What is a cooperative?
Rather than a traditional enterprise, the cooperative seeks a social purpose. It is an autonomous association of people voluntarily joined together to meet their common economic, social and cultural needs and aspirations. They do this through a collectively owned and democratically controlled enterprise.
It is the only economic model that really allows for a balance between :
- economic performance
- respect for people
- democratic governance
- creation of sustainable jobs
- innovation
How does a cooperative work?
From the outside, a cooperative may look like any other type of company. Let's take the example of a cooperative grocery shop (some of them are listed below). When you visit a co-operative grocery shop, it is very likely to look like any other grocery shop.
But if you take a look behind the scenes, you'll notice a slightly different way of working than in a regular grocery shop. Notably:
- The members of the cooperative also work in the cooperative on a voluntary basis.
- Some co-operatives limit who can shop there (e.g. only members). Others are open to all, but offer special incentives to members, such as a discount.
Why are the members of a cooperative willing to volunteer? Because they share the same ethical, egalitarian and solidarity-based values and a common objective. To create a better world by working together, to build an inclusive and innovative economy and to put the interest of people above the profit of the company.
Wello partner cooperatives
As part of our mission to promote beautiful products, unspoilt places, incredible people and natural projects in Belgium, we have four cooperatives as partners.
The Small Producers
Created by producers and citizens, the cooperative Les Petits Producteurs has created neighbourhood shops that make healthy, environmentally friendly and producer-friendly food accessible to all.
The Liège cooperative defines itself as an ecosystem of producers, eaters and shops that come together around a common project, a meaningful vision for the future.
They orient their way of working together according to four values:
- a sustainable food system
- proximity to local producers
- solidarity between all actors
- a fair and transparent price
Vervîcoop
Vervîcoop is an innovative project in Verviers, proposing a cooperative supermarket with a non-profit and social purpose. It is managed by its members, for its members.
The active participation of members in the management of the grocery shop allows access to quality products, primarily from sustainable agriculture and short circuits.
While restoring meaning to consumption, Vervîcoop wishes to give birth to a place of exchange, solidarity, sharing and awareness of current food issues.
Bee Ô Village
Bee Ô Village's mission is to enable citizens to buy better and to do good for their bodies, our beautiful planet and the local economy. This organic and local grocery shop, on a human scale, promotes local producers and the short circuit.
Located in Ittre, Bee Ô Village is also a place where people can meet and talk, a friendly place where everyone is warmly welcomed. A place where you can sit down to share a good moment over a coffee, a tea or a delicacy.
Fan(e)s de Carotte
Fan(e)s de Carotte practices a different kind of agriculture, on a human scale, which preserves our health, promotes biodiversity and brings us closer together, producers and consumers.
Without synthetic fertilisers or pesticides, the market gardeners' cooperative is certified organic and offers baskets of fresh and varied fruit and vegetables. It offers three services, depending on the needs of the consumers:
- subscription to the basket
- online retailing
- the shop on the spot
If you would like to help out, the members of Fan(e)s de Carotte are always looking for volunteers who can travel to Braine-le-Comte!