The producers are chosen in a way that supports eco-friendly, cooperative and socially responsible production and distribution models which promote collective and collaborative relations between their members.
Our criteria for collaborating with specific producers and cooperatives include the quality and safety of products, fair prices for producers and consumers, the ability of cooperatives to standardise and export or promote their products via alternative channels, the history behind a cooperative or group of producers, their link to local communities and a fundamental interest in “utilising” a good product in order to support collective actions in Greece.
We believe it is essential for groups of producers/cooperatives to build relations of mutual support with the society in which they “operate”. To open new paths of production, distribution, marketing, and consumption outside the existing conventional structures which act against producers and consumers. To support the quality of our food, the environment, and society as a whole.
We understand that the broader competitive environment often forces one to deviate from said values. Nonetheless, it is not only the end result that is important; it is, first and foremost, the intention and the effort put into following this direction.
More specifically, we take into consideration 10 criteria.
- Quality and safe products
- Fruits from traditional seeds are preferred. In this way, we contribute to agrifood sovereignty and the conservation of biodiversity
- Biological or organic products are valued, but integrated management products are not to be discarded
- Must be written in English or in the respective country’s language
- Must include all legal provisions for each product
- Facilities must be open to visits. By becoming acquainted with the producers, we get a closer look at the cultivation and processing practices
- Traceability certificates must be available wherever required
- Protection of the environment (e.g. waste disposal)
- The production and packaging of products must aim at leaving the lightest ecological footprint possible
- The negative balance of food miles in our activities must be taken into consideration. We do not substitute local production in the countries of destination
- All parties must perform actions of solidarity within their communities
- All parties must support their local community in a variety of ways
- The final purchase price favours consumers but is also fair for producers
- The final price is determined in conditions of transparency
- We do not aim at maximising profit but rather at the sustainability of the network
- The final price of the products on the Greek and foreign markets must address the medium/low income segment of society
- Products originate from small cooperatives or, in exceptional cases, from small producers
- Collectiveness, participation and cooperation among the members of cooperatives are promoted
- Good working relations are ensured wherever people are employed
- Understanding and consistency among the parties involved
- Fair and mutually agreed-upon terms of cooperation
- Capacity to send samples
- All parties must understand the campaign’s objectives and wider political and social framework. They must not only be interested in the commercial aspects
