At the end of each year, «fruits of solidarity” sends a thank you letter to those who support the national campaigns to make them aware of the impact of their choice. And the yearly achievements for the cooperatives that make up the network in Greece.

Part of this letter is publishing here.

About the “Greenland” team of producers

First of all the team was doubled in size and that is a positive thing in itself. The Greenland team operates within the framework of a larger co-operative that has left a significant imprint on the area, as it now consists of 200 members. The farmers co-operative of the Sterna area has managed to rejuvenate its managerial roster, modernize its facilities, improve its spoilage disposal system and, finally, to enhance the quality of its products.

The “Greenland” team played an active part in all the above, as well as in the general change in mentality about the production and distribution of olive oil in the area.

About the Modousa Co-op

The Modousa co-operation now consists of 63 members, from its initial 9, back in 2014. It has succeeded in obtaining its own facilities, by refurbishing an abandoned 19th century olive oil factory. These facilities do not only house the co-op’s oil mill and bottling facilities but also a large number of social functions of a local character, the more recent example being a concert whose proceeds helped cover a local youth’s medical expenses. At the same time, the seminars and lectures concerning both the cultivation of olives and local growth under the framework and principles of Social Solidarity Economy also continue to take place. The environmental awareness activities are also carrying on.

Nine months ago, the co-op’s convenience store opened for the first time, offering other co-ops the opportunity to sell their own local products.

A great tool in achieving the above was our collaboration with Canada’s Community Evolution Foundation, which supported the Modousa co-op, by offering training and creating a business plan. This collaboration came in the wake of activities related to the “fruits of solidarity”.

About us at DOCK

We were officially founded eight months ago. Our headquarters are in Athens. The place can can host events, includes a meeting room and can also house a co-working space.

Some of our better-known activities that you helped us in pulling through include the publication of the first –and only, until now- guide for understanding the legal and institutional framework for Social Solidarity Economy in Greece. Along with that, came the organization of our first training seminar concerning the new relevant legislation.

As you may know, last June, the heart of European Solidarity Economy was beating in the Agricultural University of Athens. The fourth European Convention for Social Solidarity Economy – UniverSSE took place in Athens between 9 and 11 June (https://universse2017.org/). Fifty groups from abroad as well as 300 entities from Greece took part in a rich schedule that consisted of 46 talks (31 panels, workshops, 4 assemblies and networking meetings). DOCK carried the main weight of organizing the convention.

At the same time, tens of enterprises reached out to us, seeking information and support concerning the devising of joint projects (communication, tourism, financing, the networking of cooperative ventures around Greece and so on).