El Tamiso

Padua, Italy

Co-operative with 50 members

Certification: AIAB

Crops: Enormous variety, but famous for their radicchio

Outlets: Wholesale

El Tamiso - "The Sieve" in local dialect - is an organic producers' co-op based in Padova, north-east Italy. The co-op was founded in 1984 by a group of farmers and advisers, with support from a group of people interested in working in organic agriculture and natural food. The first stage was the development of direct sales in the city of Padova, where there were already many consumers aware of what the co-operative was aiming to do. Community and cultural associations contributed greatly to the raising of awareness. Very often the individuals involved were also founding members of El Tamiso.

1986, the year of Chernobyl, saw an explosion in demand for organic produce (direct sales were up 280%). Every subsequent food or environmental scandal or disaster has led to a significant growth in sales. The co-op was closely involved with AIAB (the Italian Association for Organic Agriculture) and began to work with many organic producers in the region. They began to sell onto national markets and by 1990 had achieved annual sales of £1.7m. El Tamiso also participated in the setting up of a large commercial organisation Brio S.p.A. (plc) which, however, revealed the inadequacy of the Co-op in dealing with conventional markets and marketing methods.

Padova Wholesale Fruit and Vegetable Market The co-op began planning its move to the Padova wholesale market (until then 100% conventional), partly in order to take advantage of the huge distribution network centred on the Italian fruit and vegetable wholesale markets. The co-op opened its stand on 1st December, 2000. The presence on the wholesale market brought about a significant change in the local organic markets. Specialised organic shops now come directly to the stand, choose their products and agree on prices. This creates strong relationships and co-operation between the parties, guarantees product freshness and quality and reduces overheads.

Relationships with consumers

Strong links with consumers are maintained by ensuring access to organic food every day of the week. El Tamiso runs a number of stands in municipal street markets: 5 days a week in Padova and at the weekly markets of Abano Terme, Este and Albignasego. About 20% of its sales are now through these markets.

In another recent development co-op members who have traditionally sold there own produce from the farm are now beginning to stock other member's products to help offer local consumers a wider range. El Tamiso has begun co-operating with local Fair Trade shops, wholesaling teas and coffees whilst the shops stock the co-op members' processed goods. Structure and Sales El Tamiso has 50 members, of which 15 are co-operatives. An increasing number of small and medium sized farms are finding the technical and commercial services offered by the co-op very useful.

The 13 employees of the co-op include administrative staff, those running the market stands and production advisers. About 50% of sales are wholesale to non-members. The co-op is, however, continually trying to increase direct sales to consumers as these offer better returns and help the small and medium sized family farms to survive. It is this type of farm that is able to offer the holistic approach to food production that local consumers are increasingly demanding.

The co-op's total sales were about £1.6m in 2001. 55% of sales are now from the wholesale market and the general situation has also been helped by good margins on cereal products (flour, pasta etc). Sales to school and public sector meals systems in 2000 were about £35,000 and £135,000 in 2001. Relationships with AIAB El Tamiso has always been a member of AIAB (the Italian Association for Organic Agriculture) and all its members are certified by AIAB. The two organisations co-operate in organising social, cultural and political events.