REKO Food Collective
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AgroBRIDGES Good Practice Recording Template |
| Author(s) | Kaisa Vehmas and Minna Kulju |
| Insert photo or any visual image or diagram e.g. /Word or Image Collage | |
| Choose a primary theme that the Good Practice adheres to (three themes can be considered: | Mutual benefits between primary producers and consumers |
| If relevant choose a secondary theme that the Good Practice adheres to | |
| If relevant choose a tertiary theme that the Good Practice adheres to | |
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EIP Practice Abstract Format:
Short summary for practitioners in English on the (final or expected) outcomes (1000-1500 characters, word count – no spaces).This summary should be as interesting as possible for farmers/end-users, using a direct and easy understandable language and pointing out entrepreneurial elements which are particularly relevant for practitioners. Research oriented aspects which do not help the understanding of the practice itself should be avoided. |
Short description of the ‘Good Practice’: The REKO retail and distribution model, is the most famous example of local food collective in Finland, that offers consumers a way of ordering products directly from the producer, without the need for middlemen. The REKO concept was established in Finland in 2012 and has spread to 14 countries, 4 different continents. The REKO collectives operate via Facebook (FB) as closed groups in which orders and deliveries are agreed on. Anyone can set the group in FB. Usually, there are few consumers as moderators in the FB group. The moderators accept the consumerws and producers to join. The consumer and the producer/seller agree on the order in advance in the Facebook group and in the distribution event the consumer goes to pick up and pay for the ordered product. Often a larger number of households place an order local food directly from the producer. The groups are run by volunteers, who do not receive payment for their contribution. The producer announces the goods that he/she sells in the Facebook group about a week before the distribution. Producer will announce also the method of payment and when the order will close. The notice shall specify the price of each product. Buyers comment on the producer’s sales announcement what they want to order and how much. The agreement is binding on both parties. Orders are placed at varying intervals and can be picked up either from the producer or from a place agreed with the producer. Only products that have been pre-ordered in a closed Facebook group will be sold at the distribution. |
| Main results/outcomes of the activity (expected or final): | |
| REKO collectives promote the demand and production of ethically, preferably organically or GMO-free, clean local food from small producers. REKO only sells food and direct by-products of food production. Only products that have been pre-ordered in a closed Facebook group will be sold at the distribution. The consumer and the producer/seller agree on the order in advance in the Facebook group and in the distribution event the consumer goes to pick up and pay for the ordered product. Direct interaction with consumers and producers during distribution improve transparency and increase consumer trust. It is important that the products available are clearly and fairly described in Facebook. For consumers participation does not require regular subscriptions. Producer also does not have to offer their products in every distribution. The activity is based on volunteering. The model brings local producers together, create networks, |
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| Further information/Reference: | |
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Short summary for practitioners in native language on the (final or expected) outcomes (1000-1500 characters, word count – no spaces).
This summary should be as interesting as possible for farmers/end-users, using a direct and easy understandable language and pointing out entrepreneurial elements which are particularly relevant for practitioners. Research oriented aspects which do not help the understanding of the practice itself should be avoided. |
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| Pearls, Puzzles, Proposals? | Pearls: It is easy to get started with new REKO collective. Social interactivity is important, FB encourages it. ” are those elements in the Good Practice which were found to be positive and interesting. Puzzles: Delivery of food in certain place and time, may be challenge for some consumers. Proposals: The REKO collectives can be easily started in new locations in the future as well. |
| What needs did the ‘good practice’ respond to? | Farmers are able to interact directly with consumers, share their high quality products fresh, get better price for their products. Consumers can easily purchase local (and organic) food, and buy the directly from the producers (supporting the local small operators). |
| Methodology Used: | One-on-one interview (founder of REKO collectives), desk study |
| Sector | All |
| Actors/Stakeholders involved. Who are key actors in the supply chain AND who are key enablers of the process? | Local farmers and food producers, consumers |
| What needs did the ‘good practice’ respond to? | Local food, easily delivered for consumers. |
| Is the good practice supported by an IT application? If yes please describe and collect the TRL | Yes, the REKO food collectives work in Facebook. No other IT applications needed / used. |
| Media attachment (e.g. video link) or other attachment describing/depicting the Good Pratice | https://aitojamakuja.fi/en/what-is-reko/; https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NfdJ4678olQ&t=5s |
| Key words | food collective, network, local food |
| Additonal ifnromation for reporting purposes | The model has been described in the T1.4 document of Finland (Current status of SFSCs, including SWOT analysis). |
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This project has received funding from the European Union’s Horizon 2020
research and innovation programme under grant agreement No. 101000788 |
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