to follow to search producers . It is not a trivial : someone could put the emphasis on the importance of having suppliers certified organic , while for others the certification could be much less important than find small local producers , although not certified . More than theories , some choices depend on real opportunities offered by the context in which the group is established .
An interesting and aggregating aspect is to organize trips to producers ( which in any case are certainly not mandatory ): members agree to a day when all or at least some of the participants will get to know the producer . It can be an opportunity to taste the products and ask questions , and also to know each other and get on well in the group . It might be also a producer to visit and bring its products to a group meeting and probably get himself to be part of the EPG . There are not recipes that apply in every situation . Each EPG has its own peculiarities and organizational aspects that are particular , and often evolving . There are groups composed of several tens of families , even if many groups do not go beyond the 15 . Some groups organize deliveries once a month and some weekly . Many have a fixed place , others meet alternately in the house of the participants . Currently most EPGs maintains an informal structure , while some EPGs decide to create an association with the all the obligations that this choice entails . In this sense it is good to know that recently the Italian Government has recognized the Italian EPGs as " non-profit associations formed to purchase and distribute assets to members , without any mark , with ethical purposes , social solidarity and environmental sustainability " (...) " activities carried out by these entities in respect of their members do not consider trade or the effects of VAT or to the effects of direct taxation "( cf . Finance Act 2008 cc . 266-268 ). The law therefore recognizes that their activity is not trade and therefore these associations do not have this kind of tax obligations . N . B .: in case of associations are considered members exclusively those who are registered in the book of the associates . Some groups finally decided to rely on a business that already exists , which , however , will probably apply a surcharge on the price of products . Whatever the structure you decide to adopt , it is necessary that the goods purchased is accompanied by invoice or by receipt , for those producers who are required to issue tax documents at the time of sale . As mentioned , there are no pre-defined rules . Going grocery shopping ( or part of the expenditure ) in this way can still mean rethinking the organization of their own pantry , especially with regard to the long-life products . Although , when it is necessary , no one prevents members from going to purchase in a supermarket . In order to avoid this solution it is preferable to " stock up " rather than go without waiting for the next delivery .
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