Learning That Began with a Request from Gampaha

Staying current with Fairtrade requirements is an ongoing journey, and the committee members and staff of Gampaha Kabanika Govinge Sangamaya (GKGS) chose to take the next step themselves. The small-scale producer organisation, based in Gampaha, Sri Lanka, invited Fairtrade NAPP to conduct a training that would bring its team up to date with the revised Fairtrade Standards and prepare the organisation for what is assessed during Fairtrade audits. Eleven committee members and staff, including members of the Fairtrade Premium Committee, spent the day of 25 June 2026 working through the updated requirements, Premium management practices and the growing area of Human Rights and Environmental Due Diligence (HREDD). What they took away goes well beyond a set of presentations, as the outcomes below show.

Making Sense of the Revised Fairtrade Standards

The day opened with a comprehensive overview of the latest Fairtrade Standards, walking participants through the key revisions and what each change means for a producer organisation in practice. For the committee members and staff who carry the responsibility of keeping GKGS compliant, this session turned a long list of requirements into a clear picture of what has changed and where the organisation should focus first. Participants left with an up-to-date understanding of the Standards on trade, traceability, use of the FAIRTRADE Mark, the Fairtrade Minimum Price and the Premium, knowledge they can now pass on to the wider membership.

"The training program was an excellent opportunity for our committee members and staff to update and refresh their knowledge of Fairtrade standards. The knowledge and insights gained through the program will greatly contribute to improving our understanding and implementation of Fairtrade standards."

- Nadeeka Sewwandi, Documentation Executive, Gampaha Kabanika Govinge Sangamaya

Premium Plans Built Around Members' Priorities

Special emphasis was placed on the governance and management of the Fairtrade Premium. Through practical guidance, participants examined what transparent decision-making looks like, how to plan Premium investments around the priorities of members, and how sound record keeping, financial accountability and timely reporting hold it all together. Premium Committee members practised developing Premium plans that respond to what members need most while staying within Fairtrade requirements. This gives GKGS a stronger foundation for making sure every rupee of the Premium is planned, spent and reported in a way members can see and trust.

Walking into the Next Audit Prepared

A dedicated part of the training unpacked the key factors assessed during Fairtrade certification and surveillance audits, from documentation and internal management systems to risk management and evidence of compliance. Instead of treating an audit as a once-a-year event, participants explored how continuous monitoring and robust internal systems can make compliance a year-round strength. They now have a clearer understanding of exactly what documentation and evidence auditors expect to see, and the confidence to keep those systems in good order between audits.

A Practical Start on Human Rights and Environmental Due Diligence

HREDD is an area many producer organisations across Asia and the Pacific are beginning to work on, and the training gave GKGS a practical entry point. A dedicated session introduced approaches for integrating due diligence into everyday organisational operations rather than treating it as a separate exercise. Participants identified concrete first actions for their own organisation, an early step on a journey that can strengthen responsible business practices, risk management and the long-term resilience of GKGS.

"The training provided on the updated Fairtrade Standards, Premium management, audit preparedness and HREDD has greatly enhanced the knowledge and confidence of our committee members and staff. We look forward to maintaining this strong partnership as we work towards continuous improvement and delivering greater benefits to our members."

- Mahesh Gamage, President, Gampaha Kabanika Govinge Sangamaya

Questions, Case Examples and Growing Confidence

Some of the most valuable moments of the day came through interactive discussion. Case examples and question-and-answer sessions gave participants space to raise real implementation challenges, share their experiences and identify practical actions together. By the close of the training, committee members and staff reported greater confidence in addressing compliance questions and putting improvements into practice, and knowledge of Fairtrade requirements now rests on many more shoulders within GKGS.

The Road Ahead

The training closed with clear next steps. GKGS will review and update its internal procedures and documentation in line with the revised Fairtrade Standards, and management and staff will put the recommendations discussed during the training into practice. Fairtrade NAPP will remain alongside the organisation, providing technical support and clarification on specific compliance questions as they arise, with progress reviewed during future monitoring visits and certification support activities.