The health crisis caused by the coronavirus has stopped or radically changed the fairs of dozens of countries in the Basque Country. To overcome the problem, however, new projects have been introduced in many villages. In Tolosa, for example, there has been no trade fair for two consecutive weeks, but the institutions and producers, in collaboration, have sought a solution. Last week, the Basque Government, the Provincial Council of Gipuzkoa, the municipalities, trade unions and various associations in the primary sector met to agree on a process to collect and continue to market agricultural products. The result of this collaboration will be launched soon, with the implementation of a service that will allow the sale of the products of the fairs in the coming days, taking advantage of the possibilities offered by the network.

This project will also be supported by the Town Hall of Tolosa. However, the City Hall has also worked on the analysis and elaboration of more opportunities, in coordination with different entities. As a result of this operation, the council will this week launch two new complementary projects in the service that have been launched by the Basque Government and the Provincial Council. In this way, it is intended to avoid crowds and the loss of the harvest of the local villages, as well as to promote the local economy.

The fair, to your home

Several producers in Tolosaldea will start distribution of food at home, offering the possibility of contacting them directly. The municipality has contacted all the producers who put their stand at the Feria de Tolosa to get their opinion and explain the details of the project. For the time being, nine have joined the new project, although for the future they will also join others.

Once the requests have been received by telephone, WhatsApp or by email, they will be delivered at home. There is, however, an appeal for accountability when making petitions. The supply and distribution will depend on each producer; some will provide the daily service; others, two or three times; and there are those who will make the distribution in one day. Producers shall comply with the health and safety rules in the distribution of production and distribution products.

This is the list of participants:

Market also in village shops

On the other hand, and with the collaboration of the Association of Tolosa&Co Merchants, the City Hall is working in the local food stores to sell the products of the producers of the Fair. Food establishments have been contacted to complete the list of shops that would like to join the project. If the message is not received, the traders concerned should contact the Department of Commerce of the City Hall via the address merkataritza@tolosa.eus.

The Town Hall of Tolosa wants to value the commitment of local producers and traders. Also, at a time when local consumption has become even more important, it will continue to explore ways of ensuring the continued supply and distribution of food produced in the area ' s lands.