History of MOPA

Over a Decade of Experience

MOPA is a locally registered Organic & Fairtrade producer organization. Registered under registration NO; “kapu/E/05/swa/san/101/2010” and “Fairtrade” registered as a small scale producer organization under FLO-ID 25759, dedicated to environment friendly farming practices, adhering to organic principles and respecting the local ecological ethics, which enriches the soil structure and uplift the biodiversity in farm lands, thereby increasing the productivity. The association consists of 50 NO; s of established producer societies (Tea, Spices & Coconuts) which has individual members itself around the country covering of four regions namely Central, “Uva”, North west and Southern region, their outreach covers 5629.25 Acres to date, with more than 6000 family members as beneficiaries. In most case scenarios all the family members are involved in farming either full time or part time, with close to 50% of them being women. Out of the above figured total extent of member’s cultivations 540 acres are belongs to tea cultivars and many variety of spices are grown in 3502 acres. 1586.75 Acres are belongs to coconut farmlands in North West region of the island.

Milestones of MOPA

  • 2010

    Started MOPA and held the first AGM

    In 2010 started the Marginalized Organic Producers’ Association by the founder Dr. Sarath Ranaweera. As an association the MOPA held their first Annual General Meeting together with 26 village societies

  • 2011

    1000 Farmers Reached. First premium projects launched

    In 2011 the Marginalized Organic Producers’ Association membership reached 1000 farmers and MOPA initiated the first Fairtrade premium projects among the village societies. It is completed successfully

  • 2015

    Membership reached 2000 farmers

    We were able to reach 2000 farmers which is a remarkable milestone for the association

  • 2016

    Formed Regional body and introduced democratic election procedure to select leaders

    Marginalized Organic Producers’ Association formed regional bodies.All village societies categorized based on the geographical structure. In the same year MOPA introduced democratic election procedure to select leaders. It is special moment of the adopt to the Fairtrade standard criteria

  • 2021

    First Preprocessing unit launched

    MOPA launched the first preprocessing unit from Fairtrade premium. It is one of the special moment and huge project done from Fairtrade premium

  • 2023

    The GM of MOPA appointed as the Vise Secretary in Fairtrade NAAP

    The Marginalized Organic Producers' Association's General Manager, Mr. Asanka Narayana, was appointed a vice secretary of the Fairtrade NAAP (Fairtrade Network of Asia & Pacific Producers) in 2023. This is a special and important moment in MOPA history