A Step Toward Sustainability: Fiji’s Sugar Cane Industry Embraces HREDD

A crucial transformation is underway in the lush islands of Fiji, where sugar cane fields stretch for miles. Fairtrade NAPP recently held a groundbreaking workshop introducing the concept of Human Rights and Environmental Due Diligence (HREDD) to key players in the sugar cane industry. This two-day event wasn’t just about regulations and equipping people with the knowledge to make long-term, meaningful changes for their communities. NAPP’s mission? To foster sustainable communities, this workshop was a significant step in that direction.

What set this workshop apart was its approach—interactive, hands-on, and inclusive. The stakeholders weren’t passive listeners but engaged participants, sharing their insights and concerns. Representatives from the Lautoka Cane Workers Association, the Fiji Sugar Corporation, and the Sugar Cane Research Institute all sat down together to map out what HREDD compliance could look like in Fiji. This wasn’t just about ticking boxes for the EU market. It was about real conversations on building a supply chain that respects human rights and the environment while ensuring long-term prosperity for everyone involved.

For many of the participants, this workshop was a real eye-opener. It helped them connect the dots between HREDD and the future of their industry. They didn’t just walk away with a better understanding of compliance—they realized how crucial it is for staying competitive in global markets. By ensuring their sugar cane supply chain is clear of any human rights or environmental issues, they’re protecting their businesses and safeguarding the livelihoods of their workers and communities. The workshop also emphasized that HREDD is more than a legal requirement; it’s an opportunity to ensure that rightsholders’ voices are heard and respected.

This workshop was just the beginning. Now comes the hard work of putting what was learned into practice. The priority? Certification for the participating SPOs. Fairtrade NAPP is already planning follow-up activities, and one of the key goals is to work closely with decertified organizations like the Labasa Cane Sugar Association to help them regain their standing. Before the next big workshop on risk mitigation, groundwork will be laid to ensure all stakeholders are on board and ready to act.

Of course, progress rarely comes without obstacles. One of the biggest challenges ahead is revoking the suspension of the SPOs, a necessary step before moving forward with HREDD compliance. But there’s reason to be optimistic. Once these roadblocks are cleared, there’s a real opportunity to leverage support from the Fijian government, which could help strengthen HREDD compliance not just for the SPOs but for the entire sugar cane industry in Fiji. The potential is enormous, and the groundwork laid at this workshop could be the beginning of a more sustainable and resilient future for Fiji’s sugar cane farmers.