them has its own specificity . It is preferable for the groups not isolating themselves from society in general , because this could bring to the risk of the formation of a " ghetto " and the history of the group would remain in the shadows , with the risk to fade very soon . It is better to be always opened to trade and cooperation with the outside world . A group usually provokes new ones to born , and when in a given territory different groups born , their strength increases . You can form associations , networks , twinning , etc .
In Istria region , the base of the trade within the solidarity groups is represented by ecological baskets . The baskets are made of seasonal vegetables . In summer , the basket weighs approx . 4.5 kg ; in winter , when there are fewer vegetables , the weight of the basket drops to approx . 3 kg . The producer takes care to ensure the basket to be regularly filled by seasonal vegetables of various kinds , i . e .: leafy vegetables to be cooked , salad vegetables , root vegetables , potatoes , and onions . The system provides the payment of the baskets to be done at the beginning of the month by consumer-group member , who gives the producer the monthly purchase price , and every week he can easily pick up the products ordered . At the beginning , the producer tends to combine this system to the sales on the " free " market , but soon , as the group increases , he tends to place its products exclusively and completely in this way .
In solidarity groups , producers and consumers made an essential common effort . It is vital to include as many people as possible in the work of the group , to offer to the group as many products as possible , to prepare and sign contacts with producers and to carry out the various logistics activities , such as the weight and the sale of products that come in bulk . The groups encourage volunteering , shared commitment , friendliness , democracy ... in a word : a qualitative life !
However , the solidarity groups are also more than that : members often exchange between each other their experiences , organize educational seminars and lectures , workshops for children and adults . The important thing for the groups is not to close in themselves , but to promote their history and their positivity . This favours the emergence of new groups , consumers know what they eat and the farmers do not abandon their land .
Ethical Purchasing Groups in Croatia
In order to explain how and in which way the solidarity buying groups have developed in Croatia , we must return chronologically to the origins of the solidarity groups . The first
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