SOFA - Small Organic Farmers Association
SOFA is located in the central region of Sri Lanka. It was founded in 1997 by Dr Sarath Ranaweera of Biofoods with 183 farmers. This has since grown to a figure of 1600.They are a dedicated organic farmer group who produce certified Fair Trade tea and spices.
SOFA is located in the central region of Sri Lanka. They are a dedicated organic farmer group who produce organic spices and tea under Fair Trade concept. All the agricultural fields of SOFA are inspected and certified as organic by Control Union – The Netherlands.
Objectives
Objectives of SOFA
- Supporting to develop lands of producers confirming to the organic agricultural methods.
- Enhance the socio economic standards of the members.
- Helping to improve the educational facilities to family members of producers.
- Contribution for activities related to religious, cultural & social in the area.
- Conducting programs to protect the environment.
Why Fairtrade?
The majority of producers within the SOFA group are poor farmers.Their average land extent is below one hectare. These farmers need assistance to enhance their socio economic standards. Bio Foods conducts awareness programs on agriculture and health together with the SOFA Management.
Financial assistance for the development programs are mainly funded by Bio Foods and the Fair Trade premium is received by SOFA directly to their account for the same purpose.
Not only the SOFA members, but also the nearby villagers benefit from the social activities like drinking water supply projects, community centers and education support programs for children.
All tea producers receive a number of tea plants and other economically important plants free of charge, annually. Selected poorest farmers receive farm animals and agricultural equipment.
Company Structure
SOFA is a 100% independent farmer organization now managed by a Board of Management. This consists of representatives/presidents of Block Societies of organic farmers. SOFA consists of 26 small farmer societies with a total of 1536 individual organic farmers. At present, SOFA is a fully independent farmer organization & they are registered as Fair Trade certified tea & spice producers under the Fair Trade Labelling Organization (FLO).
