In a rapidly changing agricultural landscape, the empowerment of youth is no longer a choice—it is a necessity. Recognizing this, Fairtrade NAPP has launched a comprehensive Youth Skill-Building and Leadership Training program in Sri Lanka, aimed at equipping young members of Fairtrade-certified Small Producer Organizations (SPOs) with the knowledge, tools, and confidence to lead their communities into a sustainable and equitable future. This initiative is co-funded under the European Commission Funding Framework Partnership Agreement (EC FFPA), a global strategic partnership designed to strengthen Fairtrade’s role as a democratic, member-based civil society organization representing over 1,900 producer organizations worldwide.

The training was conceived as a direct response to the growing need for next-generation leadership in the agricultural sector. By investing in the potential of youth, the program not only nurtures future leaders but also strengthens the overall resilience and sustainability of the Fairtrade supply chain. These young leaders are seen as crucial agents of change, capable of driving innovation, fostering inclusive decision-making, and ensuring the continuity of ethical, sustainable business practices. Moreover, the initiative supports NAPP’s broader agenda of gender equity and intergenerational collaboration, by building bridges between experienced producers and the aspiring youth who will inherit the stewardship of their communities and land.

Key Focus Areas Covered

Designed as an interactive and experience-based workshop, the training utilized a variety of participatory methodologies including real-life case studies, simulations, role plays, and group discussions. All sessions were conducted in provincial languages to ensure inclusivity and better comprehension. The training focused on four core areas essential to modern agricultural leadership: Smart Agribusiness and Livelihoods, Agricultural Innovation and Technology, Digital Marketing, and Ethical and Sustainable Farming. These thematic areas were selected to help participants navigate the complex challenges of today’s agricultural markets while promoting long-term community development and environmental responsibility.

Youth-Led Transformation in Action

The training drew participation from 22 youth leaders representing organizations such as the Pasadul Organic Farmers' Welfare Association, Ceylon Organic Farmers Association, Lanka Fair Cocos Farmers' Association, and several others. These young leaders left the workshop with a renewed sense of purpose, equipped to take on leadership roles within their communities and contribute meaningfully to the Fairtrade mission.

Shamini Waniga Sekara of All Inland Organic Farmers Association shared,

“Thank you  for organizing such an informative and well-executed training program. The training experience from Dr. Kuma Iddamallena and the dedicated support from Mrs. Iresha Sanjeewanie, Program Manager-Fairtrade NAPP,  in providing valuable knowledge and skills, has made a lasting impact. We truly appreciate the effort and resources invested in making this training a success. Looking forward to more opportunities to learn and grow together.”

Lahiru Sanjaya from Ceylon Organic Farmers Association echoed this sentiment, stating

 “This program greatly contributed to the success of my personal and professional life. I truly believe it will be a turning point for me. I learned how to solve problems that I had been seeking answers for over the years, in very simple and practical ways. It has also helped me live a dignified life and carry myself with confidence in society:”

Participant feedback highlighted the deep personal and professional impact of the training. Many described it as life-changing, noting how the sessions helped them resolve long-standing challenges, build confidence, and feel empowered to live with dignity and purpose. The training also sparked meaningful friendships and fostered a strong sense of community among the youth—a vital component for long-term collaboration and collective action within the Fairtrade ecosystem.

The broader outcomes of this training go far beyond the individual. By strengthening youth leadership and entrepreneurial capacity, Fairtrade NAPP is investing in the long-term resilience of supply chains, ensuring business continuity, and promoting inclusive governance within producer organizations. The initiative also lays the foundation for future policies supporting Living Wages, Living Income, and Human Rights and Environmental Due Diligence (HREDD). These are not just buzzwords—they are essential pillars for building a fair, just, and sustainable future for all.

This program is more than a training—it is a movement towards a future where youth are not just beneficiaries of development, but leaders of it.