Context
The initial idea was to "set up a cooperative that would operate in a public service, provide local and healthy food to everyone and improve the farmers’ living standards in Lyon and nearby". This project sustains the local economy and supports sustainable and quality food based on farmers' agriculture in a radius of 60km around Lyon.
Project
Alter Conso is a cooperative created in 2005 that distributes organic food produced by local farmers. Weekly baskets are available to pick up from 14 delivery points well-located in Lyon city.
"The food distribution service provided by Alter-Conso is financed by customers and farmers that allow the cooperative to cover the supply chain costs".
The choice of the distribution points in the city is made to facilitate access for all to nutritious and sustainable food.
Results
Alter Conso consists of 800 members, including 8 employees, and 50 farmers that provide baskets every week. The cooperative offers part-time job contracts and aims at creating high quality jobs.
Project leaders
Six new graduated students looking for a job decided to start this project in 2005, which was first launched as an association, then as a cooperative in 2008. Farmers and consumers were crucial to the realization of this project. First, the founders of Alter Conso started getting in contact with local farmers, then engaging in several production activities and sectors, including market gardening, fruit, dairy products, bread, etc., and lastly getting a wide range of consumers involved in the project.
What they need / what they can offer
Needs : help with advanced digital tools, especially to help identifying potentiel partners and support.
Offer: local food sold at a good price for the consumers as well as the producers.
The Little Extra
Alter Conso is a nonprofit co-op that gives a different perspective on agriculture and approach to farm work!
Written by Alice Deshons, LFC volunteer - January 2019
Last modification : 30 Mar 2020.
AlterConso
Cooperative for local and fair food, offering weekly distributions of food baskets in 15 neighborhoods of Lyon Metropolis.