Nilüfer Mayor visits Gedeelde Weelde Cooperative in Netherlands

Nilüfer Mayor Şadi Özdemir visited the Gedeelde Weelde Cooperative in Maastricht, Netherlands, to study its model of local production, sustainable food, and participatory management.

The cooperative operates with over 600 shareholders, including citizens and employees, utilizing a ‘one person, one vote’ principle regardless of capital contribution. This structure allows members to participate directly in decision-making processes, ranging from product procurement policies to income sharing.

Gedeelde Weelde focuses on certified organic and biodynamic products and employs a zero-waste approach by avoiding single-use packaging. While it functions as a cooperative, its store is open to all residents and visitors under a fair pricing policy. The facility also serves as a social hub, featuring cafe and workshop spaces.