Eureka! Institutional Repository

In this paper an attempt is made to identify the general characteristics of agricultural cooperatives, in particular the mandatory agricultural cooperatives and present the rules that govern them along with their aims. Through the literature review we see a brief history of Greek cooperatives. Through the presentation of mandatory agricultural cooperatives of Kozani, Crete, Chios, Samos and Santorini, we come into contact with the operation, history, products, and the means of disposal and promotion of cooperatives. Reviewing each mandatory agricultural cooperative separately, we realize the growth of their bargaining power. The effectiveness of cooperatives in standardization, certification, manufacturing and promotion of products both in the domestic and in international markets, became apparent and it is obviously a result of proper operation.