When Fair Trade Meets Cooperation: ICA-AP and Fairtrade NAPP Join Hands for Asia-Pacific Producers
Two of the region’s most farmer-centered networks have formally joined forces. ICA-AP and the Fairtrade Network of Asia and Pacific Producers (Fairtrade NAPP) have signed a Memorandum of Understanding to strengthen cooperatives, open up fairer markets and improve the livelihoods of smallholder producers across Asia and the Pacific. Signed by Mr. Balasubramanian G. Iyer, Regional Director of ICA-AP, and Ms. Bindu S, CEO of Fairtrade NAPP, the agreement takes effect on 29 September 2026 and runs until 30 September 2028. It forms part of the ICA-EU Partnership #coops4dev, co-funded by the European Union.
The partnership brings together two networks with complementary strengths. ICA-AP unites 124 member organizations from 29 countries in the region. Fairtrade NAPP, the regional producer network within the global Fairtrade system, represents more than 270 Fairtrade-certified producer organizations and over 190,000 farmers and workers across 20 countries, growing coffee, tea, cocoa, cotton, sugar, rice, spices, fruits and nuts, among other crops. Both are built on the same conviction: that producers do best when they organize democratically and have a strong voice in the decisions that shape their future.
The MoU sets out a wide field of joint work. The two organizations will advocate for fair working conditions, fair prices and stronger value chains among cooperatives, and will carry out thematic research and co-organize knowledge-sharing platforms such as the Fairtrade for Cooperatives Meet. They will run training and capacity-building programs for cooperators, youth and women, encourage cooperative-to-cooperative trade, and help cooperatives and producer organizations reach new national, regional and international markets. They also intend to pursue joint proposals and funding opportunities with donors, development agencies and philanthropic partners.
Several priorities are already on the table. Cooperative development in Central Asia, along with capacity-building and knowledge-sharing programs focused on youth and gender empowerment, is tentatively planned for 2027. The partners will also explore South-South cooperation with the ICA-AP Trade and Business Committee and the Malaysia Business Office, and will bring Fairtrade perspectives to ICA-AP platforms, including the Asia Pacific Cooperative Development Platform (APCDP). Further collaboration is envisaged on climate resilience, sustainable and regenerative agriculture, human rights and environmental due diligence, and responsible value chains.
Ms. Bindu Sukumarapillai said: “This partnership brings together the strength of the cooperative movement and Fairtrade’s producer-led approach to advance more inclusive, sustainable and resilient livelihoods across Asia and the Pacific. By connecting knowledge, networks and market opportunities, we aim to create greater space for producers and workers to shape sustainable value chains, strengthen cooperative enterprises, and translate our shared commitments into meaningful action.”
Mr. Iyer echoed the shared purpose: “Cooperatives and Fairtrade share a common purpose, putting people and producers at the center of economic activity and in giving them a meaningful voice in the systems that shape their livelihoods. This partnership brings our networks and expertise together to strengthen cooperative enterprises, build the capacities of women and youth, promote fair and sustainable value chains, expand market opportunities and turn our shared priorities into practical action across Asia and the Pacific.”
To keep the partnership on track, each organization will name a focal point, joint coordination meetings will review progress, and every assignment will be guided by terms of reference approved by both sides. For members across the region, the message is encouraging: cooperative identity and fair trade are being brought closer together, and ICA-AP will share further updates as the first activities take shape.