Terre et Coopérative Agricole. What are the risks associated with job sharing? The main risks concern legal liability in the event of an accident or breach of contract. It is therefore essential to draft the agreement carefully and ensure good communication between members.
How does the 2025 legislation facilitate the creation of GEs?
The updated law simplifies administrative procedures, increases training opportunities, and better recognizes joint and several liability, making the system more accessible and secure.
