Greek hopes to form cheap food network in Europe

KATERINI, Greece (AP) - The man behind the recent direct sale of food from Greek farmers at low prices to consumers says he hopes to help build a European network that would bypass middlemen to the benefit of consumers.

Elias Tsolakidis says he has been in touch with organizations in France and Spain aiming at similar efforts.

Tsolakidis was in the northern Greek town of Katerini where he oversaw the sale of 101 tons of flour at cut-rate prices to more than 2,000 people earlier Saturday.

Beginning last month, potato farmers started selling their produce directly to consumers, claiming they were being forced to sustain losses so middlemen could make big profits. Sales have expanded across Greece forcing supermarkets to slash prices.

Tsolakidis has organized a group of volunteers in Katerini which takes orders from people and orders the food, overseeing their sale.