TEIKEI: A guide to successful SoLaWi cooperation
In der heutigen Zeit suchen immer mehr Menschen nach nachhaltigen und ökologisch verträglichen Alternativen zu den konventionellen Lebensmittelversorgungswegen. Eine besonders interessante und erfolgreiche Initiative ist das TEIKEI System, das von Felix und seinen Compagnions in Europa aufgebaut wird. Dieses System bietet nicht nur eine Möglichkeit für solidarische Landwirtschaft (SoLaWi), sondern schafft auch eine Brücke zwischen Produzenten und Verbrauchern auf eine Weise, die sowohl ökologisch als auch ökonomisch nachhaltig ist.
The TEIKEI system: an overview
TEIKEI is a system based on solidarity and cooperation. It enables buyer groups in Germany to purchase high-quality, sustainably produced food directly from producers in Greece. The idea behind it is simple: by working together directly and cutting out middlemen, product prices can be kept low while at the same time protecting the environment. quality der Produkte erhöht werden, während die Höfe faire Preise erhalten.
The structure of the TEIKEI system
Felix, one of the main initiators of TEIKEI, has been working with a TEIKEI development office for over two years to set up an efficient ordering system that enables communities to organise themselves and process their orders centrally. The focus here was on the following points:
- ScalabilityThe system was developed in such a way that it can be easily expanded from small groups to larger communities.
- EfficiencyBy using a centralised platform, orders and payments can be processed efficiently.
- Transparency: Alle Beteiligten, vom Produzenten bis zum Konsumenten, werden die volle Transparency über den Bestellprozess und die Preisgestaltung haben.
Collaboration with producers
A special aspect of the TEIKEI system is the close cooperation with producers in Greece. Felix has built up long-standing relationships with olive and fruit growers and supports them in supplying their products directly to the buyer communities. This collaboration is based on trust and shared values, particularly with regard to sustainable cultivation methods and fair trade practices.
One example of this successful collaboration is the story of citrus fruit: After initially finding it difficult to find a logistics company that could transport the fresh fruit, Felix found a project by chance that deals exclusively with fruit trading. Thanks to this project's willingness to co-operate, the fruit could be transported directly from the farm in Greece to Germany. This direct supply chain not only ensures a high level of quality of the products, but also minimises the environmental impact by dispensing with intermediate storage.
Forest gardens and mixed boxes: diversity instead of monoculture
Another highlight of the TEIKEI system is the promotion of forest gardens and mixed boxes. Instead of supporting monocultures, TEIKEI favours diversity and cultivation in forest gardens. Farmers are encouraged to grow a variety of fruits and vegetables and bundle them together in so-called mixed boxes. These crates are not only visually appealing, but also offer a variety of flavours and nutrients. Each box is a small work of art that reflects the diversity and richness of nature.
The challenge of payment processing
An interesting detail from the conversation with Felix is the challenge of payment processing. In the beginning, some customers still paid for the products in cash, which led to logistical problems. However, this was solved by developing a central platform that enables the communities to process their orders and payments online. This platform also provides an evaluation for the organisers so that they always have an overview of orders and payments.
Advantages for all parties involved
The TEIKEI system offers numerous advantages for all parties involved:
- For the producersThey receive fair prices for their products and have a direct link to consumers.
- For consumersYou benefit from high-quality, fresh and sustainably produced food at fair prices.
- For the environmentBy avoiding middlemen and promoting sustainable cultivation methods, the environment is protected.
The perfect addition for regional SoLaWi
What makes TEIKEI particularly interesting is the possibility of expanding the range of regional SoLaWi. Local SoLaWi are often limited to the seasonal produce available in their region, which can lead to a limited product range in the winter months. However, by integrating TEIKEI, these SoLaWi can offer a wider variety of products sourced from the forest gardens and olive groves in Greece. This makes the subscription boxes more attractive to a wider range of customers and thus increases the appeal and membership numbers of the SoLaWi.
An example: citrus fruits
Stell Dir vor, Deine regionale SoLaWi bietet im Winter frische Orangen, Zitronen und Olivenöl aus Griechenland an. Diese Ergänzung erweitert nicht nur das Angebot, sondern sorgt auch für eine konstante Versorgung mit hochwertigen Produkten, die direkt vom Bauernhof zu Dir nach Hause kommen. Diese Kombination von lokalen und Europa-regionalen Produkten sorgt dafür, dass Deine Abokiste das ganze Jahr über abwechslungsreich und interessant bleibt. Und das alles ohne die Abhängigkeit und unfairen Machtstrukturen, die vom (Bio)Grosshandel ausgehen.
Conclusion: A win-win-win situation
TEIKEI is an impressive example of how solidarity and cooperation can lead to a more sustainable and fairer food supply. The system shows that it is possible to offer high-quality products at fair prices and protect the environment at the same time. For all SoLaWi farms, TEIKEI offers a model that deserves imitation and shows how successful cooperation can work.
Durch die Kombination von regionalen SoLaWi und dem TEIKEI Netzwerk kann das Angebot erweitert werden, was die Kisten für eine größere Anzahl von Abnehmern dauerhaft attraktiver macht. Dies kann auch zu zu einer höheren Mitgliederzahl führen und stärkt die finanzielle Basis der SoLaWi Gemeinschaften.
Für weitere Informationen und um Teil dieses innovativen Netzwerks zu werden, besuche die TEIKEI Webseite und erfahre, wie Du in dieser genialen Zusammenarbeit mitwirken kannst.