On April 10, 2025, Fairtrade NAPP successfully convened its Extraordinary General Assembly (EOGA), marking a pivotal moment in its journey towards sustainability, innovation, and stronger governance. The event witnessed active participation of Fairtrade NAPP producers and workers, Board members, staff, technical advisors, key partners, and interpreters across 11 languages.

Setting the Stage for Growth and Resilience- Welcome and Orderly Convocation

Pravakar Meher, Board Chair, formally opened the meeting and extended a warm welcome to all attendees. He affirmed that the Assembly had been convened in full accordance with the Fairtrade NAPP Constitution, with invitations sent to eligible members based on the ECERT list provided by FLOCERT as of March 1, 2025.

Following a roll call, a quorum was confirmed, ensuring that all proceedings and decisions would be legally valid. Legal opinions from Fairtrade NAPP’s auditors in Singapore were sought throughout the process to uphold the highest standards of compliance and integrity.

All members had received the EOGA date, agenda, and pre-read materials—including translated versions—well in advance, ensuring transparency and preparedness.

Adhering to established protocols, each producer organization had nominated an official delegate authorized to vote on its behalf. Only delegates who signed the commitment form were eligible to participate. Decisions were made based on a simple majority of valid votes cast.

To ensure full inclusivity, simultaneous interpretation of the proceedings was provided in 11 languages, enabling broad and meaningful participation across the diverse FTNAPP community.

The minutes of the previous General Assembly, held in March 2023, were formally approved. No conflicts of interest were declared, and the meeting agenda was unanimously accepted as presented.

Inauguration of the Extraordinary General Assembly and Welcome Address

During the inauguration the Chair expressed sincere gratitude to the producers, Board members, Fairtrade NAPP team, Fairtrade International, NFOs, and donors for their continued support. Highlighting key initiatives, he emphasized the establishment of Regional Conferences and eight Product Networks to strengthen producer representation. He also introduced the Sustainability and South-to-South Strategies as vital pathways to enhance market access, financial resilience, and growth opportunities. Reaffirming Fairtrade NAPP’s commitment to transparency, innovation, and producer-led development, the Chair formally declared the Assembly open.

Strategic Presentations: A Blueprint for the Future

Two major strategies were presented to the Assembly by Samir Kapur- Commercial Lead 

• South-to-South (S2S) Strategy: Focused on expanding Fairtrade market access in emerging economies like Singapore and the UAE, this strategy seeks to diversify revenue streams, foster B2B partnerships, and enhance producer-led trade. Key collaborations include partnerships with renowned companies, and others exploring Fairtrade products across multiple sectors. The approach emphasizes value addition, sustainability, and producer-led trade growth.
• Sustainability Strategy: The strategy outlined a dual-service model: continuing to offer free core services while introducing fee-based services such as training, audits, and certification support. This model aims to ensure financial self-sufficiency, build producer capacity, and reduce reliance on external consultants. The strategy also aims to maximize internal expertise and reduce reliance on external consultants.

Strengthening Governance: A Landmark Constitutional Amendment

Following Fairtrade International’s recommendations, the Assembly proposed and unanimously supported the inclusion of two independent directors on the Fairtrade NAPP Board. This milestone decision, ensuring a blend of external expertise and equal regional representation, underscores Fairtrade NAPP’s commitment to enhanced transparency, accountability, and strategic oversight. 

The proposed structure retains equal representation from Regional Conferences while adding independent voices to bring external expertise and diverse perspectives. The independent directors will be appointed by the thirteen elected representatives to ensure objectivity and support informed decision-making. The Chair sought members’ support for this resolution to reinforce good governance and further strengthen Fairtrade NAPP’s leadership and effectiveness.

Transparent, Inclusive Decision-Making

Voting procedures were conducted with the highest integrity, managed by an independent third-party vendor, Etamin Infomatics Solutions. Delegates voted using a secure, unique code system, with simultaneous interpretation provided throughout the proceedings. Participants also engaged in live Q&A sessions, with real-time responses from Fairtrade NAPP leadership.

Celebrating Impact: Fairtrade NAPP Documentary Premiere

While voting was underway, participants viewed a compelling documentary prepared by the Fairtrade NAPP Marcomms Team, showcasing Fairtrade NAPP’s regional impact through the voices of producers, partners, and leaders.

Watch the film

Leadership Updates and the Road Ahead

Fairtrade NAPP CEO-Bindu Sukumarapillai and COO- Hagung Hendrawan, presented an overview of Fairtrade NAPP’s key achievements in 2024. The key highlights presented support to 272 producer organizations across 20 countries, with a strong focus on standard compliance training, capacity building across multiple thematic areas, and expanding market access. 

Some of the achievements included reaching 207 producers, establishing 8 product networks, and enhancing climate resilience Programs, empowered women and youth through leadership training and economic opportunities, Advocacy initiatives on policy influence related to New EU regulations.

Looking ahead to 2025, Fairtrade NAPP’s priorities include enhancing regulatory compliance, driving market access, strengthening strategic leadership, and advancing sustainability initiatives, alongside focused support in HREDD, Advocacy, Marketing and Communications , and Monitoring, Evaluation, and Learning (MEL).

Declaration of results - Four Key Resolutions Passed

Four resolutions were tabled in the Fairtrade NAPP EOGA-2025 via the Voting Portal.  The voting process was managed by an independent third-party vendor, Etamin Infomatics Solutions, ensuring confidentiality and transparency. For a resolution to pass, it needed to receive 50% +1 of valid votes from participating producers.

The Assembly overwhelmingly approved four major resolutions:

1. Adoption of the Fairtrade NAPP Sustainability Strategy (Version 1.0) - 98.46% vote
2. Approval of the South-to-South Initiatives (Version 1.0)- 98.46 % vote
3. Authorization for the Board to implement both strategies- 97.30% vote
4. Amendment of the Fairtrade NAPP Constitution to include two independent Board directors- 95.37% vote

Vote of  Thanks and Closing

In a heartfelt Vote of Thanks, Fairtrade NAPP’s Vice Chair - Rosemarie Sumalinog Gonzales extended deep appreciation to all producers, Board members, staff, partners, and supporters for their unwavering commitment to making the EOGA a resounding success.

The Fairtrade NAPP Extraordinary General Assembly 2025 stands as a landmark moment, reinforcing Fairtrade NAPP’s mission to build a fairer, more sustainable future—led by producers, powered by collective action.