To grasp the practicalities on the ground, the Fairtrade NAPP team actively organizes regular meetings, consultation workshops, Fairtrade certification advisory sessions, Standards Training, organizational development, and information dissemination. These initiatives are geared towards enhancing the democratic involvement of members. Tailored support and advisory services cater to diverse levels within producer organizations, aiming to inclusively fortify all stakeholders in the supply chain. Aligning with this, the Fairtrade NAPP team conducted various activities to support our producers from Samahan ng Organikong Magniniyog sa Albay (SOMA). As part of this activity, the team first visited three Carabao vendors, ensuring the signing of RFQs and obtaining necessary business permits.
Fair insight Visitation:
The Purpose of the Fair Insight visitation was to document the Fairtrade Premium Use investment plans, record the approval of those plans, document the outcomes of investments, record the approval of those outcomes, generate marketing materials about Premium Use investments, export investment data, and share Premium Use information with Fairtrade
During the session, participants were guided in the use of the portal and in uploading the draft plan. They also addressed common issues faced in their recent audit, including incomplete data in some FDP reports, failure to submit FDP reports to PN/Fairtrade International, and the absence of needs assessments before FDP planning. During the 2023 General Assembly, the small producer organization (SPO) conducted a Needs Assessment Survey among its members. The insights garnered from the survey will be integrated into the planning of the 2024 FDP, indicating a commitment to incorporating member perspectives for more effective future initiatives.
Fairtrade Premium Assessment Workshop with Board of Directors of SOMA
In the pursuit of Fairtrade’s mission, the effective use of premiums is crucial to ensuring positive outcomes for communities. The key inputs for successful premium utilization are outlined to guide stakeholders in their endeavours. Hence, a fairtrade premium assessment workshop was conducted with the board of directors of SOMA. This workshop aimed at efficient investment of premium funds and align with Fairtrade’s objectives through project implementation. Mandatory risk assessments for major projects ensure prudent financial decisions, promoting transparency and accountability. The impact of this workshop is reflected in the following key inputs:
Strategic Planning: The emphasis was given on planned undertakings of projects to ensure careful consideration of objectives, methods, and desired outcomes, enhancing the likelihood of success.
Effective Resource Allocation: It was recognized that projects necessitate financial resources, time, knowledge, and specific skills, this approach ensures efficient resource utilization for maximum impact.
Objective Alignment: Clear project objectives was drawn out to provide a guiding framework, ensuring that efforts are directed toward agreed-upon goals, fostering a sense of purpose and direction.
Comprehensive Activities: A Project planning approach was designed that involved a series of activities, sequenced through a time plan, ensuring a systematic approach to achieving objectives. This approach accommodates the diverse needs and aspirations identified through consultations with workers.
By adhering to these key inputs, the impact of projects extends beyond mere financial investment, fostering strategic planning, efficient resource allocation, objective alignment, and comprehensive activities that resonate with the needs and aspirations of the community.
Fairtrade Standard Risk Assessment and Farm Visit
A workshop was conducted to initiate the discussions for the Fairtrade Standard Risk Assessment. The Board of Directors received an assignment to review the Fairtrade Standard and internally assess areas susceptible to non-compliance risks. Another workshop is planned upon confirmation of the Flocert audit schedule, considering the organization’s current priorities.
Testimonial:
Ms. Cherry Repolona from Albay is one of our producers who has 20 years of coconut farming experience. The main source of income of their family is the coconut production. Over the years, they are able to invest in hauling of materials, coconut trading and aggregates construction materials and supply. Ms. Repolona is one of the founding members of Samahan ng Organikong Magniniyog sa Albay (SOMA) in 2018.
Reflection of this Fairtrade NAPP visitation:
“I feel that I became more competitive by practicing organic and fair trade princiles. I become more confident about myself that I can still learn, meet new people, establish networks and expand my beliefs/knowledge about agriculture. I am able to visit new places and meet other farmers that helped broadens my perspective. I feel that I can do more by being part of SOMA” – Ms. Cherry Repolona,
Motivation to success
“As a farmer, we have to show and teach our children to love farming. To continue practice natural farming that protects our environment and legacy. Becoming a Fairtrade farmer is both challenging and fulfilling because the level of commitment is higher than being an individual organic farmer practitioner. Our level of commitment to sustain and improve our organization is our driving force to bring change, become sustainable and uplift the lives of our members. After learning about Fairtrade standard, we think more about the socio-economic condition of our seasonal workers, our community and the farming industry itself. Fairtrade gives us opportunity to believe in ourselves, to become revisit our values and define our future
