A strong message of unity and development of our country's wine production network was given by all participants in the anniversary event for the 75th anniversary of the establishment and operation of KEOSOE.

With a large audience and the presence of leading representatives from all political spheres, local government and the agricultural sector, the anniversary event for the 75th year of operation of KEOSOE went beyond its celebratory nature and became a milestone for the Greek cooperative movement.

As part of the event, awards were given to personalities from the wine industry and cooperatives, including: the Unified Winemaking Agricultural Cooperative of Samos (EOS Samos) for its timeless and top-notch contribution to the wine industry, highlighting Samos as a global reference point for quality wine.

There was a special honorary distinction for the late Stavroula Kourakou, which was received by her nephew Nikos.

The former Prime Minister Costas Karamanlis Referring to the structural weaknesses of the primary sector, Mr. Karamanlis underlined the need to strengthen modern collective schemes, stating:

«"The importance of the primary sector for the economy, food security, regional development, employment and social cohesion is self-evident. Now, before any possibility of intervention is definitively lost, it is necessary to prepare, adequately finance and promptly implement a comprehensive plan to support the rural world and the sustainable development of the Greek region. With an emphasis on creating a friendlier, sustainable and safe environment in which the young people of the region can live, work with dignity and produce in terms of competitiveness."»

The Minister of Rural Development and Food Mr. Margaritis Schinas linked the cooperative model to the bargaining power of producers, noting:

«"I believe that strengthening collective schemes and the cooperative model is a basic prerequisite for the producer to gain negotiating power and substantially participate in the added value of his product... The role of the State is to practically support this transition, giving the appropriate tools to the people in production."»

Former Minister of Agriculture and distinguished Cooperative Member Vangelis Argyris  emphasized the timeless value of collective action, stating:

«"Cooperatives are not just economic entities, but the backbone of the Greek countryside. Without a strong cooperative base, the Greek producer remains unprotected against international challenges."»

Mr.. Costas Skandalides,  (former Minister of Agriculture, representative of PASOK) noted that the cooperative movement is the only entity that can provide real added value to agricultural production.

The Mr. Vasilis Kokkalis (former Deputy Minister of Agriculture, representative SYRIZA): He welcomed the strategic viticulture plan advocated by the sector.

The Ms. Diamanto Manolakou (representative Communist Party of Korea): He described the situation in the countryside as "marginal", denouncing speculation at the expense of the farmers' hard work.

The President of KEOSOE Mr. Christos Markou, expressed his deep emotion for the universal recognition of the organization's work. He referred to the multidimensional importance of cooperatives and the historical milestones of the 75-year journey, while praising the dedication of the staff and the contribution of the General Manager, Paraskevas Kordopatis, to the stable and dynamic path towards the future. He called on producers throughout the country to strengthen the ranks of cooperatives.

«"The importance of cooperatives is great and multidimensional, he stressed. At the national level, their contribution to the maintenance and support of the social and productive fabric of the Greek region is very great, and in many cases in mountainous, semi-mountainous, island and border areas, nationally sensitive areas. Their importance is reflected in the economic support of the region and in the multiplier effects they offer to local economies. Cooperatives offer substantial financial support to farmers in their daily professional activity as well as in the fight against tax evasion in the movement of agricultural products while at the same time protecting the environment. They can be a decisive advisor in the formulation of agricultural policy by the Ministry of Agriculture, Rural Development and Rural Affairs."»

The president of the Samos Cooperative and president of EDOAO, Mr. Yiannis Skoutas In his brief greeting upon receiving the award for the Samos EOS, he emphasized:

«"KEOSOE has been and remains a stable institution defending the Greek winegrower and supporting cooperative wineries. In difficult times, it has functioned as a collective voice, with consistency and orientation.".

Accordingly, the establishment of the National Interprofessional Organization of Vine and Wine was the result of a partnership and common will between KEOSOE and the Greek Wine Association, SEO. It was based on the perception that The sector needs a common voice, a common plan and institutional representation that unites production with processing and the market. That unites private initiative with the cooperative movement.

Today, the Greek wine sector faces significant challenges. In the face of these, a coherent and long-term strategic plan for the sector is required.

In this effort, the role of KEOSOE and cooperatives is crucial as they can constitute a pillar of stability and development, providing answers to perennial problems, such as the fragmented peasantry, the high cost of cultivation and the weak negotiating position of producers."»