Currently, in Agriculture, there are approximately 140,000 to 150,000 companies, of all legal forms combined! The agricultural world has learned to master them in order to come together, adapt, and develop other activities. Lionel Manteau describes and compares the various types of organizational structures of agricultural operations, taking into account the most recent legal reforms:
- Land companies (GFA, GFR, and forestry groups) allowing for shared ownership and management of capital, ensuring the longevity of its ownership and facilitating its transmission.
- Management companies of the agricultural enterprise (SCEA, EARL, GAEC, joint farming company) organizing its viability, operation, and adaptation while aiming for efficiency through labor consolidation or the combination of labor and capital.
- Commercial companies (GIE, SNC, SARL, SAS) ensuring the organization of the sale of farm products, the establishment of short distribution channels, and the provision of services beyond agricultural activities, extending into rural areas.
Additionally, the author also discusses the recent phenomenon of groups of companies bringing together the three key elements of the agricultural enterprise: land as the activity's base, agricultural production and its marketing, through the presentation and study of holding companies.
Finally, the author proposes:
- Firstly, a decision-making method to choose the most suitable corporate form based on the realities and constraints encountered.
- Secondly, standard formulas to facilitate the implementation of these corporate structures while drawing the reader's attention to essential points not to overlook.