Reko
Straight from the Producer!
The REKO (Rejäl konsumtion – Reilua kuluttamista – Fair consumption) model for selling local food enables consumers to order food directly from local producers. REKO rings operate via Facebook as closed groups where orders are placed and deliveries arranged. The groups are run by volunteers and their administrators do not receive any remuneration for their work.
The local REKO FB-groups in Northern Savo
What is REKO?
REKO is a model for selling and delivering local food where consumers order directly from the producers. Orders are placed and deliveries arranged in a closed REKO Facebook group.
How does REKO work for the consumer?
Join your local Facebook group. Familiarise yourself with the producers and their product selections, and before ordering check when and where the next delivery is being made. Order the products you want by entering them in the sales notice. Make a note for yourself of what you have ordered from which producer and check the payment method. Payment is made to the producer's account in advance, or in cash or by card at the point of delivery, as stated by the producer. Complaints concerning products are handled by private message and are also reported to the administrator.
How does REKO work for the producers?
The administrator of a Facebook group in a REKO ring accepts each producer and seller. The products being sold in the group must be grown or reared by the producers themselves or produced as locally as possible. The products should also be ethically produced, but not necessarily certified organic.
The producer opens the order, delivers the products to a joint meeting point and states the payment method. The producer is responsible for the accuracy of the product details and the required product information in the Facebook group sales notice, in the form of a product information list, a link to the producer's home page or in the Facebook group product file. Direct sales instructions for primary produce (= notification of primary production premises) and instructions for production and sale of foodstuffs (= sale by food notice) can be found here.
Regarding the sale of low-risk products (pastries stored at room temperature, oven-cooked Christmas casseroles, vegetables, berries, mushrooms), private individuals are not required to submit written notification of primary or food production. Earnings from the sale of foodstuffs produced at home are taxable income, which is declared on the producer's personal pre-completed tax return; sales of more than 10,000 euros are subject to VAT.
REKO - Food Straight from the Producer
Reko for Consumers
Who is it for?
- You want to buy fresh and good produce at a reasonable price.
- You want to know what you're eating.
- You want locally produced food from a known source.
- You want to buy local, ecological products.
- You are interested in food.
- You are curious and want to try new products and a new way of buying them.
Financial benefits?
- You get fresher food at a lower price.
- You don't pay for needless advertising or middlemen.
- You don't pay for unnecessary packaging or transportation.
- You support the regional economy, your local community.
Social benefits?
- You get to meet the producer of your food.
- You can visit the farms (by arrangement).
- You get to meet others with the same values and interests.
- You can share experiences and recipes, maybe exchange products.
- Meeting halfway creates trust and community spirit.
Environmental benefits?
- You can eat locally produced food according to the season.
- You save on unnecessary transport and packaging.
- You buy wholesome products from a producer who can look you in the eye.
- You know the source of the products.
- You make use of all the products. The shape of a carrot doesn't affect its taste!
Culinary benefits?
- Fresh produce picked when it's at its best.
- Interesting, less familiar varieties that you can't find in shops.
- Food produced with love and skill, without needless additives.
Reko for Producers
REKO guidelines
The following guidelines apply generally to REKO local food rings. However, there may be small differences between rings – because of special local features, for example. The administrator of each ring decides how it operates.
How can I get into a REKO ring?
If you want to take part, contact the REKO Facebook group administrator. You cannot post a notice until the administrator has accepted you into the group! The administrator is entitled to remove a notice posted by a producer who has not been accepted into the group (even if orders have already been placed).
Reselling
Reselling is prohibited in all rings.
Shared transport by car is allowed if each producer handles their own products.
Transport of primary produce without a professional licence is only allowed by car.
Each producer is responsible for all official obligations, hygiene regulations, taxes and fees.
Transparency
Each producer must try to be as truthful about their own production as possible in all situations.
Ethical guidelines concerning animal farming
- Animals should have outdoor access and the opportunity to express their natural behaviors
- Feeding: as much Finnish, and GMO-free, feed as possible
Local food content of processed products
Bakers and other food processors are assumed to use as much local produce as possible, e.g. flour, berries, meat, mushrooms, eggs, milk and butter.
Fishing, sale and processing of fish
Only locally caught and ethical fish may be sold in the rings.
Sale of berries and mushrooms
Everyone is permitted to sell Finnish wild berries, herbs and mushrooms tax free in accordance with the law and regulations.
