Across Thailand, thousands of small-scale farmers work tirelessly to cultivate rice, herbs, spices, and other organic products that nourish communities and supply ethical markets around the world. Yet behind every harvest lies a complex responsibility—ensuring that every step meets the rigorous standards of Fairtrade.

For many producers, this can feel daunting. They face:
• Overwhelming volumes of compliance information
• Complex documentation requirements
• Limited exposure to Fairtrade audit expectations
• Gaps in internal system management
• Uncertainty about how to apply standards in daily practice

Recognizing these challenges, Fairtrade NAPP launched a transformative, hands-on training program—designed not just to help producers meet compliance, but to thrive as leaders in ethical and sustainable production.

Over three inspiring days in Ubon Ratchathani, 54 representatives from 10 small-scale farmers’ organizations came together to strengthen their capacity, build confidence, and reinforce the resilience of their communities.

DAY 1 — Understanding the Fairtrade Framework

Day one set the tone with a powerful message: Fairtrade is more than a checklist. It is a commitment—to dignity, fairness, sustainable livelihoods, and long-term community wellbeing. Facilitators led participants through a deeper understanding of the principles behind the standards, creating a solid foundation for meaningful learning.

• Structure of the Fairtrade Standards

Participants explored how the standards are built, how auditors evaluate compliance, and where SPO responsibilities lie. This clear, simplified explanation helped demystify what often feels overwhelming and created space for confident engagement.

• Introduction to Fairtrade Production Standards

This session unpacked the heart of production requirements—sustainable farm practices, environmental protection, safe input use, soil and water conservation, and the importance of accurate field-level recordkeeping.

For many producers, it sparked a profound mindset shift. They began to see standards not as rules to follow, but as tools that protect farmers, strengthen communities, and safeguard ecosystems.

• Compliance Criteria — The Practical Reality

Through the Flocert checklist, participants learned what strong documentation looks like, what auditors observe on farms, and how to prevent common non-compliances.

• Group Challenge & Discussion

Producers openly shared their real-world challenges: confusion with documentation formats, difficulty maintaining consistent ICS records, and the challenge of explaining standards to member farmers.

This honest exchange created a powerful environment of peer learning—where participants supported one another, compared experiences, and worked together to identify practical solutions. The discussion not only strengthened collective problem-solving but also reinforced the sense that every SPO is part of a larger, united Fairtrade community

DAY 2 — Strengthening Organizational Systems

Day two shifted focus from the field to the heart of SPO management—leadership, governance, and the systems that hold organizations together.

• Organizational Compliance Explained

Participants explored the responsibilities of SPO management, the structure of Internal Control Systems (ICS), transparency in Premium Committees, and how democratic decision-making builds trust. They also examined how development planning supports long-term organizational growth.

This session equipped producer leaders with the knowledge to build transparent, accountable, and audit-ready organizations.

• Organizational Challenges & Dialogue

In an open forum, SPO leaders analyzed their own systems, identifying gaps in governance, communication, and documentation. The discussions revealed a shared commitment to strengthening internal structures for long-term sustainability.

• Practical Application of Organizational Compliance

Using real-world examples and audit scenarios, participants practiced identifying compliance gaps and strengthening their ICS processes. This hands-on learning boosted their readiness for real audits.

• Producer Consultation for the 2026 Program

During the consultation session, producers took the lead in defining what meaningful support should look like in the year ahead. They clearly expressed their priorities—calling for more templates and sample documents to simplify implementation, deeper capacity-building in ICS development, more interactive and practical learning tools, and stronger guidance in project planning.

Their insights set the direction for what comes next. By placing producers’ lived experiences at the center, Fairtrade NAPP ensured that the 2026 program will be truly producer-led, firmly need-driven, and fully grounded in the realities of the field.

Immediate Outcomes

• 54 producers now possess a clearer, stronger understanding of Fairtrade standards.
• Complex compliance criteria were simplified and made accessible.
• A practical, user-friendly training manual was provided for ongoing reference.

Long-Term Benefits

1. Improved audit readiness and strengthened compliance across SPOs
2. More confident leaders capable of guiding their organizations
3. Enhanced ICS and documentation systems for smoother operations

A producer-driven roadmap for the 2026 development program

What’s Next? Shaping the 2026 Development Program

With the insights gathered directly from producers, Fairtrade NAPP will now design a 2026 program that is not only dynamic and responsive, but truly rooted in the realities and ambitions of Thai farmers’ organizations.