Cash-strapped Greeks line up to buy discounted potatoes at the University of Thessaloniki.<br/> <br />Professors and students here decided to cut out the middleman by connecting farmers with needy consumers.<br/> <br />(SOUNDBITE) (Greek) PROFESSOR AT THE UNIVERSITY OF THESSALONIKI'S SCHOOL OF AGRICULTURE, CHRISTOS KAMINIDIS SAYING:<br/> <br />"During this crucial period where people have problems, we will do whatever we can do so they can buy basic food products at lower prices. I think this would be a great benefit to them."<br/> <br />The potatoes cost 5 euro per 20 kilo bag, about a third of the price at super markets.<br/> <br />Greeks say the initiative is a good idea because so many have been hit by the country's debt crisis and unpopular austerity measures across the country.<br/> <br />(SOUNDBITE) (Greek) STUDENT AT THE UNIVERSITY OF THESSALONIKI'S SCHOOL OF AGRICULTURE, DIMITRIS STATHOPOULOS SAYING:<br/> <br />"Products come straight from the producers to the consumers without using middlemen. That way, we can ensure very low prices for consumers and a good price for producers so that they can have an income."<br/> <br />Around 50 tons of potatoes were sold in just four hours.<br/> <br />The idea of connecting food producers and consumers took off last week thanks to a local activist group.<br/> <br />Several other communities are planning to run similar programs and include other necessary foodstuffs.<br/> <br />Jessica Gray, Reuters
