Following the successful completion of the first two HREDD workshops held this year, the final workshop under Phase II marked a decisive milestone in capacity building for 24 producers representing 11 Fairtrade small scale farmers organisations working across herbs, spices, coconuts, and diversified organic farming sectors.

These training forms a vital component of the larger project “Enabling Joint HREDD Implementation in Supply Chains of Fair Trade Companies and Producer Groups” — a joint initiative of Fairtrade Deutschland e.V. (Fairtrade Germany) and Forum Fairer Handel e.V. (FFH), funded by the German Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development (BMZ), supported by Deutsche Gesellschaft für Internationale, (GIZ), Gmbh 

Building on Progress:

While the previous workshops established foundational knowledge, this capstone session focused on deepening understanding, validating organisation level risk assessments, and translating knowledge into structured action plans. The workshop began with a recap of prior sessions, followed by a pre-test to measure retained knowledge—demonstrating how far participants had progressed since Phase II began.

Strengthening Risk Assessment and Validation

Participants had previously submitted organisational risk assessments, which were reviewed by the HREDD Project Manager- Fairtrade NAPP. This workshop emphasized validation. Through group-based clinics, producers learned to accurately validate identified risks, uncover gaps in current systems, understand the interplay between human rights, environmental, and climate risks, and prioritize risks using clear severity and magnitude criteria. Presenting their findings to the larger group, producers showcased a strong grasp of the step-by-step due diligence process.

Integrating Climate-Risk Assessment

A key focus was connecting climate risks with human rights and environmental due diligence. Producers gained practical experience in identifying vulnerabilities, assessing their impact, and integrating climate considerations into their SPO-level risk frameworks. This marked the first exposure for many to detailed climate-risk assessment, opening pathways for long-term resilience.

Action Planning for Sustainable Organizational Practices

The workshop guided the farmers' organisations in developing realistic and actionable mitigation and remediation plans. Producers gained confidence in designing strategies that strengthen grievance mechanisms, improve risk monitoring and recordkeeping, embed climate-smart practices, and align with Fairtrade and international due diligence standards. By bridging theory with practice, participants moved toward meaningful, measurable action.

Supply Chain Engagement & Stakeholder Collaboration

Participants explored upstream and downstream supply-chain risks, discussing approaches for proactive collaboration with buyers and partners—an essential step for market access and long-term sustainability.

Peer Learning and Knowledge Sharing

Producers exchanged experiences, challenges, and innovations across districts, creating a peer-to-peer support network that will continue beyond the project. Many participants noted that updates on CSDDD and EUDR regulations had not previously reached farmers, making this workshop particularly valuable.

The workshop produced several tangible outcomes:

• Clear Identification of System Gaps: Participants realized that while some HREDD components existed informally, structured frameworks were missing, and gained clarity on building complete, compliant systems.
• Improved Capacity for Human Rights–Based Risk Assessment: Producers are now equipped to conduct comprehensive assessments and validations aligned with Fairtrade expectations.
• Enhanced Climate Resilience Awareness: Exposure to climate-risk assessment unlocked new pathways for long-term resilience.
• Strengthened Monitoring and Continuous Improvement Systems: Participants learned how ongoing monitoring, climate vulnerability tracking, and proactive risk identification can support business continuity and compliance.

"This workshop helped us clearly identify gaps in our human and climate-based risk assessments and action plans." — Aruna Sri Wanasinghe, All Inland Organic Farmers Association

"We have attended all HREDD workshops so far—this one was highly effective. A certificate would help us formally document our learning." — Lahiru Sanjaya, Ceylon Organic Farmers Association

"Important updates rarely reach farmers in time. This workshop brought crucial information closer to us with proper guidance." — Kalyani Abewardhana, SAFE Network

Looking Ahead

Implementation of risk mitigation and climate-risk processes will continue with support from Fairtrade NAPP and SPO leadership. With enhanced understanding of human rights due diligence, climate resilience, and supply-chain engagement, the workshop has opened new opportunities to strengthen foundational awareness and long-term HREDD engagement across Sri Lanka’s Fairtrade small producer organisations network.