Sri Lanka’s smallholder agricultural sector—known globally for its tea, spices, herbs, and coconut-based products—forms the backbone of rural livelihoods and sustainable trade in the region. Yet, with the emergence of stringent international due diligence regulations such as Germany’s Supply Chain Due Diligence Act (LkSG), the EU Corporate Sustainability Due Diligence Directive (EUCSDDD), and the EU Deforestation Regulation (EUDR), small producers face growing challenges in maintaining compliance and access to European markets.

To support these producers in adapting to evolving global standards, Fairtrade NAPP organized a two-day capacity-building workshop titled “Risk Assessment: Prevention, Mitigation and Remediation Measures’ for Small-scale farmers’ organizations in Sri Lanka”

This 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 

The project aims to help smallholder farmers align their production systems with international due diligence frameworks, mitigate risks of market exclusion, and strengthen their economic and environmental sustainability.

By doing so, the project not only ensures continued access to European markets but also contributes to better livelihoods, resilience, and ethical practices across Fairtrade supply chains.

The workshop was attended by representatives from 11 Small Producer Organizations (SPOs) including: All Inland Organic Farmers Association, Ceylon Organic Farmers Association, Gampaha Kabanika Govinge Sangamaya, Marginalized Organic Producers’ Associations, Seemasahitha Countrywide Wagakaruwange Samithiya, Small Organic Growers Associations, Sonmic Organic & Natural Farmers Association, Sustainable Agri Farm Enterprises Network, Lanka Fair Cocos Farmers’ Association, and Pasadul Organic Farmers’ Welfare Association.

Objectives of the Workshop

• Build SPOs’ capacity to identify and assess organizational and human rights risks.
• Strengthen knowledge of prevention, mitigation, and remediation strategies.
• Foster understanding of compliance with sustainability and Fairtrade standards.
• Facilitate peer learning and practical implementation of HREDD measures.
• Develop actionable plans for integrating risk management into SPO governance systems.

Immediate Outcomes and Insights

The training enhanced participants’ understanding of HREDD, particularly in relation to risk assessment, grievance mechanisms, and remediation planning. Many recognized gaps in their current systems and expressed readiness to develop structured approaches for risk management within their organizations.

Participants appreciated learning how to prioritise risks based on scale and scope, apply preventive measures, and ensure inclusive decision-making that involves women and youth.

Challenges and Opportunities

Some participants noted that the technical complexity of HREDD concepts required simpler, more contextualized examples. However, the strong engagement indicated a growing awareness and commitment among producer organizations to integrate HREDD practices.

This signals a promising pathway for developing resilient, rights-conscious, and sustainable Fairtrade supply chains in Sri Lanka.

Participants Reflections

Geeth Dayarathna, 29 – Sustainable Agri Farm Enterprises Network
“At first, using the risk assessment tool seemed challenging, but with translated materials, I’m confident we can apply it effectively within our SPO.”

Asanka Narayana, 41 – Marginalized Organic Producers’ Association
“We need capacity-building support to apply these complex tools. Having trained personnel within SPOs will be crucial for effective HREDD implementation.”

Lahiru Wijesuriya, 27 – Seemasahitha Countrywide Wagakaruwange Samithiya
“I feel equipped to share this knowledge and raise awareness about risk assessment and grievance mechanisms within our stakeholder groups.”

Ranaweera Banda, 63 – Ceylon Organic Farmers Association
“Future workshops should allow more farmer representatives from each SPO to attend and benefit from this valuable training.”

R.A.M. Karunarathna, 52 – Lanka Fair Cocos Farmers’ Association
“I’ve gained practical skills to strengthen grievance handling and risk management in our SPO operations.”

This workshop marks a pivotal step in Fairtrade NAPP’s broader mission to strengthen HREDD implementation across South Asia, ensuring that smallholder farmers are not left behind in the global transition toward responsible and transparent supply chains.

By bridging knowledge gaps and enabling compliance with emerging EU due diligence frameworks, the initiative safeguards both market access and livelihoods, reinforcing Fairtrade’s long-standing commitment to equity, sustainability, and human rights in trade.