CCC(12)3438 – PK
Short profile of applications submitted for the EACI, 2012
Brussels, 8th May 2012
Name of the
Cooperative
Activities
Country
Brief description of the Innovation
IT
Cantine Due Palme has enhanced its entrepreneurial excellence and its structural efficiency
through the acquisition and merging of other cooperatives.
Over the last 10 years, the company has committed significant resources to innovation, up to 20
million euros:

Structural and technological modernisation: new facilities and high technology standards
in the process of wine making. Company assets moved from 1.500.000,00 euros in 2010
to 7.162.000,00 in 2010;

Rise in the number of members from 300 in 2001 to 860 in 2010, with a consequent
increase of vineyards from 480 hectares in 2001 to 2.200 in 2010 and of grapes produced
from 49.000 quintals in 2001 to 276.000 quintals in 2011;

Growing penetration in new markets, thanks to the escalating number of bottles produced
from 924.000 in 2001 to 6.252.000 in 2010;

Research activities on autochthons yields to be produced by the company within 2013;

Nature protection and land conservation policies over 800 hectares cultivated in SMART
PROTECTION, free of environmentally harmful chemical insecticides, funding each of
the 400 hectares cultivated ad alberello with 250,00 euros per ha;
Impressive increase in turnover from 4.526.000,00 euros in 2002 to 17.397.000,00 euros in
2010.
The project represents the first pasta chain entirely based in Tuscany: from the raw material
(durum wheat cultivated by member farmers of Toscana Cereali in the best suited areas of
Tuscany, such as Val d'Orcia, Crete Senesi, Maremma and the Pisa and Livorno hills) to the mill
and pasta factory. La Tosca pasta, the final product, also comes with the Agriqualità quality label,
issued by the Region of Toscana, recognising agriculture’s respect for the environment, in
accordance with the principles of integrated farming.
Background information
Category: Food processes
1
2
Cantine Due Palme
Toscana Cereali
Wine
Cereals
IT
Toscana Cereali’s production chain gives added value to its members’ production and processing,
Cogeca | European Agri-Cooperatives
61, Rue de Trèves | B - 1040 Bruxelles | www.copa-cogeca.eu
EC Register Number | Cogeca 09586631237-74
Turnover: 18,000,000.00 €
Number of members: 890
Number of employees: 164
Turnover: 12,600,000 €
Number of members: 15
Number of employees: 11
highlighting the work of our member farmers and enhancing the area they come from.
3
Group AN
Multipurpose
ES
The main innovation from the project is to obtain evidence on the applicability and effectiveness of
different additives and technological treatments, used alone or combined with each other, on the
costs of manufacturing, pellet quality and production results and animal welfare in livestock
poultry and pigs.
Turnover: 470,146,000 €
Number of members: 23,000
Number of employees: 227
Additionally the development of innovative project allows an improvement of the company's self
on the dynamics of cross-contamination in feed manufacture, and to establish measures to reduce
such pollution.
The overall project objectives were:
- To investigate the effect of different additives, technological treatments and physical
presentations of feed on growth performance and welfare of poultry and pigs.
- Improve the physical quality of pelleted feeds and productive farm yields through the evaluation
and the use of different technological additives that will achieve a pellet feed with high quality.
- Increased productivity in the factory with the production of feed pellets of different formats.
- Reduction of cross-contamination in the manufacturing process.
4
5
6
FURL & Co GmBH
Pramoleum
Naturmaelk
Arable,
Other
Vegetable Oil
Dairy
AT
AT
DK
Pumkpin Seed Flour is a product made completely of pumpkin seeds, which get roasted and
defatted in the course of the production of pumpkin seed oil. It is a product, that has recently still
been used as animal food. It was our plan to create a higher value-added farm product, with the
fact, that 100% of our pumpkin seeds get processed. Therefore we started a cooperation with a
local bakery. We found out, that Pumpkin Seed Flour suits as a healthy, high quality ingredient for
pumpkin seed pastries because of its low content of fat and its nuttily, roasted taste. It furthermore
contains a superior percentage of natural fibers. Sustainability and optimum utilization of local
ecological resources come to the fore. The rollout on the market was in 2010. Since this time we
could increase prices by 50%, gained new customers and several awards in the meantime.
Turnover: 114 mil. €
Regional & Original "We produce pumpkin seed oil in unusual regions"
Turnover: 270,000 €
What paved the way was the joint intention of our group of five agricultural entrepreneurs to
leverage the resources and potentials of our region, to leave the value chain in the area, and to
provide customers with a wholesome and honest product with a view to sustainability. Using an
especially gentle pressing method and doing without any industrial refinement we get pumpkin
seed oil in its natural state featuring the characteristically nutty and inimitable taste.
Number of members: 5
"Healthy refreshing whey protein drink for athletes, joggers and elderly people during
rehabilitation" aims to develop an organic protein drink based on whey (which under normal
circumstances is a worthless residue from cheese production), as a healthy and natural alternative,
to the protein products and energy drinks, which are available on the market today.
Turnover: 30 mil. €
The market for such products is large and steadily increasing. Fitness chains would like to offer
members a natural whey protein drink, as an alternative to the competing (often artificial and
sugar filled) energy drinks and protein products.
This innovative product will maximize utilization of the whey (which has little to no value today)
from the dairy Naturmælk. Naturmælk is expecting a substantial increase in revenue from this new
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Number of members:
Number of employees: 37
Number of employees: 6
Number of members: 32
Number of employees: 70
product.
A secondary effect of the product will also be improved economy for the dairy sector and thus also
for dairy farmers.
7
EFC
Horticulture
BE
Kanzi® is the trademark of the apple variety Nicoter, a crossing between the varieties Gala and
Braeburn.
It’s a variety with a very high productivity, a uniform shape and firm flesh with an attractive form,
appearance and size. This seductive, red coloured, apple has an exquisite flavor and a long storage
life, in a word a distinguishing variety for consumers and retailers.
Turnover: 337 mil. €
Number of members: 1,526
Number of employees: 545
EFC, together with her subsidiary company GKE, succeeded to introduce Kanzi® in the market in
a closed concept. It was the first club variety, successfully managed, of northern hemisphere origin.
The objective of EFC was/is very clear: generating an acceptable return for our growers by
producing Kanzi®.
Since EFC organizes worldwide the production of trees of this variety and GKE organizes
worldwide the growing and the commercialisation of the fruit in a closed concept (club) (with
coordination of the import from the southern hemisphere), with a strict production, quality and
marketing policy, we adapt the supply to the demand. Since we avoid oversupply, since we have a
perfectly managed lincence network, a tight protection of the variety and the trademark, we
succeed to sell the fruit of our growers at high prices and generate an acceptable return for all the
players in the chain.
8
UAC of Messinia
Olives and
Olive Oil
EL
The climate change is a reality that must be confronted with a high level of responsibility. Every
year 90 million tons of pollutants are released and diffused into the atmosphere. Therefore, it
doesn’t matter who created the emissions. The mechanism of climate neutrality is based precisely
on this fact. More and more enterprises contribute to fight against the climate change by adopting
more sustainable methods and climate-friendly practices.
Turnover: 17,125,188.97 €
Number of members: 45,101
Number of employees: 137
The UAC of Messinia as a responsible cooperative body, recognizing the importance of the climate
change, and at the same time wanting to increase the sales and exports of the organization, has
created a new differentiated product from farm to fork, applying a strategy to reduce carbon
dioxide emissions generated by the cultivation of olive trees, the extraction of olive oil, its bottling
even the final disposal of the olive oil to the consumer in order to decrease the environmental
impact and innovate in the global market.
The result of the successful green marketing of the union was the annual growth of the exports of
the bottled olive oil by 20 percent and a corresponding increase in sales of the Union, opening new
markets abroad, mainly in the countries of Scandinavia, which are considered to be
environmentally sensitive.
9
Santowines
Wine,
Horticulture
EL
SANTORINI TOMATOES ...explore its distinctive sweet taste and the intense aromas..
Whole unpealed santorini tomato in tomato juice ( Available in 410gr tins)
Santorini tomato paste double concentrated (Available in 410 gr. and 800 gr. tins)
Santorini tomato juice. (Available in 410 gr. tins)
Santo tomato products in cooking recipes in order to grant your favorite dishes surprisingly unique
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Turnover: 5,56 mil. €
(2008)
Number of members: 2,400,
from which 1,100 are active
aromas and taste!
Santorini tiny tomato is one of a kind!
This particular local tomato variety is unique… bushy, anhydrous, carrying small fruits that
sometimes are not bigger than a cherry! The skin of the fruit is thick and its body is full like
concentrated! The land that it is being cultivated is equally unique…anhydrous and volcanic!
The result of the combination of this distinctive variety and this unusual land is Santorini tiny
tomatoes…sweet and slightly sour with intense aromas and taste.
10
Veria Venus Growers
Fruits
EL
Number of employees: 49 (in
average)
The canned fruit sector is a mature market and despite some value being added to the category
with development of fruit in juice, and more recently the snack can, it is drifting and requires
further innovation in order to raise volume sales by way of higher frequency of consumption.
Turnover: 69,888,511 €
To achieve this the primary objective is to enhance the profile of canned fruit, and by so doing,
realize the associated benefits.
Number of employees: 63
permanent, 1,400 seasonal
Number of members: 528
In the absence of a generic marketing boost an alternative, more consumer friendly, packing
format is recognized as being a potentially beneficial supplement. The plastic pot meets this
criteria and, whilst retaining the advantages of a can as an ambient container, introduces an ideal
extension in terms of range development. The pot offers excellent protective qualities through a
thermo-sealing process, in addition to which, it is both easy to open and convenient. It has
aesthetic appeal, allowing the consumer to purchase by sight and impulse, representing the
ultimate opportunity in respect to canned fruit as a snack.
The plastic clear fruit pot is an ideal vehicle by which to add value to the canned fruit sector,
simultaneously diverting attention from the price sensitive alternative whilst still retaining,
functional qualities.
Alternative market orientation / Immediate consumer communication/ Superior quality threshold
Softer, thermal process / Healthy, fresh image / Convenience factor + easy open / Improved
disposal qualities / Added value prospect
11
Valio
Dairy
FI
The majority of the adult population in the world are lactose intolerant. Lactose hydrolyzed milk
solves the intolerance problem, but the taste of that milk is very sweet. Valio has invented a
lactose-free milk, which has the same taste as ordinary milk but the lactose content is less than
0.01 %.
Turnover: 1,822 mil. €
Number of members: 18
Number of employees: 4,298
At the same time the carbohydrate and caloric value of milk has been reduced.
This milk has been a huge success in several markets offering a real added value both to consumers
and the producers. The turnover of lactose-free milk is already 26 % of the liquid milk sales of
Valio. This innovation is behind the high producer’s milk price (about 44 snt/l in 2011) and the
very high per capita consumption of liquid milk products (over 170 l/a in 2011) in Finland.
12
PLPKS “Dundaga”
Dairy
LT
Fermented milk product LABDARIS (Well-Doer). Labdaris is prepared from skimmed milk. The
novelty of the productis associated with the lactic acid bacteria Lactobacillus helveticus R-7 and its
fermentation techniques. It normalizes intestinal microflora, promotes the restoration of intestinal
activity after surgeries, stabilizes immunity, enhances wellbeing and the quality of living.
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Turnover: 1,2 mil. €
Number of members: 153
Number of employees: 51
Since the introduction of Labdaris, promotional and informational activities targeted at the
potential buyers have been carried out. In August 2011, the product obtained a national quality
label (Zala karotite). The demand has risen steadily, up from approx. 2150 kg in 2010, to 11940 kg
in 2011. New sales channels are being added: in October 2011, we started selling Labdaris through
the supermarket at the Shopping Centre Spice, and intend to start selling through the supermarket
Alfa.
Name of the
Cooperative
Activities
Country
Brief description of the Innovation
Background information
Category: Non- food processes
1
Lantmännen
Agroetanol
Multipurpose
SE
Lantmännen Agroetanol is producing sustainable ethanol and protein feed in Norrköping, Sweden.
The Agroetanol plant is 100 % owned by the cooperative group Lantmännen with about 35,000
Swedish farmers as owners, about 10,000 employees and an annual turnover of about € 400
million. Lantmännen Agroetanol produces over 200,000 cubic meters of sustainable ethanol and
175,000 ton of protein feed (DDGS) per annum. There are also plans to start to produce “green
CO2” from the plant and sell this to e.g. different food industries.
What is unique to Agroetanol is that the process energy that is used in the plant is renewable and
that it is a part of a large bio-combinate. This gives extremely good greenhouse gas (GHG)
reduction numbers for the ethanol. The GHG reduction calculated in accordance with the EU
Renewable energy directive (RED) method shows that the GHG reduction is up to 70 % with the
Agroetanol ethanol compared to petrol. This is comparable to the level of sugar cane ethanol,
which often is said to be the most GHG effective biofuel. The RED also regulates that the minimum
level of GHG reduction shall be at least 35 %, so the Agroetanol ethanol is far better than this
minimum threshold.
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Turnover (mil. €): 400
Number of members: 35,000
Number of employees:
10,000
Name of the
Cooperative
Activities
Country
Brief description of the Innovation
Background information
Category: Sustainability/ Resource efficiency
1
“Nuestra Señora del
Rosario”
Arable
ES
Faced with low farm productivity, a number of members of the Nuestra Señora del Rosario
cooperative decided to concentrate their land and modernise their irrigation systems. As such, 846
ha are now irrigating using pivot irrigation, 242 ha using sprinkler irrigation and 120ha using drip
irrigation.
Turnover: (mil. €) 6,000 €
Number of members: 360
Number of employees: 5
The irrigation systems are managed from a central point which administers the necessary
irrigation in accordance with the climate, crop and phenological conditions. As a result, 945 m³ of
water per tonne of maize is saved.
By modernising the irrigation system, production has increased from 9000kg per hectare to
16,000 kg this year. Members were able to benefit from economies of scale, optimising their time
and having greater opportunities to diversify production.
Subsequently, the diesel combustion boiler for the maize drying unit was replaced by a biomass
burner, helping to saving €6.05/t of maize whilst preventing 450 t of CO2 emissions during the
2011 marketing year.
In future, in order to power the drying unit, 50 ha of drip irrigated almond trees were planted, in
order to ensure a sufficient supply of biomass.
2
UDAPA
Arable (
potatoes)
ES
Innovations carried out by UDAPA in the framework of its project “Innovation serving natural
cycle” are addressed towards a better environmental management, influencing on different
aspects:
-
Reduction of residues generation: by different initiatives going to decrease, or eliminate,
packaging plastics, and by turning a residue into a useful sub-product (soil from washing
potato is now incorporated to agricultural land),
-
Reduction of energy consumption and greenhouses emissions: by automating processes
and improving lightening systems and thermo-isolated systems.
-
Reduction of water consumption: by implementing a water recycling center allowing
reuse of water from potato washing,
-
Environmental management of cultivation fields, by technical advises to farmers.
Turnover: (mil. €) 14 EURO
Number of members: 3 (2nd
degree cooperative)
Number of employees: 41
Besides that, improvements in efficiency regarding resources use have allowed UDAPA goes to
maintain jobs, ad looks for increase remunerations for workers and for farmers, as well as try to
keep prizes for final consumers.
3
Winzervereinigung
Freyburg
Wine
DE
With the aim of maintaining the cultural landscape, Winzervereinigung Freyburg-Unstrut eG
introduced financial support for vineyards located on steep slopes. The aim of the support for steep
slope vineyards was to better reward the extra work of wine producers with steep and terraced
vineyards and to make production on labour intensive holdings more attractive. Support is linked
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Turnover: (mil. €) 8,34
Number of members: 461
to vineyards’ quality ratings and is only paid out if criteria are met to at least 44.44% (35.71% prior
to 2010). Support is based on surface area and is not associated to the vine yield, in accordance
with the scoring system. The minimum payment per hectare for achieving 8-12 points is €800. For
13-15 points, wine producers receive €1000. A maximum payment of €1200 is awarded for those
scoring between 16 and 18 points. The total area for steep slope and terraced vineyards remained
stable over the period in question. The innovation was therefore a success and will be continued in
future and developed further.
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5
6
7
Royal
FrieslandCampina
Genossenschaft für
Waldwirtschaft
FURL & Co GmBH
Mechelse Veilingen
Dairy
Forestry
Arable
Horticulture
NL
DE
AT
BE
Number of employees: 31
Royal FrieslandCampina N.V. plays a major role in providing healthy food to hundreds of millions
of people on a daily basis. At the same time society’s concerns regarding sustainability are resulting
in ever more stringent demands which the Company and the Cooperatives member farmers must
be able to fulfill. Therefore a new co-operative sustainability approach was started within
FrieslandCampina on 1 January 2012. The co-operative members are stimulated towards
responsible dairy farming by a wide area of instruments. Also flexibility is built in to provide for
every individual dairy farmer, member of FrieslandCampina, the optimum “sustainability” route.
Turnover (mil. €): 9.626
State-of-the-art information technology is making its way into German forests since, in 2010, the
Genossenschaft für Waldwirtschaft released Waldinfoplan, a new forest information system.
Waldinfoplan is a web-based forestry geographic information system (GIS), and it has a mobile
offline-component. The platform expands the numbers stored in the forest ownership associations
accounting and enterprise resource planning systems into a new, spatial domain. This new
information is highly relevant to forest managers since most of the data available, e.g. on timber
stacks, land parcels and forest stands, can only be adequately appreciated when the spatial context
is available. Route information for timber transport, current status information for dispatching of
logs, background information to forest areas such as protection status, planned and implemented
activities are just a few examples on information stored and maintained in Waldinfoplan, helping
managers to realize cost savings in logistics and improve quality of service in forest management.
Turnover (mil. €:
Pumkpin Seed Flour is a product made completely of pumpkin seeds, which get roasted and
defatted in the course of the production of pumpkin seed oil. It is a product, that has recently still
been used as animal food. It was our plan to create a higher value-added farm product, with the
fact, that 100% of our pumpkin seeds get processed. Therefore we started a cooperation with a
local bakery. We found out, that Pumpkin Seed Flour suits as a healthy, high quality ingredient for
pumpkin seed pastries because of its low content of fat and its nuttily, roasted taste. It furthermore
contains a superior percentage of natural fibers. Sustainability and optimum utilization of local
ecological resources come to the fore. The rollout on the market was in 2010. Since this time we
could increase prices by 50%, gained new customers and several awards in the meantime.
Turnover: 114 mil. €
Mechelen auction and the affiliated member growers are going through complicated times as far as
energy use, cost and environmental impact are impacted.
Turnover (mil. €): 205
MEURO
Cost of energy is influencing production, operational productivity so there is a need for alternative
action.
Number of members: 2200
shareholders; 800 active
growers
By adopting high level and very innovative technology horticulture not only succeeded in putting
energy savings into place but could even optimize the energy efficiency in redirecting from energy
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Number of members: 19848
Number of employees: 19036
Number of members: 19
Number of employees: 5
Number of members:
Number of employees: 37
Number of employees: 220
consumer to energy producer.
Also at cooperative level all available technologies are put in place to reduce the cost of energy or to
go into production of domestic energy and even promote new and innovative energy carrier.
All of this results in a lower internal energy cost but even more it puts horticulture and coops at the
front level for implementing sustainability projects into daily operations.
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9
Agricultural
Cooperatives of
Aeghion
Cavit
Multipurpose
Wine
EL
IT
The innovation was the new branding of an old, traditional product, such as currants, a raisin
variety, by uncovering the hidden quality. Specific actions were taken both in technological
development by building two new products’ production lines, application of quality systems,
design of a safe, fully traceable process, improvement of the quality of the product and a better
understanding of it. A key effort was directed to the analysis of micro-constituents of the product
and to the application of clinical protocols to evaluate the nutritional value of the product. Based
on the improvement of quality, the obtained results were the increase of the price of product for
the producers-members of the Cooperatives, thus offering an opportunity to increase cultivation
and production of product in a devastating economic environment. The financial security of
farmers is higher, while there is a chance for a healthy diet proposal for the consumers.
P.I.C.A. Project

detailed analysis of the characteristics of the territory under vine (soil, climate and vegetative
response of the vines in the different growing environments); the objective is to choose the
ideal grape varieties to be cultivated on the basis of the technical environmental parameters of
the land: soil type, altitude, exposure, solar radiation, etc.

creation of an innovative Information and Communication Technology system, which enables
oenologists and agronomists from the wineries to assess specific information for each vineyard
concerning the different stages involved in tending the vines (the vineyard’s water
requirements, weather and climate conditions, ripening status of the grapes, so that the grape
harvest can be organised correctly).
P.I.C.A. Project
A new, highly important project for CAVIT is the one known as the PICA (Piattaforma Integrata
Cartografica Agriviticola) project, launched in 2010 in collaboration with MPA Solutions and both
Trentino’s centres of research into excellence: Fondazione Edmund Mach of S. Michele all’Adige
and Fondazione Bruno Kessler of Trento.
The study is divided into two parts:
› The first involves a detailed analysis of the area planted under vine (soil, climate and the
vegetative response of the vine in different growing environments), with the aim of selecting the
varieties best suited to the particular technical and environmental parameters of a given area: type
of land, altitude, exposure, sunlight, etc.
› The second aims to create an innovative Information and Communication Technology system,
which will allow the oenologists and agronomists from all the CAVIT wineries to receive
information, specific to each vineyard, regarding how to nurture the vine during the various stages
(how much water the vineyard requires, the weather and climate conditions, how ripe the grapes
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Turnover (mil. €): 30
Number of members: 6,000
Number of employees: 150
Turnover (mil. €): 151,00
Number of members: 13
Number of employees:198
are, so that the harvest can be organised properly).
The main purpose of this part of the project is to orient vine growers towards an integrated
management system of the environment, the landscape and the territory, with a view to
guaranteeing complete sustainability, to keep the right balance between the ecological, social and
economic aspects.
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12
Cooperativa Agrícola
dos Olivicultores de
Murça
Olive Oil
Capdéa
Other
(dehydration)
COVAP
Multipurpose
PT
FR
ES
The biocomb project consists in the utilization of waste resulting from olive oil extraction process,
particularly pomace, resulting in the production of olive pomace pellets. In order to optimize
production, the process will also incorporate other olive oil extracting residues, such as the olive
stones and leaves. For CAOM, besides the environmental benefits, this solution which is currently
being implemented will make CAOM a pioneer in producing zero waste. As a result 100% of our
associates’ production will be transformed into added value.
Flat pre-wilting : Lucerne
New technique of flat mowing, followed by the passage of a new machine : windrower before
harvesting
Italian technology intended for export to the USA (Florida for grasses)
Flat – better drying : + rapidity, + homogeneity
Objective : less water in the product+ 3.5 % of dry matter gained
Investment : 1 farm tractor, 1 windrower, 1 driver for c 1,600 ha .
Results 2011 : + 16.41% of dry matter or 55% energy saving
+
Substitution of fossil fuel by biomass
Mix with coal - use of new multi-feed hoppers + skills
Objective 3-8 % substitution of coal by wood chips in the percentage of energy used. Investment : 40 K€ / production line.
Results 2011 : 5.6 % of energy consumption in the form of wood chips
Fuel combination pilot project :
Pneumatic injectors mounted on the existing ovens that allow the combustion of granular
biomasses, with variable humidity and a percent substitution of 0-80% whilst limiting investments
Investment: 600 K€ / production line
RESULTS 2011 - Assencières : 21% of energy consumption in the form of wood chips or
agribusiness waste …
The creation of the first embryo transfer programme in Andalucia was a success for the progress of
genetic selection by the cooperative, obtaining more effective and profitable cattle.
A total of 116 cases of breeding, and 167 transfers.
Turnover: 900000 €
Number of members: 1120
Number of employees: 8
Turnover (mil. €) 36
Number of members 927
Number of employees 100
Turnover (mil. €): 332000
Number of members: 15.000
Number of employees: 578
Regarding gene analysis, C-T is the most common allelic combination found in the polymorphism
of the leptin gene, in highly productive Holstein cattle. T-T is extremely relevant to reproductive
potential. Data obtained during analysis helped to determine those animals with genotypes which
made them more fertile, and proved that there were ambient variables which had a direct effect on
the reproductive capacity of animals.
Individuals were obtained which form part of the 1% of the population contributing to the
improvement of the race, with 17 genetic parameters and auxiliary characters helping our breeders
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to become more effective.
13
REO Veiling
Horticulture
BE
As a fruit and vegetable auction, REO Veiling brings together more than 40 million packing units
of fruits and vegetables every year in the most economical and ecological way. Some years ago
however, REO Veiling noticed that due to the continuous innovations in e.g. cooling infrastructure
and extra services offered to the members, customers and employees, the use of different resources
(electricity, gas, water, heat …) was rising.
Turnover (mil. €): 150
Number of members: 2930
Number of employees: 145
Therefore a internal campaign was set up in order to “do more with less” in order to economize on
energy without reducing the comfort of all the stakeholders and without decreasing the services
offered and by improving the quality of our products.
Since 2006 REO Veiling has reduced energy consumption by 25% without lowering the comfort
level for employees and without any loss of food quality. Due to fast and energy friendly vacuum
cooling installations REO Veiling has been able to maintain its European market leadership and
increase its physical market up to Spain and Russia for all leafy vegetables.
14
Terrena
Multipurpose
FR
Since October 2011, the products and services which make Ecologically Intensive Farming
practicable have been stamped with the “Solutions-NA®”label by Terrena cooperative. Solutions
such as Farmstar, Précisio, Bi-variétés, Profilia, Fongipro, etc., have been made available toa large
number of farmers, improving their economic efficiency and at the same time protecting
ecosystems.
NewFarming Solutions ® are the fruit of Terrena research and innovation. Five major criteria have
to be respected for the“Solutions-NA®” label to be awarded:





maintain and improve the technical and economic performance of the farm,
reduce the use of non-renewable and chemical inputs through alternatives based on
natural functionalities,
lead to a quantifiable control of environmental impact,
build on innovation,
The Forward Looking Farmers® grouping qualified to testify to its efficiency on their
farms.
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Turnover (mil. €): 4,365
millions d’euros
Number of members: 22,000
Number of employees: 11,821
salariés
Name of the
Cooperative
Activities
Country
Brief description of the Innovation
Background information
Category: Cooperative Entrepreneurship/ Member service
1
2
Cantine Due Palme
ZG Raiffeisen
Wine
Input
/supplies
IT
DE
Cantine Due Palme has enhanced its entrepreneurial excellence and its structural efficiency
through the acquisition and merging of other cooperatives.
Over the last 10 years, the company has committed significant resources to innovation, up to 20
million euros:

Structural and technological modernisation: new facilities and high technology standards in
the process of wine making. Company assets moved from 1.500.000,00 euros in 2010 to
7.162.000,00 in 2010;

Rise in the number of members from 300 in 2001 to 860 in 2010, with a consequent increase
of vineyards from 480 hectares in 2001 to 2.200 in 2010 and of grapes produced from 49.000
quintals in 2001 to 276.000 quintals in 2011;

Growing penetration in new markets, thanks to the escalating number of bottles produced
from 924.000 in 2001 to 6.252.000 in 2010;

Research activities on autochthons yields to be produced by the company within 2013;

Nature protection and land conservation policies over 800 hectares cultivated in SMART
PROTECTION, free of environmentally harmful chemical insecticides, funding each of the
400 hectares cultivated ad alberello with 250,00 euros per ha;

Impressive increase in turnover from 4.5 million € in 2002 to 17.3 million € in 2010.
Turnover: 18,000,000.00 €
Number of members: 890
Number of employees: 164
The ZG Raiffeisen adopted the basic principles of a cooperative in 1998 as basis for its future work
including building a healthy member structure. As a business enterprise, the goal was to increase
the company value.
Turnover (mil. €): 750
This decision was made on the basis that a widespread cooperative-member concept and fostering
creation of stronger member enterprises was needed to meet the challenges of the marketplace.
Number of employees: 1.350
Number of members: 3.150
The increase of equity capital by constant member growth, the possibility of application for benefit
capital as well as growths in sales for member enterprises is only possible by an economical and
emotional relationship between the members to the ZG Raiffeisen.
This relationship is supported with agricultural young entrepreneurs by a newly initiated ZG
academy. The member concept of the ZG Raiffeisen is the basis of a successful future for all
participants.
3
Cantina Produttori
Cormòns
Wine
IT
The Cooperative:

Started in 1981, at the benefit of its members, a technical assistance system aimed at
production improvement and product quality ( annex 14 );

Plans treatments through physical/phenological studies by assessing climate risks and
phytopathological defence, estimate of water stagnation and shortages, choice of cultivation
practices;

Provides phytosanitary products needed to perform integrated, reasoned and organic pest
management under strict control;

In order to make its members’ corporate accounting uniform, the Cooperative has started an
11 | 14
Turnover (mil. €): 11
Number of members: 185
Number of employees: 33


4
Acolyance
Input/
supplies
FR
accounting and fiscal assistance activity coordinated by its accounting structure and with the
support of CAA of Confcooperative Federagri;
With the PSR tool, the Cooperative is the leader of a set of initiatives in favour of its Members
who have joined the programme ( annex 15 );
Mutuality activities have become more and more necessary, therefore “loans to members”
have been provided and regulated. Besides, the possibility of a multi-risk insurance on
products is being studied at the moment, for the Cooperative’s members.
With Acolyance’s “Offre Sérénité”, products and services are billed separately to member farmers.
A real cultural revolution in the field of cooperation! In this way, the real price is indicated in full
transparency. This innovative commercial policy reflects the wishes of farmers. The 300 members,
who are regularly approached by the cooperative for their views on various topics have given a
resounding response on this issue: 80% are in favour!
Turnover (mil. €): 410
millions €
Number of members: 3400
Number of employees: 420
The new concept allows each farmer to choose the most suitable offer, simply the plant protection
product alone, or accompanied by technical advice. As a result, the association between farmers
and technicians is strengthened through clarity in their technical and commercial relationship.
Acolyance’s “Offre Sérénité” gives farmers greater clarity, full cost transparency and the ability to
adapt to the needs of their farm.
5
Luxlait
Dairy
LU
The unique world of milk : educational and exciting at the same time!
Various activities, covering:

Farming

Well-being

Health

Physical activity

Diet in general
Turnover (mil. €): 71,5
Number of members: 451
Number of employees: 266
All these activities arouse the curiosity of those who come to visit. Visitors are able to enter the
fascinating universe of milk in all its facets, thanks to the 45 interactive stations, 3D cinema and
animated visiting gallery. Furthermore, there is also a cooking workshop and multi-purpose room
available.
6
TIGATiergesundheitsagentur
e.G.
Meat
DE
The co-operative Tiergesundheitsagentur eG (TiGA; animal health agency) was founded on 12th of
October 2012 by five pig producer and trader cooperatives. At the moment, the TiGA has eight
member organisations. Two additional organizations use the TiGA-standard.
Turnover (mil. €): 0.05
Through the establishment of a national animal health standard, the TiGA serves as an umbrella
organization for the different not harmonized initiatives in Germany. It offers a German
counterpart to foreign monitoring systems for the piglet health status like those in Denmark or the
Netherlands. The standard is based on regular farm audits, blood and excrement analyses and the
presentation of the results at the TiGA database. The TiGA management board implemented a
consulting committee, consisting of experts from veterinary organization, science, trader
organizations and animal health services. These members focus on the process of harmonization
and further development of the standard. The extension of the standard to fattening pigs and later
to cattle is planned.
Number of employees: 0
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Number of members: 8
7
Mechelse Veilingen
Horticulture
BE
Legal requirements and market demand is increasing the administrative burden at farm level.
Electronic management of data flows are needed because complexity of the issues and more and
more request for readily available info exchange.
The system is already in place but will be of great importance in the very near future when SUD
and NAP legislation will come into place.
Mechelen auctions is providing there member growers with an up to date extranet service where
data management is introduced in an very open and for the growers easily accessible format.
Turnover (mil. €): 205
MEURO
Number of members: 2200
shareholders, 800 active
growers
Number of employees: 220
The same tool is not only used as a system for data registration but is used in a two way
communication set up so that growers have access to daily updated information.
8
9
10
COCOPE
Pramoleum
Vignerons de la
Méditerranée (Val
d'Orbieu)
Multipurpose
Vegetable Oil
Wine
ES
AT
FR
COCOPE has constituted its FOUNDATION with the same name, and depending economically on
it, and organically on its Executive Board. The Residence for the Elderly was demanded by the
partners, and they provide unanimously their support to the project on the General Committee,
because it solves a problem affecting many of the oldest partners and also many families that do
not have anyone to attend their elderly. The project was born with spirit of service, with non-profit,
and with the sole idea of the social profitability.
Turnover (mil. €): 13,9
Regional & Original "We produce pumpkin seed oil in unusual regions"
Turnover: 270,000 €
What paved the way was the joint intention of our group of five agricultural entrepreneurs to
leverage the resources and potentials of our region, to leave the value chain in the area, and to
provide customers with a wholesome and honest product with a view to sustainability. Using an
especially gentle pressing method and doing without any industrial refinement we get pumpkin
seed oil in its natural state featuring the characteristically nutty and inimitable taste.
Number of members: 5
SUBJECT « A PROCEDURE OF INNOVATION AT THE HEART OF THE GROUP’S STRATEGIC
PLAN
Val d’Orbieu Cooperative group has designed a global strategic plan that can be defined has
innovative regarding its ambition for the wine industry.
Innovation is one of the axis of this strategic plan with the creation of an Innovation subsidiary,
whose objectives are to boost the innovation process in the group and enable him to be present on
the market with innovative process and products from the vines to the consumer, and this in
coherence with the group’s values in term of sustainable development.
Number of members: 640
Number of employees: 18
Number of employees: 6
Turnover (mil. €): 174
Number of members: 1591
Number of employees: 274
This Innovation Department is based on:
11
Vaeni
Wine
EL
-INNOVATION COMITEE: a cell of benchmark focus on all the wine sector issues, emergence and
project leading.
This committee works on different topics identified as a key for the wine sector, from the vines to
the consumers level.
-INNO’VO: setting up a company in charge of innovative projects and new products distribution.
INNO’VO missions are to produce and distribute the innovative drinks of the group.
VAENI NAOUSSA is the biggest winery cooperative in Northern Greece, yet only 220 members
produce, work, live and dream of the best Xinomavro variety grapes each year.
13 | 14
Turnover (mil. €):
VAENI NAOUSSA only has 20 members whereas other fellow European Winery Cooperatives
employ 1000 people, yet we export to 27 countries worldwide.
Number of members: 220
Number of employees: 18
VAENI NAOUSSA is one of the hard-working Greek companies which do their best on a daily basis
and in conditions of financial crisis in their country, yet its income is on an increase every year.
The most highlighted achievement though is the fact that that this small cooperative in Naoussa
has succeeded in signing a 10 year contract with a colossus Chinese business company meaning
that 100-300 containers will be exported to China every year. At last but not least, we have already
managed to pioneer globally concerning the production of a GOLD LABEL for our wine BIOS
ELLINON which will be distributed in China as well. We live to innovate….We set high
standards…..We achieve our goals….We are VAENI NAOUSSA WINERY COOPERATIVE….
12
Veria Venus Growers
Fruits
EL
The canned fruit sector is a mature market and despite some value being added to the category
with development of fruit in juice, and more recently the snack can, it is drifting and requires
further innovation in order to raise volume sales by way of higher frequency of consumption.
Turnover: 69,888,511 €
To achieve this the primary objective is to enhance the profile of canned fruit, and by so doing,
realize the associated benefits.
Number of employees: 63
permanent, 1,400 seasonal
Number of members: 528
In the absence of a generic marketing boost an alternative, more consumer friendly, packing
format is recognized as being a potentially beneficial supplement. The plastic pot meets this
criteria and, whilst retaining the advantages of a can as an ambient container, introduces an ideal
extension in terms of range development. The pot offers excellent protective qualities through a
thermo-sealing process, in addition to which, it is both easy to open and convenient. It has
aesthetic appeal, allowing the consumer to purchase by sight and impulse, representing the
ultimate opportunity in respect to canned fruit as a snack.
The plastic clear fruit pot is an ideal vehicle by which to add value to the canned fruit sector,
simultaneously diverting attention from the price sensitive alternative whilst still retaining,
functional qualities.
13
Gest Cooper
Services
IT
Alternative market orientation / Immediate consumer communication / Superior quality
threshold / Softer, thermal process / Healthy, fresh image / Convenience factor + easy open
Improved disposal qualities / Added value prospect
Gest-Cooper Soc. Agr. Coop. is a consortium of agricultural, agri-food and forestry cooperatives
from across Piedmont.
Unlike other cooperatives connected to Confcooperative –Gest-Cooper’s innovation is its bottomup approach, responding to the real needs of the cooperatives which voluntarily joined the
consortium, in order to develop an instrument which could respond to their strategic needs, in a
professional way, ensuring competitive prices.
The approach itself is innovative: the use of dialogue with cooperatives to create ad hoc services,
according to sector, size and specific requirements.
Gest-Cooper offers a whole range of services and advice, from starting-up to possible extraordinary
measures, promotion, training, financing and prompting members to pursue inter-cooperative
entrepreneurship, capitalisation and innovation.
14 | 14
Turnover (mil. €): 1,08
Number of members: 94
Number of employees: 6