Fairtrade NAPP’s Collaborative Journey at the IFOAM Organic World Congress in Taiwan

Fairtrade’s continued commitment to sustainable development was showcased at the IFOAM Organic World Congress held in Chiayi County, Taiwan. The event brought together global leaders, experts, and organizations focused on organic farming and sustainability. With a focus on strengthening partnerships and addressing the challenges faced by organic farmers worldwide, Fairtrade’s presence at the event was a vital step in advancing its mission.

One of the key objectives of Fairtrade NAPPs participation in the Congress was to build partnerships with global organizations, governments, and experts in the field of organic agriculture. The event provided an excellent platform for Fairtrade NAPP to connect with influential bodies such as IFOAM, FIBL, Naturland, and the Government of the Philippines. The interaction with the Department of Agriculture of Karnataka and the National Centre for Organic Farming from India opened doors for potential collaborations that will enhance Fairtrade’s impact in the organic farming sector. These connections are expected to create new avenues for collaboration, research, and knowledge sharing, advancing the global organic movement.

Fairtrade NAPP was also focused on supporting its producers in the evolving landscape of organic certification. At the event, Mr. Shailesh Patel, representing the Rapar and Dhrangadhra Farmers Producer Company, made an important presentation on adapting to the new EU Organic Regulation (EU 2018/848). This regulation, which aims to improve the sustainability and integrity of organic products in the European Union market, presents challenges for Fairtrade certified organic producers. Mr. Patel’s insights highlighted the adaptation strategies that organic Fairtrade certified producers can implement to remain compliant with the new regulations while continuing to deliver high-quality organic cotton to global markets.

Fairtrade NAPPs proactive role in supporting producers during this transition shows its dedication to protecting the livelihoods of organic farmers while ensuring that they have access to fair trading opportunities. The exchange of knowledge and experiences during the presentation was instrumental in fostering understanding and cooperation between producers and certification bodies.

A significant theme throughout the Congress was the impact of the new EU regulations on organic producers, especially those in the Fairtrade system. Fairtrade NAPPsparticipation underscored its commitment to ensuring a just transition for organic producers navigating these changes. By highlighting the challenges faced by farmers and discussing the adaptation measures necessary for compliance with the new regulations, Fairtrade NAPP is advocating for policies that support a fair and equitable transition for producers worldwide.

Fairtrade NAPPsposition on ensuring that these changes do not disproportionately affect smaller, marginalized farmers is central to its mission. The organization continues to work with partners across the globe to provide support, resources, and training to help organic farmers, particularly those in Fairtrade certification, to thrive in the new regulatory environment.

The IFOAM Organic World Congress also featured a series of workshops and sessions that were beneficial for Fairtrade NAPP team and its partners. Workshops such as “Future-Proofing Organic Farming: Improving Group Certification and ICS Compliance” provided valuable insights into the latest developments in organic farming practices and certification standards. These sessions also addressed the evolving requirements of the EU market, offering participants a deeper understanding of the complex landscape of organic certification and the ways in which they can adapt to meet these challenges. The producer participation was co funded by ECFFPA

The knowledge gained from these workshops will be shared with Fairtrade’s producer networks and stakeholders, helping to further enhance the capacity of organic producers to navigate regulatory changes and build more sustainable farming practices.

The immediate impact of the participation in the event was the strengthening of relationships with key stakeholders. The connections made with leaders from IFOAM, FIBL, Naturland, and various government bodies will likely lead to new collaborations that will bolster Fairtrade NAPPs mission of promoting sustainable and fair practices in organic farming. These partnerships are not just about expanding Fairtrade’s reach but also about ensuring that its core values of fairness, sustainability, and community empowerment remain at the heart of organic farming globally.

As Fairtrade NAPP continues to engage in global dialogues and partnerships, its commitment to supporting organic farmers remains unwavering. The experiences shared at the IFOAM Organic World Congress are just one example of the ongoing efforts FT NAPP makes to ensure that organic farmers, particularly those in developing countries, are equipped with the tools, knowledge, and support they need to thrive.

Through its work with organizations such as IFOAM, FIBL, and Naturlaand, as well as with government bodies and certification agencies worldwide, Fairtrade is helping to shape a future where organic farming is not only sustainable but also equitable. By continuing to engage with key players in the sector, FT NAPP is laying the groundwork for a just and prosperous future for organic producers, ensuring that they can continue to provide high-quality, ethically produced goods to markets around the world.

Fairtrade NAPP’s participation at the IFOAM Organic World Congress emphasized the importance of advocating for a just transition in the organic farming sector, particularly for Fairtrade-certified producers. As the global organic landscape evolves with stricter regulations such as the EU Organic Regulation (EU 2018/848), Fairtrade has positioned itself as a vocal proponent of policies that ensure marginalized farmers are not left behind.

Fairtrade NAPP extends its heartfelt thanks to the generous donors and partners who make these projects possible, including IFOAM, FIBL, Naturland, the Government of the Philippines, the Department of Agriculture-Government of Karnataka, and the National Center for Organic Farming-Govt of India. These organizations are instrumental in supporting Fairtrade’s efforts to promote sustainability and fair trade practices across the globe. Follow them on social media to stay updated on their ongoing work and collaborations.