Sustainable Olive Oil Production by Eleonas Cooperative
About this good practice
The "Eleonas" cooperative, since its inception in 2004 in Gargalianoi,
Messinia, has been dedicated to elevating the quality of the renowned
Koroneiki olive oil through sustainable and quality-focused practices.
With a commitment to environmental stewardship, consumer health,
and the prosperity of its producers, the cooperative employs Good
Agricultural Practices and Environmental Management Systems,
addressing contemporary agricultural challenges.
The cooperative's efforts concentrate on sustainable agriculture, quality
enhancement, and the incorporation of environmental management
into olive farming. It emerged from a recognised need to uplift olive oil
standards while safeguarding natural resources and ensuring
favourable outcomes for consumers and producers alike. The
approach integrates judicious use of inputs, strict hygiene protocols,
and a traceability system that guarantees the excellence of their extra
virgin olive oil.
Navigating the dual objectives of conforming to modern standards and
preserving product integrity, "Eleonas" innovatively merges quality
management with eco-friendly production.
The cooperative's stakeholders extend from its olive oil producers to
the local community that benefits from sustainable agriculture, and
ultimately, to the environment itself.
Resources needed
The Cooperative relies on its own means of funding (member's contributions, profit from selling olive oil), without participating in any EU Funding Programs. The Cooperative employs 4 people on a steady basis, but this number increases as the olive oil production period reaches its peak.
Evidence of success
The cooperative has demonstrated remarkable progress, particularly in elevating Messinian olive oil quality and sustainability since 2004. Achievements include significant adoption of sustainable farming practices, successful certification of quality and environmental management systems. The members of the cooperative are 126 who manage 500 hectares of land with more than 100,000 olive trees and produce 400-600 tn. of olive oil annually. The work cycle in the last 2 years rises to 2.5 m. euro.
Potential for learning or transfer
The Cooperative's approach to integrating sustainable practices and
quality management in olive oil production offers valuable insights for
other regions interested in sustainable agriculture and product quality
enhancement. The cooperative's success in achieving high-quality
standards and environmental sustainability makes it a model worth
emulating. Its practices could be particularly interesting for areas with similar agricultural contexts or those looking to shift towards more
sustainable and quality-focused production methods.
