For grape farmers in Maharashtra, staying competitive today means keeping pace with tightening traceability requirements, rising sustainability expectations, and fast-changing market dynamics. Grape Conclave 2026, organised by Fairtrade NAPP at Nashik on 20 June 2026, responded to exactly this need. The conclave brought 21 participants into one room: representatives and farmers from seven Fairtrade grape producer organisations, officials from the State Agriculture Department, Maharashtra, members of grape sector cooperatives, and experts from government institutions, industry bodies, and private sector organisations. Rather than a routine seminar, the day was designed as a working platform where producers could access the information, contacts, and ideas they need to plan their next season and their next decade.

Government Schemes, Decoded

One of the most immediate gains for participants was a clearer picture of the public support already available to them. In a dedicated session, the State Agriculture Department, Maharashtra, walked producers through government schemes and institutional support mechanisms for strengthening grape production and exports. Representatives from MRDBS added to this by explaining their role in promoting grape exports and supporting growers across the state. Producer organisations left with concrete knowledge of which schemes they can apply for and whom to approach, turning what is often a maze of paperwork into a set of usable opportunities.

A Clearer Route to Export Markets

Export markets promise better returns for grape producers, but only for those who understand what buyers now expect. Through a session led by APEDA, participants examined export promotion measures and emerging prospects for the Indian grape sector. Fairtrade NAPP’s thematic updates complemented this with orientation on Fairtrade Standards, Human Rights and Environmental Due Diligence (HREDD), and emerging market and traceability requirements. Together, these sessions gave producer organisations a sharper understanding of the compliance landscape, so they can prepare for evolving requirements rather than react to them.

New Tools for the Vineyard: IoT, Biochar, and Digital Traceability

Technology moved from buzzword to business case during the conclave’s innovation sessions. Experts introduced participants to sustainable agricultural solutions built on IoT technologies, which can support more precise and resource-efficient vineyard management. A session on biochar covered both its manufacturing and its potential as a business model, while showcases of digital traceability technologies and startup-led interventions demonstrated tools that support transparency in the grape supply chain. Increased awareness of these solutions encouraged producers to consider innovative and sustainable farming approaches suited to their own vineyards.

Thinking Beyond the Harvest: Farmers as Entrepreneurs

The conclave also invited farmers to see themselves as entrepreneurs. Sessions on entrepreneurship development encouraged participants to explore innovative business opportunities alongside grape cultivation. For small-scale farmers whose incomes depend heavily on a single crop and a single season, these discussions opened up practical ways of thinking about diversified livelihoods and new revenue streams within and beyond the vineyard.

Learning That Travels: Premium Stories and Peer Exchange

Some of the most valuable knowledge in the room came from the producers themselves. Producer organisations presented updates on their Fairtrade Premium initiatives and donor-funded projects, giving peers a window into how other organisations are investing their Premium and managing their projects. This exchange, together with the day’s interactive discussions, strengthened linkages among producers, government agencies, industry bodies, and technology providers, connections that participants can draw on long after the conclave.

In Their Words

"All the topics taken up in this meeting were really helpful for our organisation. Public, private, and cooperative organisations were all present to guide us on various topics. It will be really helpful for our organisation’s future decisions."
- Roshan Zalte, ND Small Farmers Producer Company Limited

“An amazing blend of public, private, and cooperative sector participation for the betterment of trade. The knowledge gained, the cross-learning, and the initiatives shared by Fairtrade NAPP are welcomed by producers, and we will surely participate ahead.”

- Mahindra Deore, Sahyadri Fruits Producer Company Ltd.

The Road Ahead

The conversations started in Nashik will continue. As a next step, Fairtrade NAPP will follow up with the Agriculture Department to explore avenues for collaboration, so that the schemes and support discussed at the conclave translate into action for producer organisations. The wider journey remains ongoing: traceability rules, sustainability expectations, and market demands will keep evolving, and grape producers will need continued access to information and partnerships to keep pace. Grape Conclave 2026 has laid a strong foundation for that journey, and Fairtrade NAPP will keep working alongside Maharashtra’s grape producers towards a resilient, competitive, and future-ready grape sector under Fairtrade terms.