A growing part of our business is working with local GAS groups. GAS stands for Gruppi di Acquisto Solidale, or ethical purchasing groups, which are a thriving alternative socioeconomic model of producing, selling, and distributing fresh produce between a community of small local producers, traders, and buyers in Italy. It is the equivalent of Germany’s Solidarische Landwirtschaft and Community-supported agriculture, or CSA, in America.

GAS groups are independent and community led, bound by a commitment to the fair trade of high quality locally produced biological products. Some GAS groups create subscription models, delivering weekly boxes of fresh produce to members, while others concentrate on small transactions and sales between members and producers. Our olive oil has become particularly popular with GAS groups locally, and we in turn have learned so much from their members.