User:Lysfjord/REKO-ring

REKO-ring is a local group of consumers and food producers that trade in a simple model. REKO stands for Rejäl Konsumtion, in English «Fair Consumption».

History
The model originates from Österbotten in the summer of 2013. Thomas Snellman became familiar with the french Amap-model (d.e. association pour le maintien d'une agriculture de proximité), and further developed it in Finland. The REKO-model started 6. june 2013 in Jakobstad. Now this model sells local food in all provinces of Finland. In september 2018 there were more than 200 active REKO-groups in Finland, with 340 000 members, and more than 100 groups in Sweden, with 210 000 members. In august 2019 there were more than 800 000 members in the Nordic countries.

Functionality
REKO works like a food market for a limited geographic area. Ordering and marketing happens in closed Facebook groups that anyone can join. In the REKO-model food producers and buyers meet at an appointed time, and the consumer can buy the food direct from the producer without any middlemen. The group will meet every or every other week at a predetermined place, usually for half and hour or one hour at a time where the food is delivered.

There are no sales on the website, but all sales are already agreed in the Facebook group. At delivery, the consumer will pay directly to the producer. In practical terms, the local producers informs what offers they have on the group's Facebook wall and gives consumers a chance to order products. The consumer comments which quantity that is wanted, and accepts to pick up the products for the given price.

Advantages
The consumer gets fresh, cheap and clean food of known origin. The method promotes sustainable consumption, local production that takes the environment into consideration, reduces advertisements, unnecessary packaging and transport.

The trade between producer and consumer works without middlemen, because the meeting and face-to-face contact is an important part of the activity. Producers can meet their end-customers and get direct feedback and product ideas from them, and the consumers have the opportunity to ask the producer directly about the production methods and conditions.