Philosophy
The Agricultural Cooperative of Bean Producers of the National Park of Prespa "PELEKANOS" was founded in 2004 by a group of producers with the aim of highlighting, promoting, and advancing the product of the Prespa region. It is located in the Florina region and belongs to the Municipality of Prespa.
The "PELEKANOS" Cooperative has 22 members who are engaged in the cultivation of Prespa Flat Large-Seeded Beans and Prespa Giant-Elephant Beans. The members of the cooperative are involved in activities related to the production, packaging, and marketing of beans. Additionally, the cultivation of the Prespa beans is done with respect to environmental protection, as well as to ensure quality and safety for the Prespa beans. Thus, the "PELEKANOS" Cooperative adheres to the ISO 22000:2018 standard for the production of safe products for consumers.
Statutory Principles
The "PELEKANOS" Cooperative is involved in the processing, packaging, and marketing of the Prespa beans. It assists its members by providing technical support, contributes to the development and implementation of agricultural projects, protects the products of its members, promotes the development of agritourism in the area, and introduces visitors to traditional Prespa beans and recipes based on Prespa beans. More generally, the cooperative actively participates in improving the standard of living of the inhabitants of Prespa.
Management
The Board of Directors of the Cooperative consists of seven members. For the current period, the Board members are:
• Konstantinos Nalpantidis, President
• Georgios Gerou, Vice President
• Ilias Michailidis, Secretary
• Alexandros Konstantinopoulos, Treasurer
• Christos Katsanidis, Member
• Ilias Rotsias, Member
• Ioannis Ioannidis, Member
