In March 2025, Fairtrade NAPP led an engaging and purpose-driven training session at Legend International , Fairtrade Sportsball hired labour plantation in India, designed to advance worker empowerment and organizational growth. Bringing together 15 participants—including 12 committed worker representatives (an equal split of 6 women and 6 men from the Fairtrade Premium Committee) and 3 proactive members of management—the session marked a pivotal step toward fostering shared understanding of Fairtrade standards, system-wide updates, and collaborative project planning. The training was delivered by Amit Das, Program Manager , leading meaningful conversations around sustainability, social compliance, and the future of inclusive business.

Setting the Tone: Understanding Fairtrade & Its Global Vision

The session opened with an insightful discussion on the Fairtrade System, introducing key concepts such as the Fairtrade Standards, the meaning and global recognition of the Fairtrade Mark, and the crucial social requirements under the system. Discussions spotlighted topics like non-discrimination, occupational health and safety, and sexual harassment prevention, offering a space for shared learning and reflection between workers and management.

A particular focus was placed on the High-Level (HL) Standard updates, especially the newly introduced Human Rights and Environmental Due Diligence (HREDD) components. These updates were not only explained in depth but discussed in terms of their long-term impact on business sustainability, legal compliance, and ethical responsibility.

Bridging Knowledge with Impact: Projects, Programs & Vision

Fairtrade NAPP showcased its work beyond compliance by diving into its broader support ecosystem—highlighting tools such as FairInsight, the EOGA (Election of Governance and Accountability) process, Regional Consultancy (RC) support, and the Fairtrade Commercial Strategy. This helped build a clearer understanding of how producer organizations can leverage Fairtrade’s wider framework to support growth, innovation, and market outreach.

"Legend International has a safe working place and all these years we have been working as a family. Thanks to Fairtrade and its mission which makes it more approachable and beneficial for us."
— Devika Chettri, 30, Legend International

A particularly engaging activity included group discussions where participants brainstormed and began shaping an action plan to strengthen the Fairtrade Sports Ball Program, including ideas for project interventions and Fairtrade NAPP-supported market visibility, especially around platforms like ISPO Munich.

Worker-Centric Storytelling: From Awareness to Aspiration

One of the highlights was the screening of a short impact video produced by Legend International, featuring several worker members themselves—bringing to life the human stories behind the Fairtrade mark. This not only built pride among participants but also served as a tool for recognizing their critical role in the global Fairtrade supply chain.

"The training was very helpful for us to be prepared for the interview and it was also great to see the Fairtrade Premium impact video shown, where I was also involved during the videography. I feel overwhelmed being part of Fairtrade."
— Kuldeep Kumar, 41, Legend International

Key Learnings and Reflections

1. Increased awareness on the Fairtrade System and the implications of the new HREDD requirements.
2. Deeper understanding of the Fairtrade Mark as a global symbol of equity and ethical production.
3. Strategic clarity on using the Fairtrade Premium for impactful worker development initiatives.
4. Enhanced understanding of standards supporting a safe, inclusive, and dignified work environment.
5. Action-oriented thinking through project planning and brainstorming sessions.

Challenges and Opportunities Identified

• High worker attrition continues to affect continuity in knowledge transfer—highlighting the need for regular onboarding and training.
• With a smaller workforce, there lies a great opportunity to maximize the utility of Fairtrade Premium funds for meaningful social impact.
• A need was felt for increased capacity building on HREDD implementation and for exploring funding support for new social development ideas.

Looking Ahead: The Roadmap for Action

As a result of the training, participants agreed on key follow-up actions including:

• Conducting more frequent HREDD training sessions for workers and management.
• Developing project proposals focused on social development and worker wellbeing.
• Collaborating with Fairtrade NAPP to enhance market visibility and explore global trade fair opportunities for Fairtrade-certified sports balls.

This training at Legend International exemplifies how inclusive learning environments—where workers and management come together—can serve as the foundation for ethical, resilient, and forward-looking businesses. As Fairtrade continues to build capacities and support rights-based development, these sessions remain a critical step in ensuring every voice is heard and every action creates impact.