In the Federal Republic of Germany, the number of farmers working to ecological standards is rising steadily. In 1991, 0.51 % of the farms covering 0.63 % of farmed surface area were working in accordance with the guidelines of one or other of the farming associations affiliated to the Arbeitsgemeinschaft Okologischer Landbau (Association for Ecological Farming). Government policy supporting this expansion of ecological farming coincides with a growing demand from the consumer. However, it is being hindered by the inadequacies of its advisory system and by marketing problems. In an attempt to solve these problems, the Federal Ministry of Food, Agriculture and Forestry financed the modelling project "Marketing the Products of Alternative Farming" from 1988-1991. Our article here is concerned with the conduct of the sub-project "Self-help groups", and the results it obtained. In view of the advisory situation in ecological farming, the authors emphasize the importance of the groups organised and led by the eco-producers themselves for encouraging mutual exchange of experience and co-operation in solving problems. The groups are divided into three types according to the contribution they make to furnishing advice to their members (regional groups; technical groups/working groups; project groups). The authors examine the way in which the regional groups function relative to their potential and problems. The manner in which the group is led exerts considerable influence on the quality of the groups work as a whole. A support concept is being developed for the honorary group leaders. The authors describe the way in which the associated support measures - in-service training courses run in conjunction with the farming associations - are being conducted. A handbook for honorary group leaders has been compiled and distributed to target groups in the form of a loose-leaf dossier. No assessment of the effectiveness of these support measures will be possible until after completion of the project. It may be assumed, however, that honorary staff are going to be playing an increasingly important role in sustaining the functional viability of these associations and in the success attained by group work.
