fairtrade asia pacific quarterly report: q4, 2017 · adilwiladahmabrur spo 18722 indonesia...

1 Fairtrade Asia Pacific Quarter 4 report, 2017

Fairtrade Asia Pacific Quarterly Report: Q4, 2017


Contents

1. SUMMARY: ....................................................................................................................................................................................................................... 3

2. KEY PERFORMANCE INDICATORS (KPIs) ........................................................................................................................................................................... 3

3. OPERATIONAL HIGHLIGHTS ............................................................................................................................................................................................ 12

GOVERNANCE ACTIVITIES .......................................................................................................................................................................................................... 12

ADVOCACY ..................................................................................................................................................................................... Error! Bookmark not defined.

FT CONSULTATIONS/ACTIVITIES THAT DEVELOP FT SYSTEM .................................................................................................................................................... 14

MONITORING, EVALUATION AND LEARNING (INCLUDES RESEARCH STUDIES) ........................................................................................................................ 16

COMMUNICATIONS ................................................................................................................................................................................................................... 17

MARKET ENGAGEMENT/EVENTS ............................................................................................................................................................................................... 18

SUPPORT TO FAIRTRADE INDIA ................................................................................................................................................................................................. 20

PARTNERSHIPS ........................................................................................................................................................................................................................... 21

NORTH EAST INDIA TEA PROJECT .................................................................................................................................................. Error! Bookmark not defined.

BTC PROJECT UPDATE .................................................................................................................................................................... Error! Bookmark not defined.

TEXTILE PROJECT UPDATE .............................................................................................................................................................. Error! Bookmark not defined.

4. ORGANIZATION DEVELOPMENT ..................................................................................................................................................................................... 27

5. PRODUCER SUPPORT ...................................................................................................................................................................................................... 28

6. TRADER/EXPORTER SUPPORT ........................................................................................................................................................................................ 42

7. Activities not completed in the past quarter ................................................................................................................................................................. 44

8. Overarching risks & issues .............................................................................................................................................................................................. 44


9. Additional Comments: .................................................................................................................................................................................................... 44

10. Pictures: .......................................................................................................................................................................................................................... 45

1. SUMMARY:

In Q4, 2017 NAPP covered 195 Producer Organizations through 60 field visits and 41 trainings. 265 Men and 146 women were part of the field visits

whereas 430 men and 213 women participated in trainings.

2. KEY PERFORMANCE INDICATORS (KPIs)

Type of

activity Country

CERTIFIED PRODUCERS/PERMISSION TO TRADE/SUSPENDED

Visits Trainings

No. of POs

No of

visits Men Women

No of

Trainings Men Women

Time/Period

GAP (Good

agricultura

l practice)

India

2 62 21 29

Oct-Dec


support Myanmar 1 29 7

3 29 7 7

Oct-Dec

MARKET

ACCESS

support

Vietnam 2 2 2 1 3 Oct-Dec

Kyrgystan

Uzbekistan

Tajikstan

1 2 1 3

Oct-Dec

FT STDS

support

India 4 96 59 5 96 60 40 Oct-Dec

Pakistan 5 17 6 Oct-Dec

Kyrgystan

Uzbekistan

Tajikstan

Online 7 3 5

Oct-Dec

Sri Lanka 2 7 121 34 29 Oct-Dec

SUPPORT

BEYOND

STDS

India 4 2 28 6 14 1 16

Oct-Dec

Vietnam 1 15 5 1 1 Oct-Dec


Kyrgystan

Uzbekistan

Tajikstan

online 2 1 3

Oct-Dec

Support

on Social

Complianc

e and

Thematic

India 2 19 1

Oct-Dec

Areas Vietnam 1 6 3 1 7 Oct-Dec

Philippines 2 1 13 26 5 Oct-Dec

Type of

activity Country

PRE-APPLICANT/APPLICANT/INITIAL IN PROGRESS (include any other applicant related

status)

Visits Trainings

No. of POs

No of

visits Men Women No of Trainings Men Women

Time/Period


GAP (Good

agricultura

l practice)

support

Vietnam 1 6 3 1

1

Oct-Dec

MARKET

ACCESS

support

FT STDS

support India 3 6

5 36 20 4

Oct-Dec

Philippines 1 1 Oct-Dec

Kyrgystan 2 1 1 Oct-Dec

Pakistan 7 18 5 Oct-Dec

Sri Lanka 1 20 16 1 Oct-Dec

SUPPORT

BEYOND

STDS

Philippines 1 5 3 1

Oct-Dec

Support

on Social

Complianc

e and

Thematic

Philippines 1 1 1

Oct-Dec


Areas

Type of

activity Country

Potential Applicant

Visits Trainings

No. of POs

Time/Period

No of


GAP (Good

agricultura

l practice)

support

Vietnam 1 2

1

1

Oct-Dec

MARKET

ACCESS

support

FT STDS

support India

1 2 1 1

Oct-Dec

Sri Lanka 1 4 1 Oct-Dec

Philippines 11 35 17 12 Oct-Dec


SUPPORT

BEYOND

STDS

Support

on Social

Complianc

e and

Thematic

Areas

Philippines 2 1 3

Oct-Dec

Type of

activity Country

Traders/ Exporters

Visits Trainings

No. of POs

No of


Time/Period

GAP (Good

agricultura

l practice)

support

MARKET

ACCESS

support


Vietnam 1 1 1

Oct-Dec

FT STDS

support Philippines 2 4 3 6

Oct-Dec

India 1 3 1

Oct-Dec

Sri Lanka 1 36 9 2 Oct-Dec

SUPPORT

BEYOND

STDS

Vietnam 2 2 2

Oct-Dec

Support

on Social

Complianc

e and

Thematic

Areas


If new POs got certified within the last quarter or new products certified, please mention them here (name, FLO ID, country, product):

Suspended / Decertified PO’s or products:

Name of PO Type FLO ID Country Products Remarks

KopsenErfasGayo Coffee SPO 37243 Indonesia Coffee

Indus farmers SPO 35740 Pakistan Rice

Hope farmers SPO 37459 Pakistan Rice

Nedalagamuwa Coconut Manufacture Association

Producer 36338 Sri Lanka Coconut

ST.ANNE’S COCONUT PRODUCER'S ORGANIZATION (GUARANTEE) LIMITED

Producer 34613 Sri Lanka Coconut

Coco Bio Organic Japan

Trader

37497

Sri Lanka

Herbs,herbal Teas & Spices/ Tea /Banana/Cocoa/Coffee/Rice,Fresh

Fruits/Cashew Nuts/Coconuts

Name of PO Type FLO ID Country Products Remarks

Rookatenne Estate Tea

Small Holders Association . SPO 32566 Srilanka

follow up audit announced

Tongnagaon Tea Estate HL 26993 India

Mis-representing facts during the audit.


If there are many suspensions/decertification’s, or new producer groups, please include a short line of explanation.

Sugarcane SPOs Primary Agriculture Credit Cooperative Societies in Doori and Itagi were suspended due to presence of child labour in the

harvesting teams. The remediation process is underway. Another Sugarcane SPO in New Kadrolli has been suspended following governance

issues. They are in the process of implementing corrective measures.

Teloijan Tea Estate HL 19706 India

Major NC identified during FT USA verification audit.

Redelong Organic 32723 Decertified after follow up audit

AdilWiladahMabrur SPO 18722 Indonesia Decertified after follow up audit

KOPEPI Ketiara coo SPO 27501 Indonesia Suspended,Follow up audit done,Waiting for results

CahayaComodo Sejahtera

Coop SPO 30682 Indonesia

Suspended,Follow up audit done,Waiting for results

Sugarcane SPO Primary

Agriculture Credit

Cooperative Societies in

Doori SPO 27788 India

Suspended

presence of child labour in the harvesting teams.

Remediation process is going on.

Sugarcane SPOs Primary

Agriculture Credit

Cooperative Societies in

Itagi SPO 27791 India

Suspended

Presence of child labour in the harvesting teams.

Remediation process is going on

Sugarcane SPO in New

Kadrolli SPO 27790 India

Suspended

In the process of implementing corrective measures


3. OPERATIONAL HIGHLIGHTS

ACHIEVEMENT AREAS/ASPECTS IMMEDIATE RESULTS & WAY FORWARD

OPPORTUNITIES, CHALLENGES& LEARNINGS

GOVERNANCE ACTIVITIES (ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING, BOARD MEETING, NATIONAL NETWORK MEETING/COUNTRY NETWORK MEETING/NATIONAL PO MEETING, REGIONAL NETWORK MEETING/REGIONAL PO MEETING, GENERAL ASSEMBLY, PRODUCT NETWORK MEETING) The product network meeting for Indian Sugar producer and

Indian Mango producers was held to discuss the plans for 2018. This was done in a participatory manner with the Pos to arrive at common plan.

The plans for 2018 were prepared in consultation with the SPO representatives and submitted for approval

This would ensure cooperation from the SPOs when we implement the programs.

Planning Meeting with Assam Fairtrade Tea Producers for 2018 programme deliverables

The Tea producers from Assam region found this exercise very fruitful as it enabled them to understand the issues and challenges which need group intervention. Moreover, they found the point of deliberation more appropriate as collective brainstorming helped them to ascertain common issues and also solutions.

Thus there is a huge opportunity of forming a Forum within the Assam region which could meet up each Quarter or Half-yearly to discuss about similar issues and can prepare a broad way forward for addressing common issues.

Philippine Producers Network Meeting last November 27, 20 Planning for 2018 Producers provided inputs for 2018 planning

Vietnam producer network meeting

Agree on ways of working of Vietnam producer network

Plan for 2018 has been drafted

Legalize Vietnam producer network is a challenge since Vietnam does not have clear regulation and guideline for it

A strong and transparent structure of –National Network management would make staff more confident to provide service to clients.


3rdExecutive Board Meeting of Sri Lanka National Network

NAPP staff requested to provide training to Field Officer and Factory Officer training (Phase 2 & 3 ) at Hatton/Norwood regions

• Visiting to POs head office to discuss the present situation with CEOs or MDs.

A training need to plan for the Trade union representatives.

Contributing to preparation of NAPP Local network updates Bullet-In.

Need to form a group to conduct mock audits at Small producer organizations through local network

Suggested and advised new activities for NN activity calendar and budget review 2018

Challenges:-

Trade union representative’s involvement with Premium committee activities (Eg. Favouritism)


FT CONSULTATIONS/ACTIVITIES THAT DEVELOP FT SYSTEM (FAIRTRADE STANDARDS CONSULTATION, PRODUCT OR PRICING REVIEWS, COMMUNICATION OR MEDIA DATA NEEDS)

India: The country network meeting was held on 08 Nov 2017 to review the Standards for SPOs

The report with the suggestion for changes in the standards was submitted

The standards need to be simplified to enable a common understanding

Training and Advisory support to Belseri Tea Estate, Sonitpur Assam – W.r.t 1) Assisting in Finalising Terms of Reference; (2) Training to workers on Fairtrade and its requirement; (3) Formation of Fairtrade Premium Committee and training to Fairtrade premium committee members

After the initial audit, there were 47 non-compliances found out of which 5 were major. Thus the visit and training conducted were fruitful for the Estate management and the worker members to understand the lacunae and agreed to take up required steps. Further, various process issues and challenges were discussed to ensure that during the follow-up audit the non-compliance could be rectified

Limitation of manpower and also structural issue prevalent. Thus, it is critical for the estate management to look for issues like water quality, Housing and Sanitation issues and address these appropriately and within the required timeline.

Mock/ Gap Analysis at Hathikuli Tea Estate, Kaziranga, Assam

After the audit, de-briefing session was organised and major differences were highlighted which need immediate attention. In terms of documentation, few training documentations; minutes of the meetings and required changes were suggested. The management and the worker members agreed to do required changes and make the initiative effective. 2. The gaps which were highlighted with respect to cleanliness, Sanitation, etc were also agreed upon and the necessary steps would be taken as assured by the estate management

Challenge: Being situated near the tourist location Kaziranga, the estate has large number of visitors from within and outside and thus their daily activities get hampered due to hospitality services by the estate management staff. The time required to be put in for these initiatives will be critical for the staff members.

Opportunity: Once the garden is Fairtrade certified, the opportunity is, fairtrade premium benefits towards worker community can be highlighted at wider scale given the number of visitors visiting the


garden. Moreover, the Fairtrade brand and its good work will be highlighted through word of mouth publicity

Validation meeting in Kolkata for the delivery of research findings under the North-East Tea Scoping study held during the year 2017 in association with Fairtrade Foundation UK, ILO, 2 Tea companies – Mcloed Russel India Ltd and Teloijan Tea Estate

The tea management found the research findings appropriate and deliberated on addressing these challenges in the longer run. The facts and figures were also validated through exchange of information between the researchers and the tea practitioners

Such research and studies does help in understanding the effectiveness of activities undertaken by various stakeholders. Also it enables all of us to take required steps where we find the deviations and thus reflect on moving in right direction

Fairtrade International has undertaken a project with NAPP to conduct the COSP-study for cocoa in Asia region.

We have collected a complete and detailed list of cost items related to the production of Fairtrade cocoa in Asia Pacific. One day workshop was organized in Delhi with the cocoa producers to gather their inputs/Feedback on COSP of product cocoa

The cocoa in India region is not a primary crop and in most of the regions where the cocoa is grown in India it is considered a third or fourth crop. The COSP tool is a standard template to collect/capture data where cocoa is grown as a primary crop or farm having mono cropping system. To address this challenge NAPP has hired an expert team to provide its expertise to tweak the COSP template that reflect the regional reality while collecting data from the field

South East Asia :Documentation of standard review The review has been submitted to standard Unit

Plan for 2018 standard consultation

Views of producer about the POA for preparation of activities for 2018

Communication with honest and fair information helps FT shows it as an ethical and serious organization to the sustainable development

Asia Pacific Coffee Program Development Final Asia and Pacific Coffee Program It is highly important to implement


2018 is developed, consulted among producers and Team, and approved

the already approved coffee plan 2018

Pakistan: Aware mothers project Around 200 mothers trained on child nurturing

Women are more capable on child nurturing to remain them healthy and saving good amount, which were being spent on health issues

MONITORING, EVALUATION AND LEARNING (INCLUDES RESEARCH STUDIES)

Supporting NAPP and FI MEL department with identification of local partner and preparation of data wide system data collection in Indonesia.

2 SPOS to participate in this survey have been identified: KOPEPI Ketiara and ArinagataCoopeative

UKM Centre of Economic Faculty of Syiah Kuala University has been selected as implementing partner for this survey.

The local partner offer potential for future collaboration in the area of SPO development

The Cavendish Banana Study in the Philippines has officially started last October 15, 2017

On-going collection of data and development of questionnaire; The researcher has conducted initial visit with stakeholders identified to be part of the study

NAPP staff has shared all relevant information about Fairtrade System including Fairtrade Standards, compliance criteria and Theory of change

I Feed Good Project in Partnership with MaxHaveelar NAPP Thailand producers are part of the impact assessment study on Fairtrade certification for rice SPO

On-going coordination in logistical concern and selection of non-FT certified group to be part of the study

BTC research of cashew nut in Vietnam has been disseminated

Vietnam play the leading role in exporting cashew nut and should play a leading role in exporting FT cashew nut – The message of the survey has been conveyed to audience

Communication about the ownership of the project should be clear to have better preparation for dissemination

Impact assessment of Fairtrade certification among rice producers in India and Thailand

The evaluation aims at allowing Max Havelaar France, and more broadly Fairtrade International system, to understand and value positive changes resulting in the Fairtrade certification. The goal is to communicate the results to the different stakeholders.

The major challenge is to complete the project with limited budget .Currently we are exploring the possibility to reduce the scope of the project


The long term objective of this assessment is to develop sales opportunities in the French market, but also in other markets if possible. This research on rice will be accompanied with communication tools that aim to help Max Havelaar France with answering the needs coming from partners and being more proactive regarding this sector. Furthermore, the research could be a good opportunity for identifying how the Fairtrade system could be improved regarding its interventions in the rice sector.

In order to achieve this goal, the researchers should be working on an impact report and on developing communication tools such as short videos highlighting the main positive impacts of Fairtrade certification identified in the context of the study.

North East India Tea Scoping – Validation Workshop The report was shared with MRIL and Teloijan, and feedback from producers incorporated

Proposed interventions are yet to be agreed upon with producers.

Striking a right balance for intervention to address market expectation and challenges at producer’s site needs to be mutually agreed upon.

COMMUNICATIONS

Communication about FT with Vietnam Chamber for Commerce and Industry

Government and trader understand about FT and there are 5 traders approach to ask for applying in to FT

The FTA of Vietnam and Europe boosting Vietnam government to take action for promoting FT in Vietnam


MARKET ENGAGEMENT/EVENTS

Supporting Aus/NZ NFO in organising traders visit to coffee producer SPOs in Takengon/BenerMeriah

7 persons from Aus/NZ NFO and traders/roasters visited 7 SPOs and 4 traders in Indonesia on the final week of November 2017

The visit has promote good relation between producers, traders and roasters, creating stronger mutual trust and commitment of those involve at all level of supply chain

Support Cocoa cooperative in Vietnam to connect with labatory to have test on cocoa

The producer get the address and price for lab test

The delay of money transaction might cause the failure of the project

Supporting preparation of journalist visit from FT foundation to coffee producers SPOs in Takengon/BenerMeriah

The team from FT Foundation visited 5 coffee producer organisation in Indonesia on 4-9 December 2017

The visit has been very productive, documented some significant stories on the use of premium and the impact of FT in 5 SPOs being visited, the material will be used for public education and awareness with the UK and other region.

Fairtrade Australia NewZealand and Trader Visits Visit by 3 roasters (Jim Burton, 7 miles, Hummingbird) and 1 NFO to several certified coffee producers in Central Aceh, Indonesia.

No new contracts signed, and no new supply developed. Key importer (John Burton) is arrange supply for other roasters (7 miles, Hummingbird and other roaster in New Zealand).

Roasters/Importer demanding to improve relationship with their current supplier rather developing new supply chain.

Fairtrade UK Journalist Visits Visit by 2 journalist from UK and Austria, include 2 market-faced staffs from UK Foundation. The group visiting 5 certified SPO to gather information for promotion of Fairtrade which is focus on : Impact of Fairtrade, climate Change, and Not much focus on the quality of coffee.

Promotion Fairtrade label is important for NFO, however, producers much more demanding for practical targeted promotion that may trigger immediate sales.

Not very sure, how Journalist visit might meet with the interest of producers which is improve sales


Java Coffee Supply Chain Development Application of new SPO has been submitted to FLOCERT.

Training for Audit prepration conducted, Checklist for documents for initial audit developed.

Good communication betweeen NAPP representative and Expoter and NFO UK to initiate first purchase from Importer

Instant seasoning products and supply chain development (Herbs and Spices supply chain in Indonesia)

Application to FLOCERT and Control Union has been submitted for both SPO and Factory/Processor

Products profile finalised SPO factory/Processing plant has been

constructed, ready for operation Some key ingridients (Chilli, Shallot

and Garlic) has been plant Promotional activities has been started

(For example: Fair Trade Original has arrange for Photo and Video making to promote producers and products)

FairMatchSupport ( the Netherlands) Meeting and discussion in Amsterdam on Product Show - 16.11 on how NAPP FT and FairMatch Support provided chance to increase cooperation with FMS and identify more opportunities for walnut collectors in Kyrgyzstan and promoting trade opportunities for walnuts producers from Uzbekistan and Tajikistan http://fairmatchsupport.nl/

http://fairmatchsupport.nl/


As part of NAPP's effort to develop Fairtrade markets for our region, NAPP plan to attend Biofach event Scheduled in Germany . The SOP was created and circulated by Market Lead post internal discussion with all key regional stakeholders and Executive leadership teams. The SOP was implemented for finalizing nominations for BioFach event. Roughly 11 nominations were received and all the names were approved post review by Executive leadership team during the meeting. The SOP is develop for short listing of Network of Asia Pacific representatives from producers to attend the Fairtrade Foundation UK Fortnight event

Offers all producers an opportunity to demonstrate their impact and meet commercial partners, especially those who have had little access to Fairtrade markets in Europe

NFOs are investing time and resources to see a return on investment in terms of positive gains for producer

It will allow the shortlisted producer to directly interact with various target audience based in Uk and share their stories – largely school children, members of the public, but also staff from businesses and politicians from mayors, local councillors to members of parliament

Producers will get access to European market. It will enable the producers to have better exposure to international market and thereby an experiential learning while attending the Biofach

Such event provide an opportunity for farmers/workers to connect directly with Fairtrade consumers in UK market . It helps in brining visibility of Fairtrade work amongst various target audience

SUPPORT TO FAIRTRADE INDIA

FMO India along with NAPP is currently in the last phase of cocoa feasibility study. The current draft report has been shared within the stakeholder for providing inputs before releasing the report

Based on the initial report it is felt that the Indian region has limited traction from the retailers and most of them consider sourcing its raw cocoa from

This study has provided the required insights that will be useful to design project interventions for developing a future Fairtrade cocoa supply chain for


outside India . It has lead to the understanding that for developing a reliable and credible supply chain we have to look elsewhere within Asia.

Asian region leading to creating sustainable livelihood for the rural poor

Access to Indian FT markets + marketing training Tentatively plan has been discussed with

FMO India in purpose to establish sustainable supply chain of FT products to India market. TOR for marketing expert has to be draft and proposed to FMO for recruitment of expert to conduct two days marketing training. Quotation for products and shipment

(CIP Mumbai) have to be updated and proposed to FMO India

PARTNERSHIPS

Interaction with Assam Rural Livelihood Mission Society (Under National Rural Livelihood Mission, Govt. Of India, programme) w.r.t the Aldi project for setting up of Fai Budget Shop in 2 Tea estates of Assam and Darjeeling respectively

Meeting with Dr.Himadri Konch, COO, ASRLMS became fruitful, as he briefed about the process of setting up of the same in other tea estates of Assam under similar initiatives. This enables us to do understand the bottlenecks prevalent within the field region which would need strategies to counter and make the initiative successful.

Given the concept of setting up of the Shop, the preliminary discussion with target groups shows that the initiative will become fruitful as this would enable them to save more. Also right selection of goods and services will be the critical success factor for this initiative.

Following the previous quarter 1st step in building a better and stronger relation and coordination with local government, important step has been taken during this final quarter. This include the UK Foundation team visit and meeting with chief of district that made a significant move toward a stronger partnership and coordination with local government in Aceh Tengah District, Indonesia.

The UK FT foundation team and journalist and representative of Indonesian National Network had a meeting and discussion with chief of district on FT and the impact of FT in the area on the 6th of December 2017.

National Network need to develop a clear planning on advocacy initiative targeting local government and the higher.

Program officer to support National Network in developing its planning

UKM Centre of Syiah Kuala University has been selected The institution has signed agreement This bring a closer relationship


as implementing partner for Wide data collection in Indonesia.

with NAPP and the agreed activity will be started in January 2018

between NAPP and UKM Centre, offering a more potential collaboration in the future, especially in SPO development initiative.

Exploratory meeting with Department of Trade and Industry based in Dumaguete and Siquijor (Phillippine)

Get deep understanding on the situation of farmers and farmer organizations in Dumaguete and Siquijor. According to DTI, agricultural product like rice, coconut, dragon fruit and papaya are one of the best quality in the area. But farmers are not business minded. They lack of skills to engage into business and continuity in volume of their produce. There are a lot of things to do like capacity building training for farmer associations to empower leaders and members on effective governance and business. DTI is very interested to explore partnership with Fairtrade and how farmer members will learn from the standard in improving their internal operations and business practices

We will strategize to set strategy to enable small farmer organizations in the Philippines practice the Fairtrade principles, provide market access and help improve product quality. DTI can be a strategic partner for NAPP in identifying group that has great potential

Aldi Project Activities for roll-out under Aldi Project were consulted with Producers

One Company has signed the agreement, other two companies are yet to finalize their commitment to sign the agreement.

AFMA (Agricultural and Food Marketing Association for Asia and the Pacific) is an inter-government non-profit organization in association with Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) of the United Nations aims to promote food and agriculture knowledge and economic cooperation among government, private company,

After the meeting in Bkk with AFMA, the following highlights are summarized:

1.AFMA proposed NAPP FAIR TRADE Organization to have the operation office


institute, and Civil Society Organization in Thailand for efficient certification and marketing operation in Thailand and Greater Mekong Sub-region (GMS) including China, Cambodia, Myanmar, Lao PDR, and Vietnam in collaboration with AFMA.

2.To initiate the modality for Sustainable Food Value Chain for GMS and Central Asia Countries including fair-trade promotion and market outreach.

To empower small food producers on marketing and market accessibility through training and study tour in Thailand.

Hilfswerk Austria International, Tajikistan Consulting support (BDP) to Business Intermediary organizations - Agrolead in Kyrgyzstan and Neksigol Mushovir in Tajikistan to establish SPO 1st and 2nd level – EU CANDY IV project

Report was approved by Hilfswerk Austria reg. two conducted trainings- in April in Tajikistan and June in Kyrgyzstan with including set of recommendation for Business Plan aimed to establish two SPO approved

ADVOCACY


ALDI PROJECT UPDATE

The discussion process for setting up Fair Budget Shop at Jalinga Tea Estate initiated. The TOR was developed and was advertised for expression of interests by interested Consultants who could take up the role in setting up of the same.6 agencies shown their interest namely Aide at Action; Access Livelihoods Consulting; CTRAN Consulting Ltd (a Basix Group); Deloitte; Pragya and Sattva Consulting.

Meeting with Jalinga Tea Estate Management team and the Fairtrade premium committee members

The management team were briefed with information about the proposals and budgets submitted by these 6 organizations with technical inputs on experience, quality, brand, capability, etc., to show the need of credible organizations taking care of such initiatives. Also, the proposal with budgets were shared with the Jalinga Company for their feedback and further discussion. Upon the finalization and shortlisting of 3 best organizations among these, it was discussed that the same set of profiles will also be shared with Chamong group for finalization. Moreover, the company is also looking for their in-house consultant who could be considered for the project as he has all the required knowledge about the tea community with both Jalinga and Chamong Group.

Meanwhile the key aspects were also discussed to establish a basis for setting up of the FBS. These were Basket of goods and services to be provided (also w.r.t purity of products, demand of the product. etc.,); Location of the shop given the estate is spread across 3 divisions; Identification of right set of team members with minimum skill required; Formation of legal structure or leverage the


available ones like Fairtrade Premium Committee; Right set of supply chains; Setting up and Regular handholding till Build Operate Transfer, other services like Financial literacy on Savings and investments.

For setting the baseline, the census data was also discussed with the estate management and it was found that more Participatory Rural Appraisal data needs to be collected during the need identification study by the hired consultant for detailed information.

W.r.t the study on 16 years organic impact on workers’ health & biodiversity and using of cooking stove instead of firewood’s within the estate leading to a health benefit, there were discussions on impact assessment study to be undertaken during the 2nd semester of 2018. Thus, it was agreed upon to develop TOR and contract relevant agency applicable for the same. The NAPP shall also assist in helping them in developing the TOR.

W.r.t the setting up of Quality lab, the estate management seems to be quite progressive towards this initiative. For this, the estate has already earmarked a constructed space and is looking for bringing required equipment for testing. We also made a visit and did find the space equivalent for the plan. It was agreed that the detailed project


plan to be submitted by early January 2018. This component of the project is planned for completion in the first semester of 2018. The project plan will also mention the project manager from Jalinga who will provide regular monthly project updates & reports on this component. Further NAPP will disburse funds received for Setting up of lab by Jalinga team in 80:20 manner. For rest of the components it will be dependent on the tripartite agreement drafted with the service provider.

W.r.t Marketing and Communications under this project it was agreed upon that a TOR is to be developed by Jalinga to scope the delivery of this component. The objective of this component will cover -

Impact of the various components of the Aldi project (then and now scenarios etc.,)

Showcase the development story of Jalinga since they turned Fairtrade (premium projects etc.,), and cultural aspects of South Assam could be highlighted.

Further it was agreed that the same process would be followed and thus TOR would call for proposals and the most suitable service provider will be contracted. This activity is also planned during the second semester of 2018.


BTC PROJECT UPDATE

Closing workshop of BTC project On cocoa in Vietnam The project has been informed about it success to all stakeholders

Business link is set

New product of VN fairtrade will be sold in the FT system

Preparation for internal risk should be cared

TEXTILE PROJECT UPDATE

Training of workers and management of Purecotz in Gujarat – Purecotz is considering undergoing certification

Purecotz workers and management felt that since they already are audited for other standards, the Fairtrade certification would enable them to procure more orders

The management were not aware of the requirements post the gap analysis done by Flocert. This needs to be addressed

4. ORGANIZATION DEVELOPMENT

ACHIEVEMENT AREAS/ASPECTS IMMEDIATE RESULTS & WAY

FORWARD OPPORTUNITIES, CHALLENGES& LEARNINGS

NAPP Team Meeting December Thailand The team agreed to programmatic way of working New SOPs were discussed and finalised The team discussed common challenges and opportunities and action points were agreed Regional plans were finalized Various standards review progress were discussed


5. PRODUCER SUPPORT

Producer Support in Areas Covered by the Fairtrade Standards for Certified Producers/Permission to Trade/Suspended (This could

include Visits or trainings. Please note that even if the visits are to one producer but if a training was conducted for a group on a topic for

more than 2 hours categorize that under trainings)



INDIA VISITS

Good agricultural practices workshop for mango farmers of Citizens Welfare Society in Ongole. Mango trees are in the pre flowering stage and the practices to be adopted to ensure effective flowering and pollination was expressed as a need by the farmers of Citizens Welfare Society, FLO ID 34322. To address this need, a workshop was organized by the CWS for its members. A scientist from the Agriculture college and a Horticulture Officer in the area were roped in as experts to speak about the pests which could infest the crop and to talk about the schemes of the government for mango.

The farmers are willing to implement the suggestions made by the scientist and also to cooperate with the horticulture department in accessing the various schemes of the government

Planning Meeting with Assam Fairtrade Tea Producers for 2018 programme deliverables

The meeting discussed about the 5 major principles of Fairtrade Theory of Change. Based on the inputs, the participants were divided into groups to deliberate on probable intervention plans and following are the outcomes: (1) Building benefits with workers - The Management and Worker member teams discussed upon the issues like productivity on farm and the working condition of workers; improving


quality of tea, increasing income source through livelihood diversification mechanisms, and worker empowerment for self-governance of FPC's etc. Further they came up with suggestions on designing the necessary steps to counter these issues in a programmatic approach during the year 2018.

(2) Deepening impact through producer programmes - The teams deliberated on certification advisory services; needs of their estates, process of improved governance; youth wellbeing and gender programmes, Climate change issues and challenges, improved business capacity, research based inputs, best practices of premium usage and came up with their suggestion through programme delivery in the form of trainings and capacity building programmes. (3) Building Fairtrade Markets - The teams discussed about bringing other produces into fairtrade system produced by them, new supply chains and other mechanism for improved markets.

(4) Influencing govt policies - Advocacy needs were highlighted by the team for influencing the govt agencies to address the issues majorly to be worked upon by regulatory


authorities. (5) Working as one - The team deliberated on member engagement and system support for more cohesiveness and effective display of partner roles and responsibilities (6) Moreover, the participants enjoyed the experience of doing this planning exercise in a consultative approach as this was held for the 1st time and it allowed them to converge and deliberate on issues which need group intervention.

Validation meeting in Kolkata for the delivery of research findings under the North-East Tea Scoping study held during the year 2017 in association with Fairtrade Foundation UK, ILO, 2 Tea companies – Mcloed Russel India Ltd and Teloijan Tea Estate

The Validation meeting's objective was to share with the study partners the Tea Scoping study findings.The programme areas where the interventions could be planned to affect the tea plantation work areas and the relevant stakeholders with an objective to finally take the programme to the market, with mutual agreement. Immediate result which could be highlighted are

(1) The worker members were briefed about the bigger market systems beyond their plantation or estate level and thus it could be seen that the FPC members were able to relate how media, communications, markets, brands, processing, quality of tea, life of tea workers, etc are linked to


promote the Fairtrade as a brand and how these issues at plantation level has an outreach to Fairtrade markets in Europe, Germany, etc.,

(2) Detailed market system which operates within and outside the Fairtrade system was briefed to the participants which includes core value chain; supporting functions; and regulatory authorities. This enabled the members to relate the stakeholders with their practice and thus deliberations were effective on how the programme interventions can be worked in convergence with various agencies to have the best utilisation of resources.

(3) Important findings related to plantation performance; worker and living conditions; supporting functions for effective management; and regulatory advisory and advocacy needs where showcased. Many of the issues were agreed upon especially w.r.t Health and Safety; large no of dependence on workers, etc., Sanitation and relevant deliberation were done on probable solutions. Few of the plantation performance issues were questioned and required changes were agreed by the researchers.

(4) Programme delivery mechanisms


were discussed w.r.t improved PPE; communication tools to increase mass awareness on health and safety requirement, self-governance; income diversification for worker members for increase in current wage, showing a package of success and commitment to the market players, etc. The tea companies agreed on majority of the interventions and agreed to play an important role in addressing these issues.

TRAININGS Vietnam :

Training for FT producers on organic farming in Vietnam

The producers understand about organic farming and committed to increase ration of organic fertilizer to reduce use of chemical

Producers in Vietnam will increase the use of organic farming for adaptation to climate change

INDIA &MYANMAR :

Review of FLO-cert Audit Report with the Management & Workers, and Plan of Action for compliance.

Assessment of key issues in Non compliance Training of FPC members on FTP Management and

FPC members Roles, Focus Group Discussion with Adolescent, TU leaders,

Mothers Club and Compliance Committee members

On Review of the FLO-cert audit reports, the underline causes for the Non-compliance were identified as follows -

More support required support Tongnagaon Management on Compliance action.

Process and system followed for decision making on FTP utilisation were not uniform across all project.

The PO is aware of the core areas of improvement for re-certification.


Though accounting of FTP projects were maintained and centrally controlled from the HO, but at the Tea Estate level the accounts were not kept.

The FPC meeting were not conducted regularly to review and process action for generating ideas from among the workers on FTP.

Re-building work at Tongnagaon Tea Estate - Roads, Factory, office, school building, uprooting and new plantation, have demand maximum time of the Estate management, which has diverted their focus from regular monitoring on implementation of FT Requirements.

The change of Management staffs in the last two years, has disturbed the systems and process of management practices of Tongnagaon Tea Estates.

Security threats from extremists active around the Tea Estate region, and influence of external forces in instigating workers OR external forces directly challenging the authority of Tea Estate management within the Tea Estate, has forced the management to regularly divert from their core functions including compliance action on FT requirements, to conflict resolution measures.

The agreed Road map agreed with the


Management at Tea Estate Level and followed by discussion with senior Management of Chamong the following were agreed -

New structures would be evolved, to appoint designated Management Staff for certification & sustainability Compliance, at the Estate Level.

Amended ToR of FPC would be drafted and placed for approval in the AGM.

Awareness camps on FT would be conducted in the Tea Estate.

ALL FTP projects implemented, Work-in-progress and plan, would be re-visited to check, if all requirements in Planning and sanction has been adopted with detail budget and detail description has been made, else all such projects would be described and ratified by the next AGM.

FPC members would be re-elected in accordance to clause laid down in the revised ToR.

Re-orientation of FPC members Census of Workers and their family in

the Tea Estate. The FPC members were reoriented on

their Roles and Responsibility in facilitating discussion between workers in their respective constituencies, and schedules for discussion needs to be agreed upon with management.

The session was designed as follows - The participants were able to The participants were made aware


* Fairtrade Market system, Supply Chain mapping of Rice, Customer expectation

* Risk mapping on production of paddy and FT requirment

* Business and Development * Trade requirement

collectively identify the various risk to human and environment in their existing farm practices, and also able to understand the alternative practices to reduce risk and improve productivity and sustain farming. The participants were able to clarify their understanding on trade requirements, as the SPO has an order for FT supply of 50 ton of rice. The partiicipants could attain understanding on the FT market system, and expectations of end consumers.

on the 1st year requirements for compliance and requirements for compliance to execute their first FT order.

CENTRAL ASIA:

Uzbekistan After annual FLO- Cert audit support and environmental training preparation in Samarkand region

VISITS

Online skype meeting with cooperative Agro-organic (Kyrgyzstan)

The cooperative trades with organic fruits and vegetables, Interested to apply for FT certificate. It was discussed about compliance to FT producer standards (SPO) to be met by pre-applicant

Bylaw of cooperative and other related documents have been received for consideration to initiate process of application to FT certification

Meeting in Tashkent with leader of cooperative Zhyltyrova Sonungul (Kyrgyzstan)

The cooperative produces medical herbs and located in Issyk-Kul oblast (region) of Kyrgyzstan. The meeting with cooperative was held in Tashkent during the trade and business forum with Kyrgyz entrepreneurs and companies interested to develop trade and investment cooperation with Uzbekistan. Chambers of


Trade and Industry has conducted this business forum in Tashkent. Taking an opportunity as participant, I informed members of cooperative about Fairtrade principles and weak up interest by producers to get more about FT product standards and markets for sale. Preliminarily agreed to visit cooperative in Kyrgyzstan in beginning of 2018 for conducting of introductory workshop of Fairtrade to standards of HL and SPO. UNIDO Kyrgyzstan expressed interest to support trade and promoting business for local Kyrgyz company to trade abroad. Fairtrade is well known mark for UNIDO.

PAKISTAN: Hope farmers

Permission to trade after initial audit This is opportunity for Pakistani rice farmers to grab their share from international Fairtrade market

SRILANKA:

MOPA workshop, SPO standards review workshop

Farmer leaders, Field officers & extension officers received a better knowledge on standards

Next meeting /ToT programme

SOFA ( refreshment training for farmer leaders)

Farmer leaders understood the relationship between the activities done in the PO & standards

ToT with other farmers

Stassen Group Visit for rectification of audit NCs

Vellai Oya Estate visit for verification of Documents

Updated corrective measures and objective evidences immediately

Identified an advocate to provide

legal advices. Required enhanced book keeping

Getting delay on approval of FT logo

Issues in some contract

agreements between FPC and 3rd parties


system

Field / Factory Staff training Managerial staff training to Hatton Plantations Annual Fairtrade workshop for Management reps and

registered FTOs

Made good rapport with the middle management staff

Identified more factors for low interest compliances

Clear awareness for use of sustainability margin fund

Introduced a common risk assessment plans for all gardens.

Experienced based training by long standing FTOs to new comers is more productive

Need to conduct refresher training to the new group to bring them to level of others

More training required to this group since them more involving in the implementation

Challenges

Most of the FTOs not officially appointed and sometimes they have restrictions on reporting to senior management.

The official appointed as FTO serves more than 2 job roles in their garden and they feel this is an additional task to them.

The well performing FTO not remunerate for this additional task therefore their commitment is very low in recent past.

No proper support and guidance from the Management representatives of central structure in multi plantations

The POs not sent right participant

Producer Support in Areas Covered by the Fairtrade Standards for Producers with status (Pre-Applicant, Applicant, Applicant Fees Paid,

Initial in progress or any other)



INDIA VISITS

Mock/ Gap Analysis at Hathikuli Tea Estate, After the audit, de-briefing session was Challenge: Being situated near the


Kaziranga, Assam

organised and major differences were highlighted which need immediate attention. In terms of documentation, few training documentations; minutes of the meetings and required changes were suggested. The management and the worker members agreed to do required changes and make the initiative effective. 2. The gaps which were highlighted with respect to cleanliness, Sanitation, etc were also agreed upon and the necessary steps would be taken as assured by the estate management

tourist location Kaziranga, the estate has large number of visitors from within and outside and thus their daily activities get hampered due to hospitality services by the estate management staff. The time required to be put in for these initiatives will be critical for the staff members. Opportunity: Once the garden is Fairtrade certified, the opportunity is, Fairtrade premium benefits towards worker community can be highlighted at wider scale given the number of visitors visiting the garden. Moreover, the Fairtrade brand and its good work will be highlighted through word of mouth publicity

Vietnam:

1 training for passion fruit coop , Vietnam The producers are confident to practice FT standard

New group will be certified

Training on FT and FT standard for Ara CahyaniGayo and RatuKetiara cooperatives.

- Board members, supervisory boards and staff of both coop have been trained on the FT principle and Y0 standard.

- Ara CahayaniGAyo coop have been audited and certified by September 2017 with minor NCs. While RatuKetiara coop has submit the application and waiting for the initial audit.

Post audit support to be provided to both coop

TRAININGS: INDIA


Training and Advisory support to Belseri Tea Estate, Sonitpur Assam – W.r.t 1) Assisting in Finalising Terms of Reference; (2) Training to workers on Fairtrade and its requirement; (3) Formation of Fairtrade Premium Committee and training to Fairtrade premium committee members

1. During the visit, we along with Estate Management organised 15 to 16 meetings with different set of workers and covered 551 workforces to brief them about the Fairtrade initiative. The benefit of this exercise could very well be understood as the Estate management found the process effective in reaching out to large number of workforce in a systematic manner. Moreover, they could understand the process to be followed for similar exercises. 2. W.r.t the workers' benefit, the meetings held at different location allowed them to understand the intent of the Fairtrade initiative and further they themselves appointed their leaders for representing in the FPC. They were also happy to have got this opportunity to improve their living standards through this initiative in the long run. 3. Overall the FPC committee were formed during the visit and further required interaction with the FPC members could be done and provide the trainings. 4. During the interaction with FPC members, it was found that many of the members could managed to brief the intent of Fairtrade and has shared their issues and challenges where Fairtrade practice can bring the


change

SRILANKA:

Certification Advisory provided & Newly certified St Anne’s pvt Ltd & farmers/ Cocomate/Nadalagamuwa coconut growers/Cocobio/

Initial audits

Certified

Inaugural training to Premium committee members of Starthdon Estate

FTO advised to attend the grey points in the existing constitution.

FTO required to deliver some important documents to all FPC members.

Need to take action to registered the society in LGA

The committee has not legally registered yet.

Producer Support in Areas Covered by the Fairtrade Standards for Potential Applicants

ACHIEVEMENT AREAS/ASPECTS IMMEDIATE RESULTS & WAY OPPORTUNITIES, CHALLENGES&


FORWARD LEARNINGS VISITS INDIA

Phaladaayi Foundation, a certified trader is in the process of forming various groups for mango, spices, ginger, and other produce. They required some clarification about the standards, trading with a society and related certification queries.

Phaladaayi has already registered a few societies in various districts based on their requirement of produce. These will be undergoing certification in the coming year

The opportunity is that Phaladaayi has plans of forming about 8 SPO registered as societies. All of them may be certified for various products.

SRILANKA

Kandy Plantations – Coconut producer Discussed possible approached for apply certification.

Discussed required documents

The parent company already involved in Fairtrade system.

Identified buyers

Producer Support in areas that go beyond Standards Compliance (Access to finance, Market support/Trader linkages, Advocacy,

Fundraising support, Value chain upgrading (i.e. processing), Diversification: Income or product, Partnerships)



Producer Support pertaining to Social Compliance and thematic areas: Child Rights/Workers Rights/Climate Change/Gender

Achievement AREAS/ASPECTS Immediate Results & WAY FORWARD Opportunities, Challenges& LEARNINGS TRAININGS INDIA

2 phases of training were conducted on Women’s Leadership for women tea estate workers of United Nilgiris Tea Estates Coonoor, Flo ID 508. Women from Aldavalli, Devbetta, Chamaraju, Korakunda, and TAFE

In one tea estate a woman supervisor has been appointed as per request of the women who were trained in the first level of the leadership training.

The training has to be replicated in other tea estates. Based on the learnings of the 2 training programs, it has been found that a manual has


attended the program. Qualities of leaders, communication, public speaking, cooperation, collaboration, budget, women in economics, diversification of income, sex and gender, gender based violence were some of the topics covered under the two training programs

to be prepared which includes pictorials and simple local language for the workers to understand.

PAKISTAN

7 trainings of working and non working mothers, who belong to Vision Technologies, which is Fairtrade sports ball producer

Got useful tips on child nurturing Living wage improvement, as they are able to save some amount through using child nurturing tips

6. TRADER/EXPORTER SUPPORT

Trader/Exporters Support on Fairtrade Standards



INDIA

Reitzel India Ltd was trained on requirements of trader standards for the second year

This has enabled the trader to ensure that they are compliant with the requirements of the standard

This trader is proactive in meeting the requirements of the standard.

VIETNAM

Visit 3 traders of Cocoa in Vietnam 2 trader are willing to be FT certified New product to be sold

Trader Support on Areas that go beyond Standards




VISITS Vietnam :

Winter fair for coffee in Lam dong, Vietnam FT label has been introduced to producers and traders

3 new business links are set

Chance for expanding market for FT is available if we actively introduce our product to buyer

SRILANKA: Connecting with Traders/exporters Facilitated the Awareness Seminar

for Exporters Regarding the

Agricultural Products available in the

Northern and Eastern Provinces of

Sri Lanka by National Chamber of

Exporters (NCE) & ILO

Became the certification advisory

officials/partners for Fairtrade

Certification for Exporters in Sri

Lanka with NCE

SL Government with EDB

announced the financial

facilitations for new applicants

(exporters) for FT certification.


7. ACTIVITIES NOT COMPLETED IN THE PAST QUARTER

Activities not completed against the proposed work plan

What were the main reasons for not completing these proposed activities?

Finance Expenses incurred (if any, please give details)

India IVRS pilot project The farmers were busy with other

activities and did not want to hold the pilot project immediately

GAP workshop for 1 SPO in Bhakrapet

The farmers did not want the workshop at this period of time

Producer support to 3 SPOs The SPOs were not formed at this point of time

Central Asia

Training on Environment and Climate Change Standards has not been achieved in Kyrgyzstan

Partner Organization in Kyrgyzstan- NGO Agrolead has not approved agenda which shall be prepared from local lecturers training, thus, funds from donor – GIZ was not allocated.

Pakistan

Training on worker’s rights NN president was not available, as he was out of country

Dept of export agriculture farmer training

The dept could not organize the training

Srilanka

Quality and productivity project to Gardens

No fund available

Energy efficiency

No fund available

project to gardens House hold cash management training

No fund available

8. OVERARCHING RISKS & ISSUES

The constraint of Fairtrade International being unable to develop standards and prices for

products from the NAPP region that are in demand and/or having potential for benefitting a

large number of producers, but not in the current scope, or in Tier 1 category, persisted in

this quarter too. This continues to limit or constraint the growth of Fairtrade in this region

and remains valid for this quarter as well.

The non- availability of standards that are applicable/relevant to products and producer

organizations, particularly labour laws pertaining to HL tea plantations, continued to

contribute to increase in the number of relevant NCs, making them vulnerable to

decertification/voluntary decertification, mentioned in the last quarterly report, remained

relevant to this quarter as well.

9. ADDITIONAL COMMENTS:


10. PICTURES: