Making a future together 2016 iCOOP KOREA Annual Report Contents

With consumer co-operatives at the center, iCOOP KOREA’s Today 04 iCOOP KOREA builds an ecosystem of honest and reliable co-operative enterprises with producers and employees. Foreword 06 SECTION 1 Security in our daily lives 08

OH Miyea, Chairperson of iCOOP UNION Food reliability 10 Co-operative A co-operative is an autonomous association of persons united voluntarily to PARK Inja, Chairperson of iCOOP Consumer Activities Realizing security in our daily lives 13 Definition meet their common economic, social, and cultural needs and aspirations through CHO Seonggyu, Chairperson of iCOOP Association of Producer Groups Ethical consumerism movement to change the society 14 a jointly-owned and democratically-controlled enterprise. LEE Sunkyoung, Chairperson of iCOOP Certification Center Practitioners who make imagination into reality 16

Co-operative Co-operatives are based on the values of self-help, self-responsibility, democracy, Values equality, equity and solidarity. In the tradition of their founders, co-operative SECTION 2 People-oriented economy 18 SECTION 3 A better future 30 members believe in the ethical values of honesty, openness, social responsibility and caring for others.

Co-operative enterprise where people want to work 20 Sustainable production and consumption system 32 Spreading ethical management that shares its fruits 22 Life movement to address climate change 38 Co-operative 1st Principle Voluntary and Open Membership 26 40 Creating an honest and reliable co-operative ecosystem Spreading the values of the co-operative movement 2nd Principle Democratic Member Control 28 42 Principles Innovators who support each other Facilitators who connect the present and the future 3rd Principle Member Economic Participation 4th Principle Autonomy and Independence 5th Principle Education, Training and Information iCOOP KOREA's 20-year history 44 Member co-operatives and organizations 46 6th Principle Co-operation among Co-operatives 7th Principle Concern for Community

Better food for more people

Adopted by UN in 2015, The Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) comprise 17 goals with 169 targets to be achieved by 2030. Engaged in business and activities in various fields all over the world, co-operatives have been recognized as performers of SDGs. iCOOP KOREA This is iCOOP KOREA’ s sixth annual report since the first report was published in 2011. iCOOP KOREA is a co-operative federation that conducts main businesses and activities in This 2016 annual report is based on the iCOOP Mission Statement, which is presented for the 20th anniversary of iCOOP KOREA production, consumption and agriculture and has practiced actively in programs such as ‘End 2016 Annual Report poverty in all its forms everywhere’, ‘Achieve food security and improved nutrition and promote

01 Reporting period January 1 - December 31, 2016. Some data display the results of last two or three years sustainable agriculture’, ‘Ensure inclusive and quality education for all and promote lifelong learning’, ‘Achieve gender equality and empower all women and girls’, ‘Promote employment 02 Reporting cycle Published annually and decent work for all’, ‘Ensure sustainable consumption and production patterns’, ‘Take urgent action to combat climate change and its impacts’ and ‘Halt biodiversity loss’. These practices are 03 Guideline Focusing on iCOOP Mission Statement, this report was written based on the Global Reporting Initiative(GRI) and the Sustainable Development Goals(SDGs). all mentioned in our annual reports. 3 Ethical consumption is no big deal. Purchasing eco-friendly products that do not affect our earth, using fair trade products without child labor and labor exploitation and supporting eco-friendly Korean native wheat that contributes to incomes of producers during winter-every single one of these small practices is a valuable consumption that considers us, neighbors and the environment. iCOOP KOREA is building a valuable world with our ethical consumerism . KOREA’S TODAY

People Co-operation Activity Infra Organization Trust

Membership (person) Investment (KRW) Education (person) Product safety inspection

Members with monthly membership dues Member investment 52,057,137,611 Members/Member leaders 109,858 Natural Dream Member co-ops 91 iCOOP Certification 675 farms Total members stores Safety inspections 193 iCOOP Organizations 32 178 (Consumption, production (pesticide residues, 16,709 Responsible investment (person) 158 and activity sectors) radioactivity, antibiotic, inspections

250,980 2016 GMO, etc.)

237,610 Participation 5,115 2015

218,585 Partners 17 212,216 2014 194,652 175,183

Member’s advanced fund account Logistics centers 7 for stable farming Distribution centers 6 Participation 68,637 members Grassroots gathering Clusters (Gurye/Goesan) 2 Contribution in 2016 KRW 13,963,459,860 Town meetings 2014 2015 2016 1,069 Multicultural centers 8 Clubs 913 Price stabilization fund (KRW) Board members of member co-ops 795 Total accumulated fund 19,389,950,964 Member leaders 2,966 Collected in 2016 3,959,890,073

Used in 2016 2,022,363,901 Producers (person) Business Finance

Total 2,397 Store co-operation fund (KRW) iCOOP Association of Producer Groups 314 Total accumulrated fund 4,080,654,900 Consumption sector (KRW) Production sector (KRW) Processed food producers 262 525.6 552.3 Collected in 2016 731,626,200 483.3 Net income 4,289million Net income 5,599million billion billion billion Used in 2016 290,000,000 Retained 5,886million Retained 10,520million earnings earnings Employees (person) Social contribution Seed Foundation Capital 61,628million Capital 17,982million Total 2,366 Fair trade fund (KRW) for Social Economy of KOREA (KRW) (including (including member shares) member shares) Partners 709 Total accumulrated fund 490,438,290 Total accumulrated fund 4,625,220,540 Member loan 32,314million Member loan 26,138million Member co-ops 541 Collected in 2016 75,575,090 Collected in 2016 1,110,423,140 Member loan/ Member loan/ 2014 2015 2016 48% 92% Total jobs created by iCOOP KOREA 3,616 Used in 2016 78,455,966 Used in 2016 593,788,053 equity ratio equity ratio

(turnover, KRW)

4 5 Foreword

iCOOP KOREA paves a new way We must do it! We can do it! And we’ll do it!

The year 2016 had many problems both internally and externally, but we focused on In our history, the ‘Jeongyu year’ —the year of the rooster, meaning 2017—recalls building a sustainable foundation. iCOOP KOREA made efforts to raise the stability of the ‘Jeongyujaeran’ when Japan invaded Korea in 1597. capital for it is inevitably vulnerable in a co-operative structure. We also endeavored to develop products for members and consumers, while examining the whole business The people in this period probably experienced a great chaos and despair. in preparation for this bleak economy. As a result, we developed pressed rapeseed oil, However, despite the situation, they overcame the war, through their their wisdom Korean wheat oligosaccharide, and ‘safe’ caramel syrup with the help of 250,000 members. and courage. Today, we are standing in a cold chaos once again. This means that we have iCOOP KOREA has challenged a new way that others do not go in order to realize food to overcome this confusion and despair like our ancestors did. OH Miyea reliability. CHO Seonggyu Chairperson of iCOOP UNION Chiarperson of iCOOP Association Celebrating the year of the rooster, we plan to gather our wisdom and courage iCOOP KOREA works to extend the benefits of its growth to the society as a whole and of Producer Groups just as roosters are known for their survival capacity. It is amazing how chickens laid the foundation to promote products and services of the social economy through can spot even the smallest preys that are invisible to humans in order to survive. co-operation and solidarity. The Gurye Natural Dream Park is a perfect example where Of course, there are many things for us to keep in sight as these chickens, but we members, producers, and employees all participated in raising capital and made it need to first take a look at ourselves. Looking back over the past few years, we possible for life and culture to meet. Furthermore, as the co-operatives grew, they have not cultivated our land, the foundation of agriculture, for a long time. revived the rural community through sustainable agriculture and even created new jobs. As a result, since 2014, iCOOP Association of Producer Groups have changed its direction The Goesan Natural Dream Park, which is waiting to open soon, will also be a place to ‘cultivating land’ and made innovations. These efforts can bear fruit for both producers where young people would like to work. and consumers in the next few years.

Together with members, producers and employees who believe in the power of We will surely do it! co-operation, iCOOP KOREA will continue to progress, not being afraid of new challenges.

iCOOP KOREA’s new courage brings hope We will evolve the iCOOP Certification Center one step further

As Korean citizens and iCOOP members, we had a great deal of interest in our This is my third year since I joined the certification center in 2015. My two year society and organization in 2016. iCOOP KOREA proved to the society the importance tenure is really too short compared to the center’s 10 years history, but I can say of food labelling system, which is the starting point of iCOOP KOREA and members’ that I had a meaningful experience while discussing and working with employees fundamental needs. to take full responsibility of our members’ safety.

The food safety system that has been developed for the past 20 years to secure In 2016, from a total of 2,135 farms of primary agricultural produce, we prevented safe food is not the exclusive property of co-operatives but intended to be a stepping 327 farms from incidents in advance. And to spread the ideas of iCOOP certification system PARK Inja stone in an unsafe society as a social asset. The insecurity in our lives asks us to LEE Sunkyung that were unfamiliar to members, we published various informative materials and Chairperson of iCOOP Consumer reflect not only on food but our whole life so that we can enjoy secured lives. The Chairperson of iCOOP Certification improved education programs in collaboration with active members and employees. Activities efforts and alternatives co-operatives have provided are plans for social safety, and Center Above all, the iCOOP Certification Center has developed a system to conserve soil also the work to trigger these possibilities. for a long term, diversify ecosystem, and achieve sustainable organic farming. Of course, we had painful incidents too. However, as the Center has always done, it New things are possible when there are courageous people. For this reason, iCOOP analyses and reflects on the mistakes, and changes the whole inspection process KOREA is the history of courageous members. For dreams to not end as imagination, more if needed, and turns the experiences of incidents into opportunities to evolve one people need to gather, resolve, and work. Thus, members’ needs and engagements step further. Also, it rethinks about the trust relationship between producers and are the hope of iCOOP KOREA. consumers, and tries to find out what values should be shared and how to share to avoid such incidents.

In 2017, the Certification Center will take a step further. We will do our best to supply safe food based on fair principles and with participation of our members. 6 7 SECTION 1 Security in our daily lives

iCOOP KOREA aims for good quality of life by creating alternatives for food, care, education, housing and health care based on ethical production and consumption.

Base Aim Practice Performer

Realizing security in our Ethical consumerism Practitioners who make Food reliability daily lives movement to change the society imagination into reality

Giving consideration to The security of human needs in our iCOOP KOREA creates an alternative As practitioners of co-operative movement, consumers who pursue healthy everyday life concerning care, education, through ethical consumerism movement members of iCOOP KOREA food, iCOOP KOREA meets the housing, and health care can be based on agriculture, environment, and empower each other to daily needs of members and achieved when members participate and fair relationship; and encourages a make their dream into reality. communities by securing food contribute to come up with alternatives better system that realizes the needs reliability. and develop them into new institutions in our daily lives in collaboration with for the public in various sectors. public institutions and civil society organizations.

8 9 Section 1. Security in our daily lives Base Aim Practice Perfomer Sustainable With differentiated standards, iCOOP KOREA strengthens food reliability and promotes agriculture promised sustainable agriculture. iCOOP KOREA has developed its own system called ‘iCOOP by iCOOP Certification Certification’ and labels the products— A, AA, AAA mark—according to the five criteria. Food Reliability The five criteria are safety, circularity, biodiversity (animal welfare), credibility and sustainability and the information is disclosed to the members. iCOOP Certification, which takes food safety and environmental impact into consideration, is a promise iCOOP KOREA produces safe food as mothers provide food for their children. Developed products and transparent of iCOOP KOREA that contributes to a sustainable environment through consumption food safety standards are the cornerstone of our members’ pride and trust. iCOOP KOREA is contributing to food and a grade mark members can trust. reliability and sustainable agriculture through new technology development and innovation.

iCOOP certification Including food safety, iCOOP KOREA’s certification system manages circularity, system iCOOP KOREA’s Trying to figure out methods to reduce pesticides, chemical fertilizers, and food biodiversity(animal welfare), credibility and sustainability. ‘different products’ additives, producers, consumers and employees all work together to develop a new technology. We do not simply change packages. We look carefully into overlooked parts and make an alternative that satisfies our members. In 2016, iCOOP KOREA launched 23 new products, 23 renewal products, and 10 iCOOP Food safety Do not use cheical fertilizers and certified products. To name a few, gluten from Korean native wheat, pressed synthetic pesticides, or minimize Non-GMO rapeseed oil, and ‘safe’ caramel syrup were developed. These development them. have brought changes in processed foods, allowing iCOOP KOREA to make 100% Circularity Korean wheat noodle, black bean paste (Chunjang), oligosaccharide, and corn dog Use local agro-materias for material circulation, and minimize the and fish cake fried with pressed rapeseed oil. In 2017, we are preparing Non-GMO feed. purchase of materials outside.

01 02 03 Sustainability Pressed Black bean paste Korean Consider sustainable agriculture. rapeseed oil with korean wheat wheat flour

Biodiversity(animal welfare) Protect growers, local species and iCOOP KOREA’S biodiversity. certification According to the five criteria, Credibility products are evaluated and graded into Pressed oil without using n- iCOOP KOREA developed a iCOOP KOREA succeeded in Manage farming records in order A, AA, and AAA. hexane,the petroleum solvents caramel syrup that doesn’t include separating gluten from Korean to ensure credibility. carcinogens and produced the wheat for the first time in Korea NON-GMO rapeseed seeds are black bean paste and black been roasted immediately after pressing. noodles It developed various products The date of manufacture is including spaghetti and bakery displayed, and the expiration date with the gluten is limited to one month to keep it fresh and more reliable

The goals of the 01 Consumer’s trust is earned through certification differentiated management system of Securing our trust iCOOP Certification Center inspects 16,709 times a year and discloses the results to system Communication iCOOP KOREA with producers through 16,709 its members. Transparent disclosure is the key to earning members’ trust. Residual inspections pesticides, radioactivity, heavy metals, benzopyrene, etc. are strictly inspected, and 02 Nature-oriented organic agriculture all test results are released to members. Circularity Differentiation where future generation can consume The number of inspections Pesticide Radio Nine safe food is pursued through circulation by iCOOP KOREA Antibiotic GMO Quality Others Total Residues activity Nutrients of ecosystem and sustainable production 2014 3,477 9,747 335 18 781 2,556 104 17,018 practice Sustainability Protection 2015 3,037 8,301 372 17 472 2,101 195 14,495

2016 3,327 10,488 414 13 551 1,807 109 16,709 03 We promote agriculture led by producers.

10 11 Section 1. Security in our daily lives Base Aim Practice Perfomer

The number of certifications of Certification rate to primary agricultural and Certified producers livestock farms total contract producers 2014 439 27% Realizing security in daily lives 2015 638 44%

2016 675 47% We work for more pleasant and secured daily lives of our members. Security in our daily lives covers various areas iCOOP KOREA inspects and manages pesticide residue and legal violations for from food, care, education, housing, to medical care in different ways. iCOOP KOREA makes small but important primary agricultural produce and processed products a total of three times: 1) in changes in communities through participation and contribution of members. the production process, 2) before shipment, and 3) in the distribution process. Of the primary agricultural produce in 2016, problems were detected in 327 farms and iCOOP KOREA was able to prevent them from being shipped. 11 farms were Supplying safe food to members’ home through 04 found to have some problems after the shipment, but the members were notified 01 2-day ordering system and 6-day delivery of the situation and iCOOP KOREA recalled the products.

Safety incidents in 2016 Farms Before shipment After shipment (advanced prevention) (followup management)

Primary agricultural product 2,135 327 11

Processed product 262 67 1 02 03 Total 2,397 394 12

Natural Dream café and movie theaters, the cultural places in communities Product Before a new product is released, members participate in reviewing, tasting and development with providing feedbacks. Approximately 1,000 members from member co-ops 193 Natural Dream stores where members Supplying eco-friendly agricultural produce members to day care centers and school lunch nationwide participate, and product development begins from their proposals. can buy products conveniently near their home Also, members directly participate in the initial process of new product development and renewing products.

06 05

A daycare center operated by a member 8 multicultural centers by member co-op co-ops for community solidarity and learning space

07

08

Supporting of establishing a medical institution for community people Continuing sharing activities of member co-ops

12 13 Section 1. Security in our daily lives Base Aim Practice Perfomer ‘Food labeling for all In order to establish a system, which GMO products can be labeled as GMO and ingredients’ NON-GMO products can be labeled as NON-GMO, nationwide member co-ops have campaign campaigned with citizens to deliver ‘food labeling for all ingredients’ message. The Ethical consumerism movement campaign will continue until all citizens become aware of the necessity of food labeling to change the society of all ingredients and, furthermore, until the system is established.

The ethical consumerism of iCOOP KOREA protects agriculture and the environment. Regarding issues that producers and consumers cannot address alone, iCOOP KOREA increases the standards of food safety in Korean society in solidarity

with the government and civil society. We are putting effort to promote ethical consumerism through ‘dietary education, 4.5 7.20 fair trade campaign, and food labelling campaign’ and to spread ‘ethical consumerism that changes the society’ to 01 A civil society debate A debate at the National Assembly Sharing the necessity of complete GMO labeling in Sharing the current state of GMOs future generations and citizens. terms of consumer rights Open forum

Submitting objection 6.1 6.30 cases statements 10,000 02 Ethical consumerism Against the movement with the youth amended 8.11 10.31 noti cation on and citizens GMO labeling 03 online 18,661 persons 171,714 oine 153,053 persons Petition persons campaign

7.1 10.31

04 member co-ops 519 times Cons 44 Product persons switching campaign Cons 444 Pros 867 persons Member 95.2% persons 8.19 8.31 leaders Pros 12, 96.6% 439 persons 05 Members 9.28 10.10

Survey on NON-GMO labeling

8.1 10.31

06 GMO OMG lm member co-ops times 61 86 Community movie screening 10.22 persons ‘Food labeling for 3,000 all ingredients’ festival 07 33 member co-ops / 300 street performers

Five press conferences held by 08 Press conference iCOOP Consumer Activities The Last year’s Ethical Consumerism Contest celebrated its 10th anniversary. The

contest has been held by iCOOP KOREA, the Hankyoreh newspaper, Council NON-GMO of Social Enterprise and Korea Social Enterprise Promotion Agency, and sponsored Social media action heros promotion persons 1,207,330 8.1 8.31 100 by the Ministry of Education, the Ministry of Employment and Labor, and the Seoul Goverment. 09 Total reach Every year, a contest that encourages ethical consumerism for the youth and Facebook 836, 808 Kakao stroy 370, 522

citizens is held with various social economic organizations. Participants made a Media campaign Disseminating information on GMO labeling through major media including KBS, MBC, Newstapa and Hankyoreh21 map of ethical consumption towns, presented fair trade and non-animal tested 10 cosmetics, and shared the issue of minerals from troubled regions. Thus, children, youth, and citizens were able to enjoy ethical consumption through these events.

14 15 Section 1. Security in our daily lives Base Aim Practice Perfomer Practitioners who make imagination into reality

Members of iCOOP KOREA who work for a better world mature through education. In order for co-operatives to be managed and democratically operated by members, step by step education is organized: 1) pre-member education where people get to learn about co-operatives and are motivated to be one of the members, 2) education to help become a leader of the members, and 3) education to raise board members’ capabilities. Even after retiring from chairpersons of member co-ops, some still advance their career into fields of social economy to help develop social economy. Currently, nearly 3,000 members, including 795 board members and 90 chairpersons, are engaged in a variety of activities to realize the dream of our future.

Education Basic education Leader education programs

Board members and Board Member Member leaders out of total members with member leaders Member co-ops Education for members leaders monthly membership dues Pre-member Beginners’ Co-operation instructors of education education school beginners’ education 2014 79 700 2,802 1.6%

2015 85 711 2,924 1.5% Excutive education 2016 90 795 2,966 1.4%

Active member fund in 2016 We created ‘Active member fund’ for the welfare and activity growth of member leaders and for new activities and projects.

Contents Project accomplishment

Introductory Intensiveeducation education forWorkshop board formembers forboardCivil board co-operation members membersWorkshop college forWorkshop chairpersons forFacilitators’ new chairpersons courseEducation forSchool next leaders for boardDebate members of board of members federationWorkshop for board members of member co-ops 58 KRW 96,321,430 Fair travel (persons)

45 41,243,930 Self-enrichment activities

Member education Participants Organized by Courses/days Participants without duplicate 85 20,662,335 Region/federation 36 courses 3,715 7,210 Workshops for facilitators

2015 Member co-op 6,769 days 35,682 106,483

Total 36 courses, 6,769 days 39,397 113,693 Region/federation 18 courses, 104 days 3,279 5,391 6 21,434,200 Member co-op/ Supporting the 2016 6 courses, 7,064 days 36,105 104,467 External course days establishment of new co-ops

Total 24 courses, 7,168 days 39,384 109,858 Total 194 179,661,895

16 17 SECTION 2 People-oriented economy iCOOP KOREA creates a people-oriented economy that respects labor and shares its performances based on honest and trustworthy co-operative ecosystem.

Base Aim Practice Performer

Co-operative enterprise Spreading ethical management Creating an honest and reliable Innovators who support where people want to work that shares its fruits co-operative ecosystem each other

iCOOP KOREA respects the Ethical management that shares profits was iCOOP KOREA will spread ethical management In the process of achieving people-oriented economy, value of labor and people. a social innovation brought by co-operatives through the co-operative ecosystem the people of iCOOP KOREA show their creativity and and needs to be spread throughout the society. based on honesty and trust. co-operation skill as innovators supporting each other. In addition, they work for the needs and happiness of each consumers who use products and services of co-operatives.

18 19 Section 2. People-oriented economy Base Aim Practice Perfomer Higher minimum wage of In 2016, when the statutory minimum wage was KRW 6,030 per hour, iCOOP KOREA’s iCOOP KOREA minimum wage was KRW7,300, 1.2 times higher than the statutory one. In 2017, when the government increased the minimum wage to KRW6,470 we set it to Co-operative enterprise where KRW8,000, 1.2 times higher than the legal wage. people want to work iCOOP KOREA Statutory wage KRW7,300 KRW6,030

iCOOP KOREA provides new jobs. As of the end of December 2016, there were 2,366 people working at iCOOP KOREA. There is a total of 3,616 jobs, including iCOOP KOREA’s business partners and member co-operatives. Recognized for creating sustainable and high-quality jobs, especially for the young people in communities, iCOOP KOREA aims Education for employees In 2016, the number of education courses for employees was 15, and 2,548 employees to be a co-operative enterprise where consumers and employees want to work together. participated. We provide lifelong learning opportunities such as joint educations with partner companies and job trainings combined with humanities curriculum.

Jobs created by As of the end of December 2016, the number of employees hired by iCOOP KOREA Participant without Year Course Participant Expense (KRW) iCOOP KOREA was 2,366. The ratio of regular employees was 92%: male and female ratio was deuplicate 37.1% and 62.9% respectively, indicating that women outnumber men. According to the survey by Specialized Committee for Affirmative Action under the Ministry of Employment in 2016, 2,040 companies, including 326 public enterprises and 2016 1,718 private companies, hired women at 37.79% of total employment. Compared to this number, the female employment rate of iCOOP KOREA is significantly high. 15 1,792 2,548 106,449,595

Improving work To improve the work environment, we introduced a system that allows longtenured Male 37.1 employees to take a special leave or have flexible working hours. Also, employees Regular employees 92% Female % environment 62.9 who are transferred to other regions are able to receive supports in their housing Employees 2,366 expenses or live in a dormitory. Also, in addition to training programs and overseas persons study visits, iCOOP KOREA provides 100% of tuitions to employees who study social economy at Sungkonghoe University, Hanshin University, and Hanyang University. Employees by gender and age Age We also introduced ‘the 2nd dream system ’ that allows employees to work until Gender Total Under 20 30’s 40’s 50’s 60’s the age 70 even after the age of retirement 60.

Person 155 423 245 50 4 877 Male Creating a % 6.6 17.9 10.4 2.1 0.2 37.1 work culture where Person 226 241 650 355 17 1,489 Female there is a balance % 9.6 10.2 27.5 15.0 0.7 62.9 between work and Person 381 664 895 405 21 2,366 Total personal life % 16.1 28.1 37.8 17.1 0.9 100.0

iCOOP KOREA is working for a work culture where work and personal life balance

Employees by regions Taking a look at employees by regions, iCOOP KOREA have created many jobs in the can be secured. iCOOP UNION was one of the eight companies that were selected capital area. But, it also offered jobs in the provinces as well. as best examples of committed to ‘creating a culture of worklife balance’. Out of 34 employees who applied for parental leave in 2016, nine of them were males. iCOOP KOREA supported a child care co-operative established by employees in Capital Central Jeolla Gyeongsang Jeju Region Total area area province province island terms of employee welfare. It is operated by the co-operation of parents and uses Person 904 264 432 734 32 2,366 eco-friendly agricultural produce for children’s lunch. Total % 38.2 11.2 18.3 31.0 1.4 100.0

20 21 Section 2. People-oriented economy Base Aim Practice Perfomer iCOOP KOREA’s Fair trade products sold by iCOOP KOREA include Fair Trade Fund worth between ’Fair Trade Fund ‘ to KRW20 to KRW400 per product. This fund is used for improving the communities of realize solidarity fairtrade producers and education of children. iCOOP KOREA supported the producers Spreading ethical management that in East Timor in 2010 and in the Philippines in 2011. In 2016 when almonds from Palestine were launched, the fund was used to plant 15,000 seedlings of almond shares its fruits and olive for them in the West Bank.

The fruits of working honestly are shared with our members, producers, employees, and communities. Not monopolizing the

profits but sharing its fruits, ethical management is indeed a social innovation. We will spread ethical management by Fair Trade Fund 75,575,090 70,835,740 69,218,360 forming international solidarity through fair trade, reinvesting in communities to develop underdeveloped regions, (KRW) 67,652,940 caring for the minorities in our society, and expanding social capital. 56,879,600 58,077,000 48,602,360 29,014,200

14,583,000 2008 ~2016: total 490,438,290 Growing Since the start of fair trade in 2007, we have traded a total of eight lines of products with 18 producers in 12 countries (6 in Asia, 9 in Latin America, 2 in Africa, 1 in fair trade volume 2008 2009 2010 2011 2012 2013 2014 2015 2016 every year the Middle East). At present, the amount traded through fair trade turned out to be a total of KRW 8.08 billion. In the case of Korea, majority of fair trade organizations belongs to the Korea Council of Fair trade Organizations, and the total turnover of

14 members was KRW16.6 billion in 2016. This shows that the fair trade volume of Usage of Fair Trade Fund Region Content Date Amount(KRW) iCOOP KOREA took almost 48.7% of their total turnover. East Timor Purchasing a truck and books, 8.26. 2010 30,000,000 Rotutu village repairing a library in the village

Supporting a portion of Turnover of fair trade (KRW) The Philippines 2012 2013 2014 2015 2016 fund for building 1.19. 2011 1,486,970 AFTC a Mascobado factory Korea Council of Fair 10.1 billion 10.7 billion 11.5 billion 16.3 billion 16.6 billion Trade Organizations Palestine Seedlings of olives and 78,445,966 12.30. 2016 iCOOP KOREA 3.1 billion 3.42 billion 5.58 billion 7.94 billion 8.08 billion Canaan Fair Trade almonds (USD65,000)

Proportion 30.6% 31.3% 48.5% 48.7% 48.7% Total 109,932,936

Countries we do Palestine Indonesia fair trade and the Almond Coffee bean products Olive oil Columbia Instant coffee Coffee bean Cacao

The Philippines India Mascobado sugar Pepper Turmeric East Timor Peru Brazil Coffee bean Banana Instant coffee Coffee bean

South Africa Wine

22 23 Community iCOOP KOREA has done a variety of sharing activities through Seed Foundation for investment to Social Economy of Korea. One of the cases is Gurye County where Gurye Natural revive Gurye County Dream Park is located. Gurye is the most underpopulated region in Jeollanam-do Province, with a population of 27,000. However, since the opening of Gurye Natural Dream Park, the population increased within ten years. Women’s clinic even reopened in 2015 with the support of iCOOP KOREA. In addition to creating jobs, we are currently providing scholarships to the youth and supporting multicultural families in accordance with the needs of the communities.

Total donations of Seed Foundation One-time donation Regular for Social Economy of Korea (KRW) Corporate Year Total Special member donation Etc. donation donation

2015 802,081,041 567,100,000 26,277,000 88,229,041 120,475,000

2016 1,110,423,140 559,000,000 370,806,090 48,082,050 132,535,000

Allocation of donations (KRW) Total in 2015 826,593,936 International development in 2015 includes funding to build the AFTC Community Center in the Philippines. 408,109,687 405,056,270 Total in 2016 593,788,053 258,295,666 82,279,000 78,445,966 74,280,000 60,462,000 20,453,400 25,000,000 20,386,160 4,500,000 3,500,000

Supporting of Scholarship to International Ethical Supporting of Special the vulnerable rural development consumerism co-operatives and projects communities social economy

Supporting of education, culture and welfare of Contents 2012 2014 2015 2016 Total Gurye community Education 31 38 77 101 247 (million KRW) Donation of goods 71 62 118 100 351

Public healthcare 200 140 206 546

PR of the region and 57 57 supporting of multicultural families

Total 102 300 392 407 1,201

24 25 Section 2. People-oriented economy Base Aim Practice Perfomer Selecting business In Oct. 2016, with the purpose of strengthening social economy, iCOOP KOREA plans to vitalize advertised for social economy enterprises that wanted to be a part of Natural social economy Dream, and final nine enterprises were selected. A variety of products ranging Creating an honest and reliable from fair trade products for the underdeveloped countries to eco-friendly household goods such as tissue and toothbrush were chosen and sold to members from the co-operative ecosystem start of 2017. iCOOP KOREA plans to continue discovering excellent products from the perspective of members to invigorate the social economy. iCOOP KOREA creates a co-operative ecosystem based on honesty and trust. The co-operative ecosystem is like a fertile land where a co-operative can sustain. An ecosystem that starts with honesty and trust, and bears fruits Co-operative through solidarity and co-operation is the future of approaching social economy. We start to create a healthy Organization Contents Loan(KRW) Interest Loan Fund co-operative ecosystem by converging human and material resources available to us and expand the market for Animal hospital social co-operative Opening a hospital 100million 2% products of social economy, initiate joint projects, improve co-operative loan fund system, support youth Building a Won solar power co-operative 50million 2% co-operatives, publish books on social economy, and much more. solar power plant

Health welfare social co-operative Opening a dentist 100million 2%

Cinema for all, fair movie co-operative Operating capital 1.5million 2%

Social economy iCOOP KOREA carries products from social Co -operative environmental safety Operating capital 2.5million 2% enterprises X iCOOP economy enterprises at Natural Dream stores in and health institute KOREA order to vitalize the social economy. The biggest 4,484,230,758 challenge for these enterprises is finding a proper market to sell their products. It is not easy to even Co-operative With the start of ‘Essay contest on ethical 3,315,878,968 find a place to promote them. iCOOP KOREA aims essay contest consumerism’ in 2008 and limiting the theme ethical consumerism so it provides its members to ‘co-operative’ in 2014, iCOOP KOREA has 2,251,882,994

Turnover of social 1,863,096,187 with excellent products made with consideration supported in raising citizens’ research capacity. economy enterprises 1,403,576,096 to the environment, labor and local communities. In 2016, 19 entries were submitted, and 10 of (KRW) We look for ways to develop together through them passed the review of proposals. Among co-operation and solidarity. In 2012, seven companies the final seven entries, a total of four papers 2012 2013 2014 2015 2016 sold amount of KRW 1.4 billion through iCOOP were selected for awards: 1 gold, 2 silver, and KOREA, but in 2016, the amount increased to 11 1 bronze. companies with KRW 4.4 billion of turnover.

Cases of collaboration Enterprise Business Contents Supporting iCOOP KOREA supports young people to establish their co-operatives.

between iCOOP KOREA Animal hospital social Development and sale of pet food made with establishment of Co-operatives help them lead a dignified life and resolve their own problems. Development of pet food non-antibiotic ingredients and social economy co-operative youth co-operatives Cinema for all, Screening diversity movies in spaces enterprises iCOOP pop-up cinema fair movie co-operative provided by member co-ops

Social enterprise Inscare Cleaning and pest control Pest control services in Natural Dream stores Name Business

Korea’s health welfare Retraining retired soccer players to be Health check-up Regular health check-ups for employees social cooperative federation Plan B Sports sports instructors for children Co-operative Soccer classes for children, soccer Organizing fair travels and field trips to fair Social enterprise Fair Travel Korea Fair travel camps trade farms

Self-help Home repair company Home repair Interior constructions of Natural Dream stores Development and operation of an online Univ Farm channel for agricultural produce by students Co-operative and graduates from agriculture and fisheries universities

GWON Hyunjeong Ⓒ Booster C Design

26 27 Section 2. People-oriented economy Base Aim Practice Perfomer Innovators who support each other

In order to deliver better food to people, it is necessary for members to participate in production, processing and distribution. iCOOP KOREA establishes businesses through the power of members, not with the help of others, on the principle of autonomy, self-help, and independence of co-operatives. That’s why members are innovators. Through members’ support and solidarity, iCOOP KOREA accomplishes tasks that cannot achieve alone and creates a better society.

Membership of iCOOP KOREA Year Members with monthly membership dues Total

2014 175,183 218,585

2015 194,652 237,610

2016 212,216 250,980

Ethical consumerism ‘ Yunsomom’ refers to ‘mother’ members who practice ethical consumerism and movement created by the values of iCOOP KOREA. Their activities mainly start from town meetings or ‘Yunsomom’ clubs. At village meetings that are held once a month, they share information of iCOOP products and fair trade products and spend quality time with other members. They sometimes play GMO-related films, or hold various events with producers in the The power of The operating expenses of member co-operatives are managed by monthly farms. ‘ Yunsomom’ is the foundation of iCOOP KOREA, that practices and promotes iCOOP KOREA, membership dues, not by the profit from products. Because the operations of member ethical consumerism. ‘Monthly co-ops are stabilized through this system, members are able to enjoy products at reasonable prices and thus obtain economic benefits . These dues are used for Membership Dues’ logistics, services, promotions and education of members, campaigns, and sharing and solidarity activities for communities.

Members are owners, It is a movement to increase the contribution of members from KRW 50,000 to ‘Responsible Investment KRW1 million, in order to strengthen their participation and responsibility as the Movement’ owners of co-operatives. In 2014, the number of members who participated in the movement increased from 2,228 in 2014 to 5,115 in 2016. Members’ getherings Gathering Participant Town Town Participation Clubs Total Clubs Total meetings meetings rate Responsible Investment Year Participant Participation rate 2014 1,089 763 1,852 5,747 4,176 9,923 5.7% 2014 2,228 1.3% 2015 1,112 914 2,026 5,851 5,365 11,216 5.8% 2015 4,010 2.1% 2016 1,069 913 1,981 5,423 5,267 10,690 5.0% 2016 5,115 2.4%

28 29 SECTION 3 A better future

iCOOP KOREA makes a better future where humans and nature reside in harmony.

Base Aim Practice Performer

Sustainable production and Life movement to address Spreading the values of Facilitators who connect consumption system climate change co-operative movement the present and the future

iCOOP KOREA innovates eco-friendly and iCOOP KOREA actively co-operates with iCOOP KOREA spreads the values of self-help, iCOOP KOREA’s people will serve as organic agriculture, in which agriculture, food, schools, community organizations, and local self-responsibility, democracy, equality, facilitators who link the present and the environment circulate to create a governments in daily life to face the crisis of fairness, and solidarity that were and the future based on co-operative values. sustainable production and consumption climate change. developed by the pioneers of the co-operative system throughout all the processes from movement. production, distribution, consumption, to disposal.

30 31 Section 3. A better future Base Aim Practice Perfomer

Usage of Price Stabilization Fund Carrot, etc. 848,644,396 Sustainable production and Lettuce, etc. 646,291,327

consumption system 180,110,147 Wheat flour, etc.

The co-operative movement has a responsibility to contribute to sustainable development of communities and Total Pear, etc. 281,382,704 to the environment for our next generations to enjoy. iCOOP KOREA innovates eco-friendly, organic agriculture, in 2,022,363,901 which agriculture, food, and the environment circulate to create a sustainable production and consumption system Antibiotic- free fertile egg, etc. 65,935,327 throughout the whole process—production, distribution, consumption, and disposal.

Price comparison of iCOOP Other ‘Member’s Advanced Farmers obtain the money needed to buy seeds and agricultural machines only products between iCOOP Item Note KOREA and other retailers KOREA Retailer Fund Account for Stable after they sell their crops. Thus, farmers usually have no choice but to incur debts (KRW) Pesticide- iCOOP:Pesticide-free bean sprouts(G&C)(300g) Farming’ helps to lift the to start farming. However, when the price of agriculture produce collapses, they free bean 403 527 have no way to repay their debt. To help solve this problem, iCOOP KOREA sprouts(100g) A Mart : Eco-friendly bean sprouts (300g) burden of farmers Source Hankyoreh Newspaper implemented ‘Member’s advanced fund account for stable farming’ system, which iCOOP:Antibiotic- free fertile eggs(10 eggs) (Jan. 19. 2017) Antibiotic- free allows members to put money in advance in their account for later purchases and fertile eggs 3,600 4,980 A Mart: Antibiotic-free certified and animal farmers to use that money to start farming without owing a debt. In 2016, 32% of (10-egg carton) welfare fertile egg(10 eggs) the members participated in the fund, amounting to KRW 13.9 billion. Since this Kimchi iCOOP:Kimchi(1kg) system benefits both the members and farmers, it is an economical system that 786 798 (100g) A Mart:Hasunjung Kimchi(1kg) helps producers to operate stable farming while members reduce their use of credit cards and save ‘interchange fees’. Also, the participating members are Domestic bean iCOOP:Uri tofu(420g) 436 913 offered e-ccets points that can be used when shopping, which is also beneficial. tofu(100g) A Mart : Jongga domestic bean tofu (380g)

‘Member ‘s Advanced Fund Account for Stable Farming‘ Year Participation (person) Participation rate Fund(KRW) ‘Store Co-operation Fund’ iCOOP KOREA raises ‘Store co-operation fund’ to open Natural Dream stores that by year 2014 42,914 24.5% 14,442,824,365 to create Natural Dream carry healthy food in communities. The fund is used to support opening of new 2015 58,435 30.0% 17,951,262,569 stores in communities stores and to prepare future risks when operating stores. 2016 68,637 32.3% 13,963,459,860

Store Co-operation Fund (KRW) ‘Price Stabilization Fund’, Agricultural produce are subjected to frequent price fluctuation due to weather 2015 2016 Total accumulated amount

sustainable production and unexpected situations. This results in cost burden for consumers and unstable Collected 1,067,915,900 731,626,200 4,080,654,900 living for producers. The price stabilization fund helps to lower the product’s price and consumption start Used 1,370,000,000 290,000,000 2,660,000,000 when the market price of agricultural produce skyrockets. On the contrary, when from price stability the market price collapses, it supplements the producers’ income. It is a system of mutual trust that prevents burden or loss of both producers and consumers.

2016 Price Stabilization Fund (KRW) 10,727,786,269 3,959,890,073 19,389,950,964 2,022,363,901

2016 Total accumulated amount 2016 Total accumulated amount Collected (Collected) Used (Used) 32 33 The infrastructure Gurye Natural Dream Park and Goesan Nature Dream Park were established to Gurye Natural Dream Park opend in April 2014 and Goesan Natural Dream Park for sustainable raise the efficiency by assembling processed food manufacturing facilities, opens in October 2017. production and research facilities, and logistics centers in one place, and to procure raw materials for processed food easily. The Natural Dream Park projects are contributing greatly consumption by providing stable products to members, promoting solidarity with local Goesan Natural Dream Park communities, creating jobs, and after all, revitalizing local economies.

Gurye Natural Dream Park Employment 145 persons

Culture & Factories support facilities 17 9 Facilities under construction The 1st complex The 2nd complex The 1st complex: a factory / a dormitory (106 rooms ) Factories Factories

Area The 2nd complex: A logistics center two factories / room-temperature and 1 5 87,926 m2 refrigeration centers

A multiple housing Turnover Employment A support facility complex unit KRW 75,718 511 million persons Single room- based dormitory Visitors Donation to Gurye A freezing center rooms 142,074 KRW 407 58 persons million Area Area

Patients of Gurye women’s patients in 2016 2 2 clinic reopened by iCOOP m m (974 patients in 2015) 802,114 235,706 KOREA’s support 2,222

Location Location

Jukjeong-ri, Yongbang- myeon, Gurye-gun The 1nd complex: Yulwon-ri, Chilseong-myeon, Goesan-gun, Chungcheongbuk-do The 2nd complex: Neungchon-ri, Goesan-eup, Goesan-gun, Chungcheongbuk-do

34 35 Consuming Korean At present, Korea’s self-sufficiency rate of wheat remains 1%, and the rest of The noodle day Wheat production begins with stable consumption of our wheat. Korean Native native wheat to consumption depends on imported wheat. This problem is getting serious because to consume Wheat Noodle Day, which started in 2013, is one of the members’ activities to share conserve the rice consumption is decreasing every year while wheat consumption is increasing. Korean native wheat noodles with local neighbors. We make noodles with Korean native wheat and As a result, iCOOP KOREA is leading the consumption of Korean native wheat. In share them in various places in communities such as Natural Dream stores, schools, environment 2015, we succeeded in separating gluten from Korean wheat, and paved the way for libraries, borough offices, and market places, and promote the importance of Korean wheat to be used in more versatile ways. Not only does the Korean native Korean native wheat. Also, members prepare experience activities and exhibitions wheat increase the total self-sufficiency rate of Korea, but it also plays an important role to make opportunities to spend time with the neighbors. in absorbing carbon dioxide because the amount of oxygen generated by wheat is Korean native wheat Year Member co-op The number of events Participant larger than that of trees. noodle day 2014 51 71 12,865 Market share of wheat in 2015 Korean native wheat 2015 38 47 8,750 1.2% Imported wheat 98.8% 2016 44 57 8,946

15.9% Changes in self-sufficiency rate of wheat by year

Source : Ministry of Agriculture, 5.8% 4.8% Food and Rural Affairs 1.7% 1.9% 1.7% 0.9% 1.1% 1.2% 0.5% 0.05% 0.5% 0.1% 0.4%

1970 1975 1980 1985 1990 1995 2000 2005 2010 2011 2012 2013 2014 2015

Eco-friendly agricultural The power to promote sustainable production and consumption comes from the produce that protect participation of members. With a total of 250,000 members nationwide, iCOOP KOREA is taking the lead in consuming eco-friendly agricultural produce to protect Production and According to the data from the Ministry of Food, Agriculture, Forestry and Livestock, ecosystem and the Korea’s sustainable agriculture and to build an eco-friendly agricultural base. Eco- consumption of Korean the self-sufficiency rate for wheat in 2015 was 1.2% at 26,452 tons. iCOOP KOREA is environment friendly agricultural produce are not just healthy food that are good for our bodies, consuming about 17% of the total domestic wheat production. native wheat in iCOOP but safe food that protect ecosystem and the environment by minimizing pesticides KOREA and chemical fertilizers.

Korean native wheat iCOOP KOREA consumption of iCOOP KOREA The domestic eco-friendly agricultural produce market was estimated to worth Korean native wheat 4,750 ton KRW1.27 trillion in 2015, a decrease of 18.8% from 2014. * Total amount of domestic wheat consumption = raw materials + sales to members (based on wheat grains)

Consumption of Item Domestic market volume Turnover of iCOOP KOREA(2016) eco-friendly produce (KRW) Korean native wheat consumption of Year Wheat consumption CO2 reduction O2 production 508.9 billion 16.7 billion iCOOP KOREA and its impact on the Rice environment 2015 4,452 ton 13,356 ton 11,130 ton Vegetable 275.4 billion 46.6 billion

2016 4,750 ton 14,250 ton 11,875 ton Fruit 102.1 billion 37.9 billion

* 1kg of wheat production = 3kg of CO2 reduction+2.5kg of O2 production Source :Korea Rural Economic Institute <2016 national and international eco-agricultural production and market outlook>

36 37 Section 3. A better future Base Aim Practice Perfomer Energy saving Life movement to address climate movement change

International Cooperative Alliance (ICA) is also taking the lead in addressing the problem of climate change. Confronting a major wave of climate change that threatens the sustainability of humanity, iCOOP KOREA also organizes campaigns to

cope with the crisis of climate change. Activities range from encouraging members to use reusable shopping bag and reuse We promote energy saving campaigns that can be done daily in our lives such as using delivery boxes, conducting biodiversity surveys, organizing energy saving movement to using green energy. reusable cups and grocery bags, using stairs, limiting the use of air conditioner for a day and regulary checking household appliances. We also suggest expanding renewable energy facilities in public buildings and join forces with other local organizations to establish Citizen’s solar power co-operative. Biodiversity survey

Natural Dream Park that reduces greenhouse gas

Biodiversity survey, launched in 2007, celebrates its 10th year. Until 2014, we surveyed emissions biological diversity mainly in wetlands. However, since 2015, we expanded the survey to dry fields. In 2016, iCOOP KOREA conducted 11 biodiversity surveys focusing on the production sites of iCOOP KOREA. We observed creatures living In Gurye Natural Dream Park, electricity generated from solar power and geothermal in the sites with the producers and realized the difficulties and realities of eco-friendly energy is used in logistics centers and facilities to reduce the use of fossil fuels. In agriculture. Biodiversity surveys are activities that seek the future of a sustainable addition, instead of using chemical fertilizers and imported feed, we aim to circulate environment. agriculture that minimizes greenhouse gas emissions by using crops as feed for livestock and in turn, using the excrement of those livestock as farming manure. 71 plants and 11 animal species discovered by the diversity survey in Hong-sung in Aug. 2016 Total Solar energy Geothermal energy Common coontail and Branchinella Albino swamp eel larva of red dragonfly Moina macrocopa Hydaticus grammicus kugenumaensis 877 kWh Electricity 200kWh 677kWh production Parabolopona Lema diversa Dojo loach Mole cricket Moina macrocopa camphorae -368.34

kg of CO2

Reduced -84kg of CO2 -284.34kg of CO2

amount of CO2

Pardosa astrigera Cyperus difformis Odontomyia garatas Metasyrphus corollae Stenotus rubrovittatus 99 trees Effect of pine tree 13trees 76 trees planting

Carbon Footprint Calculation by Seoul National University (http://aiees.snu.ac.kr/neo/?mid=snu_03)

False daisy Devil’s beggarticks Diostrombus politus Ischnura asiatica Ricania sp.

38 39 Section 3. A better future Base Aim Practice Perfomer Learning To celebrate International Co-operative Day, iCOOP KOREA designed and handed seven Co-operative out online and offline posters of seven Co-operative Principles for co-operators Spreading the values of Principles and Values and citizens so that they become aware of the values and principles of co-operatives. through posters co-operative movement

iCOOP KOREA spreads the values of self-help, self-responsibility, democracy, equality, fairness, and solidarity that were developed by the pioneers of the co-operative movement. Co-operatives existed in the past, exist even today, and will do so in the future as well. We imagine the future by reflecting on the value of co-operation and solidarity learned from the past and today’s reality. iCOOP KOREA shares ideas and researches on co-operatives and endeavors to deepen the roots of co-operatives in our society.

Co-operative Magazine Co-operatives Journal is a co-operative magazine published by iCOOP Cooperative ‘Co-operatives Journal’ Institute. iCOOP KOREA shares thoughts on culture, economy, society and institutions regarding co-operatives and presents the vision and direction of Korea’s co-operative movement with experts and researchers. Buster C ⓒ iCOOP Forum Since 2006, we have held symposiums and forums three to four times a year to raise awareness of co-operatives, and have celebrated 42th forum recently. A variety of surveys and researches on co-operatives were presented at the symposiums and forums. In 2016, the forums dealt with topics such as ‘ Global organic food trends and iCOOP Certification’, ‘Let’s live in a good community: co-operatives to make tomorrow in the community’, ‘Expanding production and consumption of eco-friendly milk and dairy farming system: implication on sales agency of iCOOP KOREA’ and ‘Korean and Japanese consumption trends: Hope, the keyword of consumption’. Online magazine ‘Between’ is a co-operative news platform that covers all stories of co-operatives ‘Between’ including iCOOP KOREA, and aims to be a high-quality online magazine by featuring current events and issues.

Co-operative In order to foster future generation about social economy and co-operatives, we research scholarship provide scholarships to universities that have departments related to co-operative or social economy. From 2010 to 2014, iCOOP KOREA provided KRW120million of scholarships each year to the Sungkonghoe University and will continue to support, reaching a total of KRW 600 million by 2019. We also provide scholarships of KRW100 million worth to Hanshin University every year from 2014 to 2018, KRW500 million combined. And KRW20 million is given to Hangyang University every year from 2015, aiming a total of KRW100million for five years.

40 41 Section 3. A better future Base Aim Practice Perfomer ‘Bottle Caps to Change The World’ Facilitators who connect the present campaign and the future

The virtues of co-operatives— ‘We are the masters of our own destiny’—are a stream of light in a desperate downhill or in a maze with no exit. iCOOP KOREA hopes that the values and virtues of co-operatives will lead Korean society to a better future.

Producers of In the history of 20 years, producers have been indispensable part of iCOOP iCOOP KOREA KOREA. Producers have been involved in various activities for agriculture that ‘Bottle caps to change the world’ movement is organized by iCOOP KOREA. realizes sustainability, biodiversity, resource recycling, safety and reliability. Members collect iCOOP bottle water caps and iCOOP KOREA sells them, adding In 2014, a technical committee was formed by members of iCOOP Association of KRW30 per cap to the earnings. With Scientists and Engineers Without Borders, Producer Groups, and the skills and technology of organic farming were defined iCOOP KOREA uses this fund to install water purifiers developed with appropriate and practiced. They jointly produced fermented fertilizers, natural nutrients, and technologies for people in underdeveloped countries and support the cost of the materials for pest control. In addition to holding workshops to produce eco-friendly infra improvement of water projects so that children can drink clean water. seedlings, producers continue to work today to make a future. Anti-nuclear movement

iCOOP Assosication of Producer Groups primary processed food Producers of agricultural produce iCOOP KOREA (person) 2014 total 2,633 2,367 266 322

2015 total 2,537 2,271 266 333 This is an activity to disseminate the information regarding future plans on nuclear power plants or extension of operating old nuclear power plants by the government. 2016 total 2,397 2,135 262 312 Hoping that our children live in a safe world, we called for countermeasures against earthquake and nuclear power plant hazards and held petition campaigns and press conferences.

42 43 ‘s 20-year history

1997~2000 2001~2004 2005~2007 2008~2009 2010~2016 Birth of iCOOP KOREA Beautiful solidarity between Efforts for ethical iCOOP KOREA, the new name Advance for the future to live together consumers and producers consumerism for consumer co-ops

1997 2001 2005 2008 2010 2014

Aug. Preparatory committee for the association of Mar. Opening ceremony for the logistics center May. Establishment of iCOOP Certification Center Jan. Name changing from ‘Korean Solidarity of Jan. Purchasing 595ha area for eco-friendly organic Feb. Jeju logistics center completed consumer co-operatives in Seoul and Incheon restored by members and producers (250 Consumer Co-operatives’ to ‘iCOOP Solidarity food cluster project Apr. The grand opening ceremony of Gurye Natural regions attendees) Aug. The transfer of a logistics center in capital area of Consumer Co-operatives’ Mar. iCOOP UNION, awarded appreciation plaque Dream Park Nov. The 1st issue of consumer co-op magazine May. Introduction of automated payment system or to Gunpo Integrated freight terminal Feb. Center for KCOD (The certification center from Uri village, Ganghwa-gun Jul. MOU with ‘Scientists and Engineers Without published CMS system for eco-friendly food) registered as the ‘Eco- Jun. The opening of iCOOP Haenam center, the first Borders’ for ‘Bottle caps to change the world’ Jun. Name change from 21st Century Consumers’ Oct. The 10,000 Consumers’ Campaign for supporting friendly Agricultural Products Certification iCOOP community center campaign Co-operatives to Korean Solidarity of Korean Rice and Wheat Organization’ (No.40) Dec. Establishment of iCOOP Happiness Sharing Nov. GSEF Gurye International Forum Consumer Co-operatives Mar. Publication of ‘Co-operation, Ethics of Living: Foundation (current Seed Foundation for Social Beverage and rice factory built at Goesan 1998 Mutual Aid Society for Enhancing Korean 10 years of iCOOP KOREA’ as its history book Economy of Korea) Natural Dream Park Agriculture established Jul. Acquirement of patent right for its distribution Dec. The opening ceremony of iCOOP Hongseong 2006 and certification system multicultural center Mar. Inaugural assembly of ‘21st Century Consumer 2011 Aug. Establishment of Committee for the Eco- Co-operatives’ (six co-ops of Incheon, Bucheon, May. Participation in the National Campaign against friendly Organic Food Cluster Byotnae, Suwon, Ansan and Hanbat) rice imports Dec. Joining ICA as a full member Feb. Final approval of Goesan Natural Dream Park 2015 Oct. Integration of the ‘order-supply’ system 2002 The opening ceremony for iCOOP Co-operative project by the Council of Chungcheongbukdo (Bucheon and Incheon co-ops) Province Institute May. Korea’s first successful development of gluten Jun. ‘Na-vi’, the 1st multicultural center and the Jan. Movement of Korean native wheat purchasing Jun. The 1st Korea-Japan Joint Rice Field Eco system with Korean wheat 100th Natural Dream store opened at iCOOP fund Research Exchange Jun. Opening ‘The Only Natural Dream’ in Cambodia co-op Feb. The opening ceremony of , Youngnam Aug. Donation of noodles to victims of flood in North 2009 MOU between iCOOP KOREA and Hanyang Aug. Name changing from iCOOP Association of and Jeju logistic centers Korea University to foster Social economy experts Consumer Co-operatives to iCOOP Association 1999 Nov. Establishment of Korean Association of Dec. Winning the grand prize at the 3rd environment- The opening ceremony of AFTC Community Mar. Registration of iCOOP Association of Producer of Co-operatives Consumer Co-operatives, The 1st iCOOP friendly agriculture award cohosted by the Center in the Philippine Groups as a corporation Sep. Name changing from ‘iCOOP Solidarity of Festival held Ministry of Agriculture and the Forestry and Aug. The 1st Rock festival in Gurye Natural Dream Oct. Integration of six member co-ops’ business Oct. 70,000 members’ share increase campaign Consumer Co-operatives’ to ‘iCOOP UNION’ Ministry of Environment Sep. The Goesan International Organic Expo held at system Nov. MOU with Sungkonghoe University for iCOOP Food Inspection Center approved as an Goesan Natural Dream Park establishing graduate school on co-operative official inspection agency by the Ministry of Oct. Participating in the 2015 International business. Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs Agricultural Exhibition 2003 2007 Receiving Kangdukkyeong Award from ‘The Oct. The groundbreaking ceremony of Gurye Organizing ‘Campaign for perfect nutrition Korean Council for the Women Drafted for Natural Dream Park 2000 Military Sexual Slavery by Japan’ labelling in every product’ May. The 1st Local Wheat Festival held Launching the consumer monitoring group on Nov. Center for KCOD designated as one of the Jun. Nov. Attending ICA General Assembly Jul. Pilot project of eco-friendly school lunch with BSE (Mad Cow Disease) risk of US beef 2011 Excellent Certification Organizations by Jan. Reorganization of iCOOP KOREA as association Dec. Receiving a commendation from the Ministry the Office of Education started The 1st education program for food safety NAQS or National Agricultural Products Quality of consumer co-operatives and producer of Strategy and Finance Management Service groups instructors Dec. Completion of AFTC Mascobado Sugar Mill at Jun. 21st Century Consumer Co-operatives Oct. Symposium and ceremony for the 10th Panay, the Philippines registered as a corporation by the Ministry of anniversary of iCOOP Solidarity Consumer iCOOP UNION registered as a federation under Agriculture and Forestry ‌ Co-operatives (current iCOOP UNION) 2016 the Consumer Co-op Act Dec. A fire accident in one of the logistics centers Dec. MOU with Geosan local government for 2004 Eco-friendly Organic Food Cluster Investment in the metropolitan area (Restoration by loans Apr. The 2nd anniversary of Gurye Natural Dream Establishment of iCOOP Association of from members and producers) 2012 Park Mar. The opening ceremony of Joongbu logistics Producer Groups center in Gumsan, Chungcheongnam-do May. Holding symposium celebrating the 10th Jan. COOP Store Ltd., selected as one of the best anniversary of iCOOP Cooperative Institute Jun. Donation to Ryong-cheon province, North 100 job-creating enterprises Korea Aug. iCOOP book concert ‘People of iCOOP’ Feb. Name changing from iCOOP Association of The 2nd Rock festival in Gurye Natural Dream Co-operatives to iCOOP Consumer Activities Park May. Starting the initiative ‘Member’s advance fund Sep. Hosting ICA Regional Workshop on Enhancing account for stable farming’ the Role of Women in Co-operatives at the Jun. Completion of ‘Ramen(noodle) factory’ Gurye Natural Dream Park Dec. The opening ceremony of iCOOP Sangju Oct. Holding ‘Food labelling for every ingredients’ Community Center –Non-GMO festival

2013

Jan. The declaration Ceremony for iCOOP Independent Certification Apr. iCOOP Co-operative Development Center resisted as a social co-operative Sep. Opening ‘Tong’ iCOOP Daejeon multicultural center 44 Nov. ‘COOP Show’ to celebrate the achievement of 45 1% household members 91 Member co-operatives and organizations

Gyeonggi-do (As of March 15 2017) Better food Goyang Paju iCOOP Uiwang iCOOP Gimpo iCOOP Yulmok iCOOP Suwon iCOOP SEOUL Deogyang Haetsal iCOOP Bucheon iCOOP Suwon Mirae iCOOP for more people Gangnam iCOOP Bucheon Citizen iCOOP Suji iCOOP Gangseo iCOOP Uijeongbu iCOOP Yongin iCOOP Gwanak iCOOP Gwangmyeong Narae iCOOP Pyeongtaek Osan iCOOP Today, people are exposed to chemicals found in household items, pesticide residues in Guro iCOOP Gwangju Hanam iCOOP Hwaseong iCOOP Geumcheon Hanwoomul iCOOP food, chemical additives in processed food, and smoke and dust inhaled in subway and Gunpo iCOOP • iCOOP UNION Seoul iCOOP Seongnam iCOOP • iCOOP Certification Center roads. The accumulation of these toxic chemicals becomes ‘body burden.’ iCOOP KOREA Songpa iCOOP • Ansan iCOOP Social co-operative iCOOP Association has contributed to supplying and developing good food that reduce toxic substances in Yangcheon iCOOP of Producer Groups Jungrang Baekot iCOOP our body. In addition, we have made it easier for people to use iCOOP KOREA’s products • iCOOP Consumer Activities • Social co-operative iCOOP Co-operative Development Center Gangwon-do by improving price, accessibility and convenience. In particular, we drastically lowered the • iCOOP Cooperative Institute Chuncheon iCOOP price of eco-friendly agricultural produce for children’s school lunch. Wonju iCOOP(associate) Incheon City Gangwha iCOOP Gyeyang iCOOP Gyeongsangbukdo Incheon iCOOP Cheongju iCOOP Cheongju YWCA iCOOP Incheon Michuhol iCOOP 01 02 • Seed Foundation for Social Economy of Korea

Chungcheongnam-do Gyeongsangbukdo Asan YMCA iCOOP Gumi iCOOP Cheonan iCOOP Pohang iCOOP Chungnam Naepo iCOOP Gyeongju iCOOP Hongseong iCOOP Sangju iCOOP (associate) Daejeon City Daejeon iCOOP Daegu City 03 04 05 Hanbat iCOOP Daegu iCOOP Daejeon Gulkot iCOOP Daegu Jeongdaun iCOOP Jeollabuk-do Daegu Chamnoori iCOOP Daegu Haengbok iCOOP Gunsan iCOOP Namwon iCOOP Somri iCOOP Jeonju iCOOP Ulsan City Buan iCOOP(associate) Ulsan iCOOP Ulsan Citizen iCOOP Ulsan Jungu iCOOP Ulsan Haeoreum iCOOP Ulju iCOOP 06 07 Gwangju City Mujin iCOOP Bitgoeul iCOOP Kumkuneun iCOOP Gyeongsangnam-do Jayeon iCOOP City iCOOP Whasun iCOOP (associate) Nam Busan iCOOP Gimhae iCOOP Dongrae iCOOP Jeju Masan iCOOP Jeollanam-do Busanjin iCOOP Island Sacheon iCOOP Haeundae iCOOP iCOOP Jeju iCOOP Jinju iCOOP Pureunbada iCOOP Gurye iCOOP Halla iCOOP Changwon iCOOP Geumjeong iCOOP iCOOP Yangsan iCOOP Suncheon iCOOP Jangyu iCOOP 01 Rapeseed oil and perilla oil squeezed in a traditional way without chemical solvents 05 Eco-friendly and organic vegetables and fruits raised in our land without Suncheon YMCA iCOOP Tongyoung iCOOP YMCA iCOOP 02 Bean sprouts and tofu made with domestic Non-GMO soybeans pesticides and chemical fertilizers 06 Hanwool Namdo iCOOP 03 Organic brown rice and flour made without pesticides and chemical fertilizers Eco-friendly household goods including detergent, soap, toothpaste without petroleum surfactants 04 Mascobado sugar and gray salt obtained from nature without artificial addictives 07 Cosmetics and reusable cloth menstrual pads made from natural ingredients to Workplace co-operative reduce irritation Workers’ Union of Nationwide Life Insurance(associate)

46 i Individuals promote ideal to make a better world What does iCOOP stand for? innocence never losing our original innocence innovation and practice innovation, COOP as a COOPerative

Published in March 2017 Publisher OH Miyea, iCOOP UNION Address #401 iValley, 149, Gongdan-ro, Gunpo-si, Gyeonggi-do, S.Korea www.icoop.or.kr Tel 1577-6009 / Fax 031-428-3090 icoop.coop