Metz AMAP

In France, an Association for the Preservation of Small-Scale Farming (AMAP) is a local partnership between a group of consumers and a local farm, resulting in a regular (most often weekly) share of the farm's produce. The AMAP is a solidarity contract, based on a financial commitment from consumers, who pay in advance for their entire consumption over a defined period (the "season"). This system therefore operates on the principle of consumer trust and responsibility; it represents a form of "short supply chain" distribution.

An AMAP is:

• for the farmer, the maintenance of agricultural activity through guaranteed income;
• for the consumer, fresh, seasonal, often organic food, produced from local plant varieties or animal breeds;
• a fair price for both partners.

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Such an association is considered part of the solidarity economy, according to the following criteria:

• a direct link, without intermediaries, between the producer and the consumer;
• consumers commit in advance for a production season;
• they share the climatic risks that can reduce the quantity of products calculated and planned by the producer;
• the price of the basket is calculated based on production costs and not by the weight of the goods.
• The farmer mitigates the uncertainties of the market economy (they have visibility over several months) and maintains independence from the large-scale retail system; as for consumers, they can directly monitor and influence cultivation methods (often organic, biodynamic, or sustainable agriculture).

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AMAPs also have the following ambitions:

• foster social dialogue around food security and taste;
• respect biodiversity;
• better manage land and maintain fertile soil;
• promote employment by supporting the establishment of new young farmers;
• organize farm activities, focusing on nature and environmental education;
• contribute to reducing energy consumption by using locally grown vegetables;
• re-engage consumers in their consumption choices.

The partnership is managed by a committee of volunteers who are involved in running the AMAP.

Its roles include ensuring communication and information flow with the producer, seeking out other consumers, managing registrations, and organizing distribution, etc. They are bound by a contract in which the farmer commits to providing consumers with a weekly basket of products at a fair price, defined with full transparency, while consumers, fully understanding the various constraints, commit to taking turns at the distribution point.