Fairtrade and ISEAL Advancing Human Rights and Sustainability in Sugar Farming, Negros Occidental

Nestled in the heart of Negros Occidental, the sugar capital of the Philippines, something extraordinary unfolded: the Introductory Workshop on Human Rights and Environmental Due Diligence (HREDD), Philippines. Farmers, often the unsung heroes of global supply chains, came together to learn about a powerful tool for change—HREDD.

Organized by Fairtrade NAPP (FTNAPP) in collaboration with ECFFPA and aligned with the standards set by ISEAL, this two-day workshop was a beacon of knowledge and empowerment. It focused on equipping farmers with a robust understanding of HREDD principles, offering them the means to strengthen their practices, protect their rights, and secure their place in the global market.

The global push for ethical and sustainable practices is no longer just a trend; it’s an imperative. For smallholder farmers, particularly in the sugar industry, aligning with these standards means more than market access—it’s about survival.

The need for this workshop was rooted in the rising demand for compliance with the European Commission’s (EC) HREDD regulations, which emphasize accountability in human rights and environmental protection. Yet, these technical requirements can often feel daunting. The training broke these down into actionable steps, making them accessible and relevant to the farmers’ daily lives.

The workshop began by grounding participants in their own realities. Through a context-setting session, they explored their existing practices, many of which already aligned with HREDD principles. This discovery was empowering, reframing HREDD not as an external imposition but as an extension of their lived experiences.

• Deep Dive into the Sugar Value Chain: Farmers gained insights into the intricacies of the sugar supply chain, learning to identify their unique contributions and challenges.
• HREDD and Me: This reflective activity allowed participants to define HREDD in their own language, bridging the gap between technical jargon and personal experience.
• Interactive Learning: Participants evaluated their understanding of HREDD through engaging discussions and activities, ensuring clarity and confidence.

The discussions also highlighted farmers’ stories of resilience and innovation, showcasing best practices that could serve as models for others.

By the end of the training, participants had a standardized understanding of HREDD principles, their relevance, and how they could be applied in the sugar supply chain. More than just theoretical knowledge, they walked away with actionable insights to implement these practices in their cooperatives and communities.

With in-house HREDD experts, FTNAPP is uniquely positioned to provide farmers and clients with practical solutions for navigating the complexities of HREDD implementation. This capability is a key differentiator, demonstrating FTNAPP’s commitment to excellence and innovation.

The workshop laid the groundwork for future activities, including a Risk Assessment Workshop and Technical Support Sessions planned for 2025. These follow-ups aim to deepen understanding and ensure sustained impact.

The journey to full HREDD compliance isn’t without hurdles. Farmers face challenges in interpreting complex regulations and implementing them at every level of their operations. However, these challenges bring opportunities:

1. Strengthening mutual trust between farmers and buyers.
2. Building preventive and remedial mechanisms to address human rights and environmental risks.

The dialogue fostered during the workshop laid the foundation for stronger partnerships, emphasizing shared responsibility and collaboration across the supply chain.

One of the most inspiring aspects of the training was the participants’ reflections:

• A female farmer shared: “Learning about HREDD has opened my eyes to how much of a difference it can make in my community. I now see how protecting our environment and rights strengthens not just my farm but also my family’s future.”
• A male participant added: “This workshop gave me the confidence to explain HREDD to others. It’s no longer just a concept—it’s a tool I can use to bring positive change.”

These voices underscore the transformative power of knowledge and collaboration, showing how even the most technical principles can spark real-world change.

Fairtrade NAPP’s commitment doesn’t end with a single workshop. By embedding HREDD into the fabric of sugar production, they are driving a movement that balances ethical standards with economic growth.

Through initiatives like these, Fairtrade, with the support of the European Commission, isn’t just supporting farmers—they’re cultivating a future where sustainability, fairness, and opportunity thrive. This training in Negros Occidental is more than a milestone; it’s a stepping stone toward a more equitable and sustainable global sugar trade.