Verónica Sánchez, an anthropologist and rural entrepreneur, is a member of the cooperative Kikiricoop in Asturias, a concrete example of an agroecological and cooperative initiative oriented toward social, environmental, and economic sustainability. Kikiricoop’s project led to the creation of Asturcilla, a hazelnut and cocoa cream made with local, organic ingredients, developed through the recovery of native hazelnut varieties and collaboration with elderly farmers to preserve agrobiodiversity. The project promotes local hazelnut production, a declining crop, and stands out for its strong cooperative approach, connecting multiple local producers in networks of mutual support, fostering resilient communities and lasting social bonds. 

The company’s goal is to create employment in rural Asturias, promote social and environmental sustainability, and offer organic and fair-trade products that directly benefit the local community. Tools used include crowdfunding, support from consumer associations, and local organizations. The business operates within the Cabranes business incubator and uses renewable energy. Despite economic challenges, such as the high costs associated with artisanal hazelnut processing and competition from foreign industrial products, Kikiricoop maintains a constant commitment to fair trade, sustainability, and participatory management, also integrating a gender perspective and mutual care into the daily life of its members.

Kikiricoop and Asturcilla are examples of how small agroecological initiatives can have significant territorial impacts, valorize traditional knowledge, and promote sustainable practices, demonstrating that cooperation, social innovation, and environmental responsibility can concretely strengthen fairer and more resilient agri-food systems.