Union of Organic Farmers of Northern Greece (UOFNG)

Initiator/Founder/Owner:

Union of Organic Farmers of Northern Greece

Contact person:

Skorditi Xrysoula – President of the Union

Funding: 

Private funding by the members of the Union

Background:

The Union of Organic Farmers of Northern Greece was founded in 2001 by seven organic farmers who decided to organize a flea market at the Kodra military camp in Kalamaria, Thessaloniki. Since then, and due to the organised efforts of founding members, new members – organic farmers from all over Northern Greece have joined the union strengthening the organization and operation of additional flea markets. Today the Union has more than 100 members and organizes four flea markets in the municipality of Thessaloniki and is currently in negotiations for the development of additional flea markets in other municipalities.

Many of the Union’s organic farmers use traditional varieties rather than hybrids and genetically modified seeds that do not allow reproduction. The purpose of the Union is to preserve biodiversity and produce nutritious food free from pesticides and chemical fertilizers.Cultivation methods should be of soft form and aiming at the revitalization of the soil and the recycle of by-products and other organic material.

The Union is currently in transition phase for the establishment of a new body in accordance with state provisions.

Place / address:

Main Offices: Iakovou Pavlaki 14, Neapoli Thessaloniki, Greece

Short presentation of the center/object:

The Union operates at local and regional level by organizing flea markets for organic farmers from Northern Greece without excluding, of course, organic farmers for all over the country, especially for products not produced locally. Participants are exclusively cultivators and producers of certified organic products, who sell their products directly to consumers without intermediaries.

Clients of the flea markets are consumers / residents that live in the hosting municipality or a nearby region.   

The transportation of the products to the flea markets is carried out by the producers themselves, who are also encouraged to be present at the selling point and have direct contact with the customers.  

Services provided by the center:

The Union engages exclusively in retail sales and does not import / export the products offered at the flea markets. There are currently no online sales or other way of placing orders (by telephone or email). The promotion and advertising of organic farmers – members of the Union as well as the products sold each time in flea markets, is made through the Union’s website and social media.

Periodicity:

Flea Markets are organized on a weekly basis all year round.

Production offered by the center:

The production offered by the center at the flea markets include only certified organic products. Main product categories include:

Ø  Fruits

Ø  Herbs – Aromatic plants

Ø  Vegetables

Ø  Fresh salads

Ø  Nuts

Ø  Olives

Ø  Oils – Vinegar

Ø  Rice - Pasta

Terms of access:

Who the center is accessible for:

·       To sell

-       Sellers must be professional farmers and acquire all relevant legal documents.

-       The products must be certified organic at the fully organic stage of production.

-       The distribution must be undertaken directly by the producer / farmer without any intermediaries. The producers are strongly advised to participate (the farmers themselves or members of their family) at the flea markets and promote their own products.

-       The producer or farmer must become member of the Union by submitting the relevant application and the enrollment fee. 

-       The producer or farmer must be available at any given time for the inspection (during flea markets and/or at the place of production) by the Union’s Control Committee of his/her certification documents and the products offered at the flea markets.   

-       The organic farmer or producer must pay a participation fee every time he participates at a flea market. The amount of the fee depends on the type and size of the company.

·       To buy

-       Buyers of the products offered at the flea markets are mainly local consumers, and there are no special criteria for their access. They are characterized by their sensitivity towards the environment and the production methods used for the products they consume, the excellent quality of organic products and their interest into getting to know the person who produces their food.