Hansalim

A beacon of sustainability and community in South Korea

Hansalimone of the largest organic co-operatives in the world, stands as a testament to the power of community-driven initiatives to promote sustainable agricultural practices. Founded in 1986 in South Korea, Hansalim means "keeping everything alive" and is far more than just a co-operative - it is a movement that unites producers and consumers in a common mission to protect life, agriculture and the earth.

The vision and mission

At its core, Hansalim is based on the philosophy of respect for life and mutual aid. The co-operative's mission is to "save lives, agriculture and the earth" by fostering a symbiotic relationship between producers and consumers. This vision is reflected in all aspects of its operations - from ensuring sustainable farming practices to promoting the consumption of environmentally friendly products.

Hansalim's approach is rooted in the belief that every individual action can contribute to a broader societal impact. The co-operative encourages its members to make lifestyle changes that are in line with environmental sustainability, ensuring that their daily choices benefit not only themselves but also the planet.

The co-operative model: a symbiotic relationship

Hansalim works according to a direct transaction model that cuts out middlemen and thus enables a fairer distribution of profits. This model benefits both the producers, who receive a fair wage, and the consumers, who gain access to high-quality, affordable organic products. The cooperative's commitment to minimal profit margins - typically around 5-7% - ensures that the focus is on sustainability rather than profit maximisation.

This direct transaction model also strengthens trust between producers and consumers. Farmers are assured of a stable income, while consumers can trust the quality and safety of the products they buy. This relationship is further strengthened through regular meetings and co-operative management practices where both producers and consumers participate in decision-making processes.

Environmental responsibility and innovation

Hansalim is a pioneer in the field of environmentally friendly agriculture. The cooperative promotes organic farming methods that avoid the use of pesticides and chemical fertilisers in order to protect the land and its biodiversity. Hansalim's commitment to environmental responsibility goes beyond agricultural practices. For example, the co-operative has introduced a rigorous certification process that involves both producers and consumers to ensure that all products meet strict environmentally friendly standards.

Hansalim is also at the forefront of innovative waste prevention initiatives. The cooperative has implemented programmes such as the Zero Food Waste Campaign which encourages members to minimise food waste and thus reduce greenhouse gas emissions. Hansalim also leads recycling efforts, particularly through the reuse of glass bottles and the collection of milk cartons, once again demonstrating its commitment to sustainability.

Community impact and social responsibility

Hansalim's influence extends far beyond the agricultural sector. The co-operative plays a crucial role in promoting community spirit and social responsibility. Through initiatives such as the Sharing Kitchen Project and the Food Care Programme Hansalim supports communities in need and ensures that everyone has access to healthy, nutritious food.

In addition, Hansalim is actively involved in educational endeavours aimed at spreading the values of a sustainable lifestyle. The cooperative offers various educational programmes and has even launched an app to help members integrate these values into their everyday lives.

Facts and figures

Hansalim is an impressive co-operative, underlined by facts and figures that show its size and influence:

Number of households: 795,315 households are Hansalim members.
Total number of members: Taking into account the average household size in South Korea (2.4 people per household), this corresponds to around 1.91 million members involved in Hansalim.
Number of farms: 2,278 farms are part of Hansalim.
Average income for farmers: The production stabilisation fund offers farmers 50-60% of their average annual income in the event of natural disasters.
Average size of a farm: An average farm at Hansalim has a size of about 2.1 hectares.
Average turnover per farm: A typical farm at Hansalim generates a turnover of around 150,000 euros per year on this area.
Percentage of the final price that goes to the farmers: Around 70% of the final price goes directly to the farmers, while Hansalim only keeps a minimal margin of 5-7%.
Number of shops: Hansalim operates 239 shops nationwide.
Total area of agricultural land: Hansalim manages a production area of around 4,856 hectares.
Total turnover: The total turnover is around 344 million euros. This turnover is managed by around 100 employees at Hansalim.

A model for the future

Hansalim's success lies in its ability to adapt to changing societal needs while remaining true to its core values. In the face of challenges such as the decreasing number of farmers and the increasing demand for convenience products, Hansalim continues to innovate and expand its reach. By maintaining a delicate balance between growth and sustainability, Hansalim serves as a model for co-operatives worldwide.

In summary, Hansalim is more than just a co-operative; it is a living example of how community-driven efforts can lead to significant social and environmental impact. Through their unwavering commitment to sustainability, fairness and community, Hansalim is indeed an ingenious model for what the future of farming and consumption could look like - where the wellbeing of people and the planet comes first.