In the last year, EHKOlektiboa has carried out a study on the Agri-ecological Buying Models of the Basque Country, analyzing the activity of consumption groups, associations and cooperatives of the seven countries. In addition to these more common groups, we have also analyzed the new models and experiences that are being generated around agroecological consumption to provide an overview of the current panorama. Once in the hand of research, the objective is to promote the relationships and joint work between these groups and experiences.

Conclusions of the investigation

Although not all the experiences and networks of the Basque Country have been identified, more than 170 consumer groups and 16 consumer associations have been identified in the study, totaling close to 11,000 families. The first conclusion was that of the geographical area: organised consumption is mainly located in urban areas. The south of Navarre and the interior of Ipar Euskal Herria have been the territories that have detected the most deficiencies.

Five of the fourteen groups studied offer conventional and organic products, as well as organic products with special relevance, such as 100% of the supply of vegetables and fruits. The presence of women is significant in the participation of the groups. “In many experiences, women occupy the most responsible positions, the majority of wage earners are women and in the committees the presence of women is also greater,” the report states.

Meetings on 22 June

“Throughout the research we have seen that the experiences are numerous and that for several years some networks of collaboration have been structured between them. But we have also realized that on many occasions these networks are not very active and each experience is focused on it.” As explained by the dynamism of EHKOlektiboa, Leire Rodríguez, the objective now is to encourage collaboration and exchange between groups working on agroecology. For this, the first date will be on 22 June in the Navarra locality of Ziordia.

In addition to presenting the study conclusions, the meetings will discuss the collaboration between the different consumption models, awareness raising, training and social activation, and the bridges to be created between producers and citizens. “These three lines of work can be summarized as one: to create a meeting space to organize citizenship in the development of agroecology”. That will be the objective of the meetings that will take place in Ziordia. All consumer groups, associations, cooperatives and people who are willing to buy are called to participate in the meeting.