Preparing Small Producers for a Sustainable Future: The HREDD Workshop in Bangalore, Supported by Fairtrade Germany

In a world where sustainability is becoming an increasingly critical factor for businesses, Fairtrade NAPP, with the support of Fairtrade Germany, has taken a significant step to empower small producers. The Introductory Workshop on Human Rights and Environmental Due Diligence (HREDD), held in Bangalore, India, on December 10th and 11th, 2024, brought together ten enthusiastic participants, including small cotton producers and board members from various producer organizations. The workshop aimed to equip them with the skills and insights necessary to integrate human rights and environmental sustainability into their operations.

The workshop’s objectives were straightforward yet pivotal: to understand the importance of HREDD, explore its operational implications for small producers, and deepen the knowledge of supply chain compliances that contribute to long-term business sustainability. Participants were guided through a comprehensive agenda designed to not only educate but also activate change in their day-to-day operations.

Fairtrade NAPP’s facilitators began by introducing the core concepts of HREDD, exploring its relevance in today’s globalized economy, where sustainability is no longer optional but a mandate. The discussions focused on the intersection of human rights and environmental practices, highlighting how they contribute to Fairtrade’s mission and the broader goals of the European Union’s evolving regulations, such as the EUDR (EU Due Diligence Regulation) and the EUCSDDD (EU Corporate Sustainability Due Diligence Directive). These regulations, expected to impact supply chains globally, were dissected in detail, allowing the participants to grasp their importance not just in compliance, but as a business growth strategy.

The workshop was structured around a mix of presentations, group activities, and case study exercises. Through these methods, participants explored the nuances of implementing HREDD in small-scale agriculture, especially in cotton production. The hands-on case studies allowed participants to connect theory with practice, examining how these principles could be applied within their own organizational contexts. This approach brought clarity to the complex world of human rights and environmental standards, demystifying the often-confusing requirements of global regulatory frameworks.

The workshop’s immediate impact was nothing short of transformative. The participants, who represented a diverse range of small producer organizations (SPOs), left the event with not just a theoretical understanding, but actionable insights into how they could implement HREDD within their operations. The awareness of regulatory compliance was greatly enhanced, but perhaps more importantly, the participants realized the potential of these practices to improve supply chain transparency, business competitiveness, and overall sustainability.

The workshop also underscored the collective importance of Fairtrade certification in maintaining market competitiveness. By aligning their practices with HREDD principles, participants were not only preparing for future audits but positioning their organizations as leaders in sustainable agriculture. This was particularly significant as the European Union’s regulations on HREDD begin to reshape market dynamics, emphasizing the need for businesses to be proactive in ensuring responsible practices across their supply chains.

One of the key takeaways from the workshop was the strong desire among participants for continued engagement and learning. They expressed interest in further training and support, particularly in understanding how to use HREDD tools and analysis formats effectively. Recognizing that HREDD compliance is an ongoing journey rather than a one-time task, Fairtrade NAPP has committed to conducting follow-up sessions that will focus on practical tools, risk assessment strategies, and preparing small producers for the upcoming HREDD audits.

While the workshop was a resounding success, it wasn’t without its challenges. A major hurdle identified by participants was the interpretation of the 13 factors of HREDD, which can vary in application across different contexts. The need for greater clarity around the scope of HREDD and how it applies specifically within the Fairtrade context was highlighted as an area for further exploration.

However, rather than seeing this as a setback, the workshop turned these challenges into valuable learning opportunities. The interactive discussions and sharing of experiences helped to clarify many of the ambiguities surrounding HREDD, and the group-based problem-solving sessions fostered a collaborative learning environment. This exchange of ideas created a strong foundation for future discussions, allowing participants to refine their understanding and approach to sustainable supply chain management.

The true impact of the workshop can be best captured through the voices of those who attended:

· Shree Kumar (Manarcadu Social Service Society, India) shared, “The workshop provided invaluable insights into the EU regulations and their implications for our supply chains. The facilitators equipped us with practical tools to implement HREDD, and the networking with other producer organizations gave us new perspectives on challenges and solutions.”

· Mina Vora (Rapar and Dhrangadhra Farmers Producer Company, India) expressed, “This training was incredibly beneficial. Many of the concepts were already familiar, but

this session has given us the framework to implement them more systematically. We’ll be passing this knowledge on to our field team and board members to ensure we can support the wider implementation.”

· Biranchi Narayan (Chetna Organic Agriculture Producer Company, India) emphasized, “The workshop made the importance of HREDD very clear to us. It’s not just about compliance; it’s about sustainability. We now have a much better understanding of how to integrate these practices into our supply chain management.”

Fairtrade NAPP’s commitment to empowering small producers with the tools and knowledge to thrive in a sustainable, compliant world is unwavering. The Introductory Workshop on HREDD in Bangalore was just the beginning. As small producers gear up for future audits and work to implement human rights and environmental due diligence practices, Fairtrade NAPP remains steadfast in providing ongoing support, training, and resources to ensure that small-scale agriculture continues to grow sustainably, ethically, and in line with global standards.

Through initiatives like these, Fairtrade is not only fostering sustainable communities but also ensuring that small producers are empowered, resilient, and ready to face the challenges of the future.