Fairtrade supporting coops in Asia Pacific to collect geolocation data
Co-funded by a cocoa manufacturer, this project being implemented in Papua New Guinea is a part of a broader mission to prepare smallholder cocoa and coffee farmers for evolving global trade expectations, especially under the European Union Deforestation Regulation
PORT MORESBY, July 28, 2025 — In a strategic move to enhance traceability, regulatory compliance, and market competitiveness, Fairtrade producer network NAPP is supporting coffee and cocoa cooperatives in Asia Pacific to collect geolocation data – a process that is challenging for many small cooperatives using these technologies for the first time.
Co-funded by a cocoa manufacturer, this project being implemented in Papua New Guinea is a part of a broader mission to prepare smallholder cocoa and coffee farmers for evolving global trade expectations, especially under the European Union Deforestation Regulation [EUDR].
Why geolocation matters
At the heart of the project is the collection of accurate coordinates or boundaries of smallholder farms to ensure transparent and traceable supply chains.
With increasing demand from EU buyers for deforestation-free and ethically sourced commodities, geolocation data defines the exact location where certain products are grown. When combined with systems that can trace a product’s path from the individual farm, to the cooperative, and onward to specific buyers further along the supply chain, this information can be used to check production conditions, or provide more information to shoppers about the origin of their food.
Geolocation data for farms is a central part of the EUDR, which cooperatives need to provide to their European buyers if they want their product to be able to enter the EU. So supporting producers to collect their own geolocation data means they can maintain access to a key market, while also boosting the global market appeal of Fairtrade producers.
Through the project in Papua New Guinea, farmers are trained to: Conduct geospatial analysis using mobile phones and specific software to record farm boundaries and establish geofencing strategies; align with EUDR requirements using correct data formats, and
Use customised dashboards and data visualisation for real-time insights and monitoring; and building capacity on the ground.
Fairtrade’s approach is to support farmers to understand the regulation, how to use the technology, and how to manage and analyse their own data, rather than simply collect the data through other means.
Fairtrade does this because this is important information for cooperatives in monitoring their member farms, and in their business relationships. Fairtrade has invested significantly in the past year to build producers’ capacity to collect high quality data, and conduct their own deforestation risk analyses. With this information, they can invest in forest protection initiatives based on their members’ realities, and they are in an empowered position to share their data with their trade partners.
In Papua New Guinea, a total of 25 farmers from two Fairtrade certified coffee and cocoa cooperatives — Club 3000 Farmers’ Cooperative Society Ltd [cocoa farmers] and Highland Organic Agriculture Cooperative [coffee farmers], participated in intensive, hands-on training on geolocation data collection methods supported by Giegere Greg Hedziga, Fairtrade NAPP Programme Consultant in Papua New Guinea.
These trained farmer-enumerators are now tasked with mapping individual farm plots — a process expected to span three months. During this phase, ongoing monitoring and validation will ensure the accuracy and consistency of data collected.
Monthly progress checks and technical support from the NAPP team will further strengthen the reliability of the data and ensure it meets international verification standards.
Farmers see a pathway to remain “competitive” in the global marketplace
The initiative has already begun to inspire and energise local farmers. “I am so pleased to see that the geolocation project is being carried out in our plots,” said Sed Arey, farmer member of Club 3000 Farmers’ Cooperative Society Ltd. “This gives me the confidence to meet market demands and stay competitive in the cocoa sector here in Papua New Guinea.”
Roger Kapum, another farmer, agrees. “From certification to exports and now to meeting EU regulations—I’ve been a part of Club 3000’s journey from the beginning. This project truly motivates me to work harder and ensure our organisation remains a reliable and competitive international supplier.”
Their enthusiasm reflects the growing momentum among Fairtrade producers in Papua New Guinea to embrace innovation and lead the way in ethical, traceable farming.
What’s next?
Once the geolocation mapping is completed and data are sent to Fairtrade International for validation, a deforestation analysis report generated by Satelligence and the EUDR-compliant geolocation data file [in GeoJSON format] are shared back with the cooperative via FairInsight, Fairtrade’s platform for producers to manage and share information and build strong trade relationships. Through the partnership with Satelligence, Fairtrade is making best-in-class satellite imaging and analysis available to cooperatives at no cost to them.
Each cooperative’s analysis report not only aligns with or exceeds EU regulatory requirements in terms of deforestation cut-off dates and data formats, but also serves as a guideline to the cooperative about what farms may be at risk for deforestation, for instance close to other deforested land. With this information, cooperatives know where to invest in raising members’ awareness, conduct training, or take other risk mitigation actions.
Through this initiative, Fairtrade NAPP and its partners are paving the way for smarter, more sustainable trade. Similar work is being done in other parts of the world with Fairtrade coffee and cocoa producers. With farmers motivated to expand sustainable and ethical farming practices, they will also have the tools they need to thrive in a more regulated, data-driven world.
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