Both these societies were under the protection of "powerful mafiosi." Members of the Mulini paid a fee to the società and agreed not to compete with one another. They maintained the price of flour by regulating output, taking turns in cutting back production, and receiving appropriate compensation. The Mulini were bound to hire only members of the Posa. Furthermore, the latter paid protection in kind by acting as enforcers on behalf of the capo mafia and were occasionally recruited to subjugate any orange growers who were reluctant to employ guardiani close to the capo mafia.

Diego Gambetta, The Sicilian Mafia The Busi…, loc. 218