Coopagri Bretagne came about as a result of the mutual aid spirit that exists in Brittany, and it was formed as an agricultural co-operative i.e. a grouping of farmers who decides to join forces in order to process and market their produce together. This project revolved around the strong values shared by all involved. YES and NO! YES, because, like any other company, it operates in an open, competitive market. It has employees, it has to balance its accounts and it has to generate earnings to invest and to pay its shareholders/members. NO, because its structure is based on capital held by farmers who invest their company capital in the co-operative. Earnings are divided (on a prorata basis according to the level of interest in the co-operative) amongst members and the co-operative, which is therefore able to continue investing. There are, however, no profits in the classic sense of the term. The board of directors, which defines the group's strategy, consists of farmers elected by their peers at an AGM. This board assigns the general manager with the task of implementing this strategy.