What is biodynamic?

From 2004 we started to get information on Biodynamic farming, as we were fans of a fundamental way of farming. After 4 years of studying the theoretical biodynamic basis, we selected the pioneer farmers to start the Biodynamic project. The criteria for this selection had to do with the skills, the mentality and the honesty of these people. Today 33 farmers are active in the Biodynamic project with olive oil and table olives in different regions, and one wine grower.

Our aim is to convert the majority of our organic certified farmers into Biodynamic farming, in order to obtain the advantages and the quality of this way of cultivation in their farms.

The biodynamic practice

  • Local nutrient cycles
  • Mixed farming
  • A complete reproduction cycle of animals and plants
  • Wild bits of nature on-farm
  • Respect for characteristic properties of plants, animals and people
  • Cosmic and spiritual elements of farming.

Certification

Certification: DEMETER (biodynamic) BIO SUISSE

                  

Certifications also possible acc. to NOP(USDA) KRAV and others.

Our manufacturing units and packhouses are working in accordance with ISO 22000/2005 and BRC standards.

Certification

Certification:

BIO SUISSE
DEMETER (biodynamic)
Certifications also possible acc. to
NOP(USDA)
KRAV, JAS and others.

Our manufacturing units and packhouses
are working in accordance with
ISO 22000/2005 and BRC standards.

EU BIO LOGO

BIO SUISSE LOGO

DEMETER LOGO

What We Do

 Consultancy advising organic farmers and producers.

Epikouros cooperates with more than 100 organic growers including 33 biodynamic and 7 BIO SUISSE growers in Greece. The agronomists stay in regural contact with the growers and arrange visits to their farms each year: before, during and after the harvest.

Before the Harvest

Before the harvest, we visit the farmers and the oil mills, to consult them about the necessary steps during the cultivation and the appropriate way of work. We supervise the facilities and we give verbal and written instructions to the growers.

During the Harvest

During the harvest, we give clear advice to ensure the accurate work and we are also present in some of the fields.

After the Harvest

After the harvest, we make a first quality check of the products, which later are selected in our factory according to different grades and sizes.

Concerning the cultivation and the harvest techniques our aims are:

  • To increase the soil fertility minimizing the income elements in the fields
  • To base the plant protection on healthy agricultural methods, avoiding the preventive applications

Epikouros Production and packing facilities

Our new plant in Kalamata has been in operation since 2010.
Due to the great demand, we are currently expanding our production facilities. This extension of the building will be available for additional production capacities from spring 2021. The production is conducted with high technology equipment under the highest hygiene standards (HACCP and ISO 22000:2005).

In our facilities we have a fully equipped laboratory for making analysis of samples we take after the harvest. For the pesticides analysis we cooperate with reputable European laboratories and with Greek laboratories accredited by international authorities. We are also in contact with the quality departments of our customers for feedback.

The harvest quantities after the analysis are brought to our warehouse after the harvest. For this reason we have created sufficient storage places for the olives and the olive oil, so that we can ensure the high quality of the products until the final packing, especially during the warm season.

All the workers in the production lines are permanently employed all year round. We train them in the principles of the organic and biodynamic farming, in order to realize how important it is for the consumers to receive high-quality products and to remain satisfied with their choice.

Exports of agricultural products to 21 countries

Epikouros is the leading Greek producer of organic olive products and pioneer in biodynamic agriculture.

Our passion for organic and biodynamic farming motivates us everyday to improve even more the quality of our products.

Our systematic way of work from thestage of cultivation until the final packing and the delivery of the organic productsleads us to build long-term relationships with our growers in Greece and our customers in 21 countries.

We, as Epikouros’ employees, will continue to give the best version of ourselves every day, in order to remain being No. 1 for our customers and our consumers.

An Introduction

Epikouros, an ancient Greek philosopher, claimed that the health of the body is a natural and necessary condition for the well-being.

 

Inspired by him and following their own vision, two agronomists, Michalis Magourilos and Nikos Platanos, founded Epikouros company in 2002 and managed to become pioneers in organic and biodynamic agriculture in Greece.

Nikos Platanos already since 1995 and Michalis Magourilos since 1997 started their activities as consultants, they were pioneers in converting conventional growers to organic agriculture by giving advice to all steps of cultivation and thus developing organic or biodynamic agriculture.

 

Innovative cultivation methods, hard work and long-term relationships with the organic and biodynamic growers contributed to the creation of a successful and reliable channel, which consists of farmers, agronomists, production and packing facilities. The main aim is to secure both maximum traceability and superior quality of the organic and biodynamic products.

This systematic way of work has gained the trust of the customers from 21 countries all over the world. Our export activities are coordinated by Rose and Gerald Knittel, who have been working in organic food industry since 1998.

Always with respect for human and nature, we, at Epikouros company give wholeheartedly the best version of ourselves, in order to continue offering the highest quality of our products and keep developing new ones. It is important for our customers to know that Epikouros has no parallel conventional business activities, but is concentrating solely and 100 % on organic and biodynamic farming.

The new Epikouros olive oil, olive and antipasti factory is in operation since 2010.

Rose & Gerald Knittel are co-ordinating the export activities from our West European representation office in Mindelheim / Germany.