The South India Producers Association (SIPA) has been engaged with the issues of sustainability, women empowerment, and artisan and craft promotion since 1986. It was conceived as a collective initiative for marketing and administering support to about 30 producers and artisan-based organizations across the states of Tamil Nadu, Kerala, Andhra Pradesh, Pondicherry, and Karnataka in the southern part of India.
SIPA's artisan network spans across Southern India. SIPA works with 30 artisan groups and over 5,000 artisan families that are involved in income generation activities producing crafts. A vast range of products are produced by the 30 groups under SIPA's umbrella, some of them include palm leaf basketry, decorative candles, natural oils, insence making, kalamkari textile products, wooden toys. All the products are made with locally-sourced natural materials from their respective regions and special care is taken in regards to disposal of waste, so as to keep the environment clean and safe.
SIPA is directly involved throughout all stages of product development including marketing of the crafts. They also provide technical and financial support, assist artisans in capacity building, and provide design support.
SIPA is a member of the World Fair Trade Organization – 'WFTO', Asia Fair Trade Forum, and Fair Trade Forum-India. The organization strongly follows the globally accepted fair trade mandates as part of the social commitment to it's stakeholders – the artisans; thus striving for consumer satisfaction and moving towards providing artisan members with a sustainable livelihood, and positive socioeconomic changes in their lives and communities.
