ESNETIK KOOP. ELK. is a not-for-profit mixed cooperative of dairy-product producers and consumers. The cooperative started its journey in April 2012 and was supported by the trade union, EHNE Bizkaia. Initially, its activity was focused on a cheese mongers in Orozko. Today, however, a number of pastoralists coming from Orduña, Orozko and Amorebieta bring milk to the cooperative that is located in the Goikiri neighbourhood in Ugoa-Miraballes.
The meaning of ESNETIK comes from Basque, and it is composed of the words 'Esneki', which means dairy, and 'Etika', which means ethics. Not only is the name symbolic of what the cooperative does, but also, more importantly, it demonstrates what the cooperative stands for.
Their operations are simple: purchasing milk from associated farmhouses, producing a number of dairy products via a local cheesemonger and marketing the products (mainly to associated consumers and small businesses).
ESNETIK seeks to sell healthy, affordable and high-quality environment-friendly products that offer Baserris decent work. Moreover, ESNETIK strengthens the Basque Country's agricultural traditions and rural culture. It is therefore a tool that works towards achieving food sovereignty. It is not just a peasant struggle; it is a claim that belongs to every one of us. We can only change the current situation if more people are involved.
- Creating networks
- Social movement, social organisation
- Peasant movement, Peasant organisation