The Fédération du Crédit Mutuel Agricole et Rural

Who we are

A national federation

Deeply rooted in the history of Crédit Mutuel, the Fédération du Crédit Mutuel Agricole et Rural exists to serve farmers and other people who work in agriculture. It represents the local banks in the CMAR network, other Crédit Mutuel local banks that serve the farming sector, and the Crédit Mutuel federations.

The Federation’s purpose is to develop and stimulate the agriculture market. It is a forum for discussion and dialogue on agricultural issues with a banking impact. It speaks for the farmers who are its customers and members in their political, social and economic environment.

The Crédit Mutuel group is a partner for agriculture

As the second largest bank for farming and a major bank in the financing of agri-food companies, the group operates mainly through its Crédit Mutuel and CIC branch networks.

Our group is founded on a cooperative, mutualist and non-centralized organization that enables decisions to be taken as close as possible to the regions.

We are a loyal partner of agriculture, whose values we have always shared: solidarity, proximity and understanding the local terrain, and we have a network of elected farmer-directors within the Crédit Mutuel Agricole et Rural federation.

The Crédit Mutuel group’s farming activity in figures

2nd

largest bank for farming ⁽¹⁾

17^%

market share in 2023 ⁽²⁾

1 ,000

agricultural account managers nationwide

(1) source: Banque de France data, 2019

(2) source : Banque de France data, December 2023

Our history

The birth of Crédit Mutuel is intimately linked to agriculture. Our federation embodies that history, responds to current challenges and works alongside farmers to prepare for the future.

1882

The first Crédit Mutuel local banks were established in Alsace, based on the model developed in the Rhineland by Friedrich Wilhelm Raiffeisen. These banks provide a response to farmers’ needs.

Credit: Photo BS

1885

Louis Milcent founds the Credit Association of the District of Poligny.

Credit: Photo by Jacques Barbot, 2000

1893

Louis Durand adapts the Raiffeisen system for France and creates the Caisse Rurales, which grow strongly over the next few years.

Credit: Collection BS

1899

The French State establishes a structure for agricultural lending.

In 1894, a first law establishes a system of local savings banks reserved for members of farmers’ unions. In 1899, this is supplemented by the creation of regional mutual banks, which enjoy financial support from the State. In 1920, these regional banks are grouped together under the Office National du Crédit Agricole - the origin of the bank known today as Crédit Agricole.
Keen to preserve their independence and retain their mutualist character, some local banks refuse to accept State supervision. These banks go on to form Crédit Agricole Mutuel Libre, an independent group.

Credit: Collection BS

1946

The Fédération Centrale du Crédit Agricole Mutuel is formed in Paris, and the Banque Française de l’Agriculture becomes the national financial body of the independents.

Credit: Collection CM

1962

Fédération du Crédit Mutuel Agricole et Rural is established.

1991

Fédération du Crédit Mutuel Agricole et Rural joins the Confédération Nationale du Crédit Mutuel, founded in 1958. Banking activity for the farming sector expands across the whole of the Crédit Mutuel organization as a result.