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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