described as an alternative way for the acquisition of healthy( organic) food, the solidarity groups are much more than that. Through solidarity groups is settled again the link between the city and the country, between the modern and the traditional, we can enjoy the smell of the vegetable we remember from our childhood, the preserves are made in the traditional way, without preservatives. It re-establish links between people, the groups incite to participate in voluntary actions and conduct humanitarian work. The solidarity groups are a special kind of platform for all those who by their own means want directly helping small farmers who grow the food in compliance with the ecological and moral principles, in order to avoid those who profit from the trade of food and, on the contrary, want to establish a solidly transparent relationship. Buying local, organic, seasonal food, we buy the food we can " see the face of ". The solidarity groups allow consumers to " follow " the growth cycle of their own food- from seed to plate. In this case, it is appropriate to recall the motion " Tell me what you eat and I ' ll tell you who you are." In conclusion, it should be emphasized that the basic need, which leads to the formation of solidarity groups, is to cause positive changes in local society. Starting with the strengthening of the local economy through the creation of new jobs and the possibility of starting self-employed work in the cultivation of healthy foods( which there ' s necessary of), up to the disclosure of environmental awareness and sustainable development, and as part of this, to ensure enough ecological( organic) food at reasonable prices, by creating a direct relationship with manufacturers, without intermediaries.
Why consumers become members of EPGs in Croatia?
In an ideal perspective, most of the people that become member of the EPG does it to ensure the opportunity to buy safe and healthy food at a reasonable price. In this way, they establish a direct contact with the producers, they know what they do and how. Moreover, already this, for many, is a good reason. In today, where occur many scandals with the food industry, is not a trivial matter to have some confidence in this field. No wonder then that those persons who become part of such groups are mostly families with young children, willing to be more attentive to the origin of food. In addition, typical members of these groups also include people who have lost their confidence in the society or in the current politicaleconomic system. It is the case of creative people, often young, who commit themselves to go into that. There are also older people, who feel nostalgic for the sense of community and sociability, which EPGs offer in abundance.
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