Hansalim

A Beacon of Sustainability and Community in South Korea

Hansalim, one of the largest organic cooperatives globally, stands as a testament to the power of community-driven initiatives in shaping sustainable agricultural practices. Founded in 1986 in South Korea, Hansalim, which translates to “Keep Everything Alive,” is much more than just a cooperative—it’s a movement that connects producers and consumers in a shared mission to protect life, agriculture, and the Earth.

The Vision and Mission

At its core, Hansalim is built on the philosophy of life respect and mutual aid. The cooperative’s mission is to “save life, agriculture, and the Earth” by fostering a symbiotic relationship between producers and consumers. This vision manifests in every aspect of its operations—from ensuring the sustainability of farming practices to promoting the consumption of eco-friendly products.

Hansalim’s approach is rooted in the belief that every individual action can contribute to a broader societal impact. The cooperative encourages its members to make lifestyle changes that align with environmental sustainability, thus ensuring that their daily choices are not only beneficial to themselves but also to the planet.

The Cooperative Model: A Symbiotic Relationship

Hansalim operates on a direct transaction model that eliminates middlemen, allowing for a more equitable distribution of profits. This model benefits both producers, who receive fair compensation, and 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 remains on sustainability rather than profit maximization.

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

Environmental Stewardship and Innovation

Hansalim is a pioneer in eco-friendly farming. The cooperative promotes organic farming methods that avoid the use of pesticides and chemical fertilizers, thereby protecting the land and its biodiversity. Hansalim’s commitment to environmental stewardship extends beyond farming practices. For instance, the cooperative has implemented a rigorous certification process that involves both producers and consumers, ensuring that all products meet strict eco-friendly standards.

Moreover, Hansalim is at the forefront of innovative waste reduction initiatives. The cooperative has established programs such as the Zero Food Waste Campaign, which encourages members to minimize food waste, thereby reducing greenhouse gas emissions. Hansalim also leads recycling efforts, particularly through its reuse of glass bottles and the collection of milk cartons, further demonstrating its commitment to sustainability.

Community Impact and Social Responsibility

Hansalim’s influence extends beyond the agricultural sector. The cooperative plays a crucial role in fostering community spirit and social responsibility. Through initiatives like the Sharing Kitchen Project and Food Care programs, Hansalim provides support to vulnerable communities, ensuring that everyone has access to healthy, nutritious food.

Furthermore, Hansalim is actively involved in educational efforts aimed at spreading the values of sustainable living. The cooperative offers various educational programs and has even launched an app to help members integrate these values into their daily lives.

Facts and Figures

Hansalim is an impressive cooperative, underscored by numbers and facts that highlight its scale and impact:

Number of Households: 795,315 households are Hansalim members.
Total Membership: Taking into account the average household size in South Korea (2.4 persons per household), this equates to approximately 1.91 million members involved in Hansalim.
Number of Farms: 2,278 farms are part of Hansalim.
Average Income for Farmers: The Production Stabilization Fund offers farmers 50-60% of the average annual income in case of natural disasters.
Average Farm Size: The average farm size at Hansalim is about 2,1 hectares.
Average Revenue per Farm: A typical farm at Hansalim generates approximately 150,000 Euros in revenue annually from this land area.
Percentage of Final Price Going to Farmers: Approximately 70% of the final price goes directly to the farmers, while Hansalim retains only a minimal margin of 5-7%.
Number of Retail Stores: Hansalim operates 239 retail stores nationwide.
Total Agricultural Area: Hansalim manages a production area of about 4,856 hectares.
Total Revenue: The total revenue amounts to approximately 344 million Euros, managed by 100 Hansalim employees.

A Model for the Future

Hansalim’s success lies in its ability to adapt to changing societal needs while staying true to its core values. As South Korea faces challenges such as the declining number of farmers and the increasing demand for convenience foods, Hansalim continues to innovate and expand its reach. By maintaining a delicate balance between growth and sustainability, Hansalim serves as a model for cooperatives worldwide.

In conclusion, Hansalim is more than just a cooperative; it is a living example of how community-driven efforts can lead to significant social and environmental impact. Through its unwavering commitment to sustainability, fairness, and community, Hansalim is indeed a genius model of what the future of agriculture and consumerism could look like—where the well-being of people and the planet comes first.