Direct from Producer to Consumer Food Networks in Estonia

Interview by VINCENT TEETSOV

If in your travels you ever make your way across the Suur väin (“Suur Strait”) on the ferry from Virtsu to Muhu, and then drive to Saaremaa (Saare county), you will likely make at least a short stop in Kuressaare. In the summer months, Saaremaa’s biggest town is buzzing with tourists, appreciating the local crafts and food. But this appreciation for local products, particularly food, is part of local life, not just for those passing through.

18 years ago, two Torontonians, Karen and Alar Allas, moved to Saaremaa. For 12 years, they’ve worked with local small-scale farmers and artisan producers, to create their marketing materials and organize special food events. During two or three summer trips to Saaremaa, I’ve had the chance to get to know Karen and Alar, but now was a chance to learn from them about the many different producers that make up Otse Tootjalt Tarbijani (Direct from Producer to Consumer) food networks.

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Local producers selling at the annual Saaremaa Farm to Table event.

Photo used with permission from Karen and Alar Allas