Highlights of the Final Workshop 3 and 4 series

Continuing its mission to strengthen the capacities of Small Producer Organizations (SPOs) in Sri Lanka, the Fairtrade Network of Asia and Pacific Producers (NAPP) successfully concluded its 2025 Workshop series 3 and 4 in Kandy and Negombo during September and October 2025.

The two final workshops brought together over 45 Fairtrade representatives from 15 herbs, spices, tea, and coconut producer organizations across the island. These sessions conducted under the Fairtrade NAPPs  Strategic Pillar of empowering farmers and workers, reinforced its commitment to building producer capacity, strengthening Fairtrade compliance, and promoting climate-resilient livelihoods.

The participating organisations included members and leaders from Seemasahitha Countrywide Wagakaruwange Samithiya, Sonmic Organic & Natural Farmers Association, Forest Garden Growers Society, Green Valley Farmer Society, Sustainable Agri Farm Enterprises Network, Ceylon Organic Farmers Association, and the Marginalized Organic Producers’ Association.

The Negombo sessions further expanded participation to include representatives from the Welfare Society of Small-scale Cultivators of Dompe, Thirasara Farmer Association, All Inland Organic Farmers Association, Kuliyapitiya Organic Farmers Association, and the Wayamba Organic Farmers Association.

Both programs served as critical learning platforms to help Fairtrade producers enhance sustainability, transparency, and competitiveness in changing agricultural and market environments.

Workshop 3 in Kandy: Empowering Farmers through Knowledge, Compliance, and Climate Resilience       

Over three intensive days, participants engaged in a combination of thematic presentations, group discussions, role-play simulations, and case studies focused on the operational and ethical foundations of Fairtrade.

The sessions covered:

• Fairtrade Standards & Certification Readiness: Deep dives into compliance processes, audit preparation, internal control systems (ICS), and risk management. Participants worked through real SPO audit scenarios and developed corrective action plans to strengthen their own compliance structures.
• Good Agricultural Practices (GAPs): Practical sessions addressed soil fertility management, organic pest control, safe chemical handling, and record-keeping for traceability. Farmers explored how GAP compliance contributes to both productivity and sustainability.
• Climate-Smart Adaptation: Trainers demonstrated water conservation methods, mulching, and intercropping strategies suited to local agro-climatic zones.
• Diversification & Post-Harvest Value Addition: Participants learned about opportunities in spice and fruit processing, packaging, and quality improvement techniques to add value and access new markets.

Field Visit to Matale – Linking Farmers with Institutions

The third day featured a field exposure visit to the Department of Export Agriculture, Elwala, Matale, where government officers conducted on-site technical demonstrations on crop diversification, soil health restoration, and organic input production. Participants also gained valuable insights into government support schemes available to smallholder organizations.

"The sessions on Fairtrade standards and certification helped us understand how to better prepare for audits and maintain compliance. As a newly certified Fairtrade organisation, this was our first time participating in such a workshop, and it perfectly matched our expectations. It was an excellent opportunity and experience to gain a clear understanding of Fairtrade compliance requirements.

— Pathum Nirmal, Green Valley Farmer Society

The Kandy workshop concluded with the drafting of SPO-specific action plans focusing on certification maintenance, premium governance improvements, and climate adaptation strategies for the upcoming year.

Workshop 4 in Negombo-  “Empowering Farmers, Building Climate Resilience, and Expanding Market Access on Fairtrade Terms”

Deep-Dive Learning on Standards, Governance, and Inclusion

The Negombo program built upon the momentum from Kandy, offering more advanced and diversified training modules. Over three days, participants explored the Fairtrade core principles through interactive workshops, group exercises, and experience sharing facilitated by NAPP trainers and guest experts.

Key areas included:

• Fairtrade Standards and Certification Systems: Sessions on internal audit preparation, trader relationships, traceability, product sourcing, and correct use of the Fairtrade Mark. Participants practiced using mock audit checklists to assess their own SPO readiness.
• Premium Governance and Financial Accountability: In-depth discussions on managing Fairtrade Premiums effectively—covering budgeting, project planning, transparent record-keeping, and participatory decision-making. SPOs reviewed real-life case studies of premium misuse to learn corrective governance strategies.
• Gender Inclusion & Leadership Development: Dedicated sessions emphasized gender equality, women’s leadership, and youth engagement within Fairtrade structures. Trainers showcased successful examples of female-led producer committees driving community change.
• Occupational Health and Safety (OHS): Practical training on personal protective equipment (PPE), first aid basics, safe tool handling, and the establishment of workplace Health & Safety Committees. Participants developed draft OHS frameworks adaptable to their local SPO context.
• Human Resource & Cooperative Principles: Sessions strengthened participants’ understanding of cooperative values such as democratic control, member participation, and autonomy, ensuring leadership decisions reflect Fairtrade ethics.

Hands-On Learning at the Coconut Research Institute (CRI)

The final day was hosted at the Coconut Research Institute (CRI), Lunuwila, providing participants with direct technical exposure.
Experts conducted field demonstrations on:

• Coconut-specific Good Agricultural Practices (GAPs)
• Nutrient management and organic fertiliser formulation
• Moisture conservation through mulching and cover crops
• Climate resilience planning in coconut-based mixed cropping systems

This immersive learning experience linked theory with practical application, giving producers clear pathways to implement sustainable and profitable practices within their communities.

“The workshop far exceeded our expectations! We gained clear, practical insights into Fairtrade audits and compliance. Every question was addressed thoroughly.”
— Kapila Wickramasekara, Thirasara Farmer Association

Strengthening Networks and Sustaining Change

Both workshops encouraged peer learning, enabling SPOs from different regions to share their journeys and challenges in certification and Fairtrade Premium management. Participants built strong networks for continued collaboration and mutual support.

NAPP facilitators also established follow-up mechanisms to ensure that training outcomes translate into action through monitoring visits, peer review exchanges, and continued capacity support.

Key Impacts Across Workshops 3 & 4

• Strengthened capacity for Fairtrade certification and audit preparedness
• Broader adoption of climate-smart and GAP-based farming practices
• Improved premium governance, transparency, and financial accountability
• Enhanced understanding of gender, labour, and cooperative principles
• Strengthened linkages with national institutions like the Department of Export Agriculture and the Coconut Research Institute
• Development of SPO-level action plans for sustainability, diversification, and adaptation

Looking Ahead: Building a Sustainable Fairtrade Future

Through a series of workshops, 87 representatives from 21 Small Producer Organizations (SPOs) have strengthened their capacity in Fairtrade certification, climate change adaptation, livelihood development, and climate-smart and good agricultural practices.

Building on the success of these initiatives, NAPP plans to continue facilitating advanced modules in value chain development, climate resilience, and premium impact tracking in 2026.

Further collaboration with the Coconut Research Institute (CRI) and the Department of Export Agriculture will help expand technical training across wider farmer networks.

By combining knowledge, collaboration, and practical action, the Fairtrade NAPP Sri Lanka Workshop Series continues to empower producer organizations to achieve sustained certification, enhanced livelihoods, and greater market resilience—all grounded in the shared values of fairness, transparency, and empowerment.