Fairtrade NAPP, in partnership with Seemasahitha Countrywide Wagakaruwange Samithiya (SCWS), conducted a comprehensive Fairtrade awareness and farmer-capacity-building program at Kurunegala, Sri Lanka . The initiative brought together 161 coconut farmers and representatives to strengthen knowledge on Fairtrade principles, improve agricultural practices, and equip farmers with essential farm inputs.

Driving Fairtrade Knowledge & Climate-Resilient Farming

The purpose of the program was to raise awareness on Fairtrade standards, principles, and certification, and to build farmers’ capacity to enhance productivity, sustainability, and income . Farmers participated in interactive training sessions covering:

• Fairtrade principles & governance responsibilities
• Minimum price and Fairtrade Premium structures
• Traceability, product sourcing & use of the Fairtrade Mark
• Best practices for certification compliance & audit readiness 

Participants also engaged in group exercises and scenario-based learning, strengthening real-world understanding of Fairtrade Premium utilization and sustainable farming practices .

The training delivered both immediate and long-term impact:

✅ Farmers gained knowledge on Fairtrade standards & Premium use
✅ Increased confidence in certification & audit processes
✅ Strengthened capacity for sustainable farm management
✅ Improved long-term productivity and income potential
✅ Enhanced documentation and compliance for smoother Flocert audits 

A follow-up session is  scheduled in November 2025 with the farmers in Jaffna, demonstrating Fairtrade NAPP’s commitment to continuous learning and support .

Distribution of  Sustainable Inputs

The program included the distribution of organic fertilizers, seeds, and other inputs to coconut farmers. This support ensures farmers are better equipped to practice organic and climate-resilient agriculture while meeting Fairtrade standards .

Voices From the Field

“The Fairtrade awareness session was extremely valuable for the farmers in this area… It will provide significant support during our upcoming audits and help ensure smooth compliance.”
— Janaka Kulathunga, SCWS

“Fairtrade provides a strong support mechanism to help coconut farmers address climate-related challenges… enhancing their resilience and sustainability.”
— Mr. Pathmasiri, Former Coconut Director

Overcoming Challenges, Unlocking Opportunities

While training farmers across dispersed regions remains a logistical challenge, continuous Fairtrade orders from partners such as CBL Natural and CBL Global provide strong incentive for compliance and sustainable growth .

Strengthening Farmer Livelihoods & Fairtrade Ecosystems

This initiative aligns directly with Fairtrade NAPP’s strategic pillar of empowering farmers, driving climate resilience, and expanding market access on Fairtrade terms .

By investing in capacity-building and providing essential farming support, Fairtrade NAPP continues to strengthen Sri Lanka’s coconut value chain — ensuring farmers are equipped, informed, and empowered to thrive in global markets sustainably.