On 4 March 2026, the Annual General Meeting (AGM) of Gampaha Kabanika Govinge Sangamaya (GKGS) brought together 82 smallholder farmers in Yakkala, Gampaha District, Sri Lanka. Alongside the formal AGM proceedings, Fairtrade NAPP's Programme Manager for Sri Lanka delivered a structured training session for member producers. The session covered key areas of Fairtrade certification, labour rights, gender equity, environmental sustainability, and climate change adaptation.

Gampaha Kabanika Govinge Sangamaya (GKGS) is a Fairtrade-certified producer organisation based in the Gampaha District of Sri Lanka. Fairtrade NAPP used the AGM as a timely opportunity to deliver practical training on Fairtrade standards and compliance obligations directly to the producer membership. 

What Producers Gained and How

The training was designed to address several areas relevant to Fairtrade certification and the social and environmental responsibilities that come with it resulting in  improved awareness among producers regarding their responsibilities and rights under Fairtrade certification.

• A clearer picture of what Fairtrade certification means for their farm
  The training opened with a session on Fairtrade standards on trade, covering trading contracts, traceability, product sourcing, and the correct use of the Fairtrade mark. This was followed by an explanation of the Fairtrade Minimum Price and the Fairtrade Premium, two of the most tangible benefits that certification provides to producer members. By the end of this part of the programme, participants had a more grounded understanding of what Fairtrade requires of them individually and as an organisation, as well as the economic protections and market access that certification enables in return. For many producers, this clarity on the ‘give and take’ of certification helped connect everyday farming decisions to the broader Fairtrade system.

• Strengthened understanding of labour rights, gender equality, and child protection
  A dedicated session addressed labour standards, women’s rights, gender equity, and non-discrimination, topics that sit at the heart of Fairtrade’s social standards. Participants also received guidance on child labour prevention and child protection requirements under the Internal Control System (ICS). These are obligations that both individual farmers and the producer organisation as a whole carry under Fairtrade certification. The 27 women producers among the attendees brought important perspectives to discussions on gender equity and household-level labour arrangements. Producers left with a sharper awareness of what their rights are, what is required of them, and what protections Fairtrade standards extend to workers and families within the system.

• Practical knowledge to respond to climate change on their own farms
  Smallholder farmers are among those most directly and immediately affected by climate variability. A session on climate change impacts gave producers a realistic understanding of the risks facing agricultural production in the region. This was paired with practical guidance on efficient water management techniques and climate-resilient farming practices, approaches that producers can begin applying on their own plots. The response during this session was notably engaged: many participants raised specific questions about weather patterns, water access, and farming adjustments relevant to their own land and crops. This exchange reinforced that producers are not passive recipients of information, they are active problem-solvers looking for tools that fit their context.

• Greater confidence in how their organisation is run
  Many producer members may attend an AGM without a full understanding of how decisions within their organisation are made, what role the board plays, or how the organisation’s constitution guides its operations. A session on governance responsibilities covering the roles and responsibilities of board members and the workings of the GKGS constitution helped producers see how their organisation is structured and how they can meaningfully participate in its direction. This understanding contributes to stronger collective ownership, accountability, and long-term organisational resilience.

Women-Members Participation Strength

Out of 82 farmers attended the training (and AGM), 27 were women producers. The strong turnout reflected the commitment of GKGS members to engage in learning opportunities around Fairtrade standards and sustainable agriculture. The representation of women was particularly notable. Women producers bring important perspectives to discussions on labour rights, gender equity, and household-level farming decisions, and their active participation contributes to stronger collective understanding and governance within the organisation. The session was delivered through a participatory approach, combining presentations with practical examples and open discussion. A question-and-answer segment allowed producers to raise specific concerns about certification, farm practices, and compliance requirements.

What’s  Next

Following this training, Fairtrade NAPP will maintain regular communication with GKGS members and provide technical support where needed. Producers have been encouraged to implement the practices discussed during the session, particularly around labour standards, environmental sustainability, and climate adaptation.

Further engagement is planned for the coming months, including additional capacity-building sessions on Fairtrade compliance requirements, climate-resilient agricultural practices, and producer organisational management. The training delivered during the AGM serves as an initial step for the year and continued engagement will support GKGS members in strengthening their practices and deepening their understanding of Fairtrade standards.