Tajik Cooperatives and Fairtrade NAPP Explore the Links Between Fairtrade and Organic Production at Organic Expo Central Asia
Leaders of two Fairtrade certified cooperatives from Tajikistan joined Fairtrade NAPP at the Organic Expo Central Asia in Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia, on 29 and 30 August 2026.
Two Tajik Cooperatives Take Their Place on a Regional Organic Stage
Representatives of Non-Commercial Cooperative Biokishovarz and Non-Commercial Cooperative Green Agriculture travelled to Ulaanbaatar with the Fairtrade Network of Asia and Pacific Producers (Fairtrade NAPP) to participate in the Organic Expo Central Asia. Hosted by the Central Asian Organic Alliance at the Chinggis Khaan Museum in UlaanBatar, Mongolia, the two-day forum gathered more than 200 producers, cooperatives, buyers, government representatives, certification bodies and development partners from 11 countries. For Central Asian cooperatives working in cotton, dried fruit and nuts, the event offered an opportunity to explore how organic production could connect with Fairtrade markets.
Organic and Fairtrade Make the Case Together
Gufronjon Ayubjonov, Fairtrade NAPP Programme Consultant for Central Asia (Tajikistan, Uzbekistan & Kyrgyzstan), was invited to address the forum as a guest speaker. His presentation, “Fairtrade and Organic: The Value to Farmers, Consumers and Environment”, explained how the two systems complement each other, from farmer livelihoods and consumer choice to responsible agricultural practices. The session was well received by the audience and gave organic producers across the region a clear understanding of what Fairtrade certification can add to organic production.
Certification and Membership Questions, Answered Face to Face
Between sessions, Fairtrade NAPP shared information materials and held one-to-one meetings with organic producers and other organizations at the expo. Conversations covered Fairtrade principles, certification requirements and membership opportunities. Several producer organizations and potential partners asked for further information, giving Fairtrade NAPP concrete contacts to follow up with after the event.
A Wider Network for Tajik Cooperatives
For the Biokishovarz and Green Agriculture delegation, the expo brought buyers, certification bodies and fellow producers from 11 countries together over two days. These contacts open up opportunities for cooperation on organic production, ethical trade and market access. A further meeting with organic producers from Kyrgyzstan on 31 August provided an additional opportunity to explore potential regional partnerships.
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“The knowledge and practical support we received have helped us better understand sustainable production, improve our practices, and see new opportunities for accessing international markets.”
- Muhammadi Muminov, Management Representative, Non-Commercial Cooperative Green Agriculture, Tajikistan
Poultry Manure into Fertilizer: A Method to Try at Home
On the second day, the delegation visited an organic poultry producer that turns poultry manure into organic fertilizer. The cooperative leaders saw how farm waste can be converted into usable agricultural input and discussed how the method might work on their own farms. The visit raised the possibility of trialing the fertilizer with selected producer organizations in Central Asia to assess its potential contribution to soil fertility.
Field visit to the Organic Poultry company
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“The exchange during the Organic Expo was particularly valuable because it allowed us to learn from other producers and explore practical solutions, including organic fertilizer production from agricultural waste. We believe that combining organic practices with Fairtrade principles can create greater value for farmers, consumers, and the environment.”
- Ravshan Rakhmonov, Management Representative, Non-Commercial Cooperative Biokishovarz, Tajikistan
From New Contacts to Follow-Up Conversations
Fairtrade NAPP plans to stay in touch with the contacts made at the expo, share further information on Fairtrade certification and membership, and arrange follow-up discussions with interested organizations. It will also explore the possibility of testing organic fertilizer with selected producer organizations. The method’s suitability for soil and farming conditions in Central Asia requires assessments, and turning new contacts into lasting partnerships will require continued engagement.
