Vasi Green Basket
About this good practice
The Vasi Green Basket is innovative because it combines online ordering, local home delivery, and farmer's boxes offering seasonal produce in a single package, providing a new aspect to traditional market shopping.
The introduction of Vasi Green Basket was prompted by a number of social, economic and environmental issues affecting local communities and sustainability. The problems addressed and the context that triggered the initiative were the result of a combination of factors:
- Unsustainable food supply systems: modern food chains often supply products through long supply chains, which is not only environmentally problematic but also detrimental to local economies.
- The need to support local producers. Market access for local food can help farmers make a better living.
- The need to promote sustainable farming: Local producers often use organic farming methods that have a lower environmental impact.
The main implementers are local producers and the organisers (Pannon Local Product Cluster, municipalities, and other especially-created groups) who provide logistical and coordination support for the programme. The beneficiaries are local consumers and local communities who can directly benefit from healthy, sustainable food and local producers who can sell their products.
The Vasi Green Basket has about 15 volunteers, 8 of whom work for 3 hours every Thursday, on the day of the product delivery. 2 coordinator volunteers work 3 hours a week on other background tasks.
Resources needed
Vasi Green Basket is an all-volunteer NGO, launched as part of Pannon Local Product Cluster's project funded by Rural Development Programme, aimed to promote Short Supply Chains. Necessary start-up equipment, consultancy and expertise were provided for launch of Vasi Green Basket by the project.
Evidence of success
Success is demonstrated by increasing consumer interest (in 2024) 1200 individual consumers used the system, and over 40 producers actively participated, promoting sustainability, increasing the popularity of community events and positively impacting the local economy. Increasing recognition, and continuous development confirm that the programme is sustainable. For almost two years now, the number of weekly customers has not fallen below 100, and more than 130 customers/week is not uncommon.
Potential for learning or transfer
To launch the Green Basket in other locations, it will be important to build the programme around each community’s needs and opportunities. The involvement of local producers, a well-functioning digital platform, appropriate logistical support and raising community awareness can all contribute to the launch of a similar successful programme. Collaboration with local communities, municipalities, NGOs and other partners is also essential for a sustainable operation.
Further information
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Good practice owner
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