SOFA
The Small Organic Farmers Association (SOFA) was officially established in 1997 by its founding 182 members. SOFA obtained organic certification that same year, and was certified as a Fair Trade producer organization in 1998.
The association is located in the centre of the island of Sri Lanka in the Gampola region. SOFA's farmers grow tea, spices, and vegetable crops for both home consumption and the export market. Most of these smallholder farmers use land which was formerly part of a state-run tea plantation.
Today, SOFA has 1600 members. The association’s management committee is composed of 39 members elected by farmers from 13 blocks. The association employs eight full time staff and gives priority to children of members when recruiting.
SOFA's mission is to work with disadvantaged farmers to produce a range of quality organic products for export, at the same time contributing to the social and economic development of farmers’ agricultural communities. Its objectives include:
- Using organic agricultural methods
- Enhancing the social and economic standards of its members
- Helping to improve the educational facilities for family members of producers
- Contributing to religious, cultural, and social activities in the area
- Protecting the environment
Bio Foods
Bio Foods is a commercial company that processes and exports organic agricultural products such as tea and spices in the region. It was instrumental in setting up SOFA and establishing the organization's organic conversion program. Bio Foods originally encouraged families to create an association in order to improve managing practices regarding the production process. Bio Foods was registered as a Fair Trade exporter in 1997.
A farmer dries cloves / Photo courtesy of Arayuma: www.arayuma.com
Tea and Spices
Sri Lanka is the world’s third largest tea producer, exporting more kilos of tea per year than any other country worldwide. Tea and spices are both very important for the Sri Lankan economy.
Historically, Sri Lanka’s tea producers have struggled with low salaries and poor working conditions. Prior to 1993, many small-scale farms in Sri Lanka’s mid-country had been abandoned or neglected because of the poor prices or lack of demand for mid-grown tea. In recent years, small producers have grouped together to pool their expertise.
Many tea producers have diversified into spices and other cash crops, establishing alternative income generating schemes. In 2005, spices including pepper, cloves, cinnamon and cardamom became Fair Trade certified by FLO (Fairtrade Labelling Organizations International). Today, Fair Trade Certified spices grown by SOFA, such as cinnamon, pepper, clove, nutmeg, ginger, and turmeric, are exported on world markets, including to Canada.
Overall, the benefits of Fair Trade are felt in all villages where SOFA’s members grow tea and spices.
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Price:
There is no international market price for tea, as there are many different types and qualities of tea sold at regional auction centres at different prices. Accordingly, the Fair Trade price for tea is negotiated between buyers and sellers, based on the local auction price. It must cover at least the costs of production, which Bio Foods ensures.
Democratic Principles:
As a Fair Trade association, SOFA adopts democratic principles. The council is elected annually, and majority consensus is required to adopt decisions.
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SOFA's farmers practice crop diversification, also growing rice / Photo courtesy of Arayuma: www.arayuma.com |
Green Practices:
The implementation of organic and Fair Trade standards not only improved the quality of SOFA’s products, but also increased incomes from sales. Compost also is now used as a fertilizer.
Fair Trade Premiums:
The premiums have been invested in a wide range of projects. Examples include:
- Diversification of agricultural products
- Providing tea plants to producers (30 in 2000 and 50 in 2001)
- Distributing dolomite, a material used as natural fertilizer for tea plants
- Constructing a community room for village meetings and social activities
- Funding scholarship programs for farmers’ children
- Providing training programs about organic production and technical assistance
- Purchasing 40 cows in 2001
- Ensuring safe drinking water in strategic locations
External sources