What can CFNS do for an FPC?
CFNS can support and or undertake the following activities for an FPC, depending on the terms of reference with the funding body/implementation Agency.
Pre-Incorporation Stage
Supporting/guiding the implementation team in –
1. Groundbreaking meeting (usually 2 day long story telling, experience sharing, AV presentation of success stories) with the potential members to get their buy in to the idea of FPC keeping the producer interest as the centrality to building a truly empowered producer organisation.
2. Identification of the potential area
3. If required, preparation of the business plan
4. Identification of the first subscribers
5. Facilitating the first subscribers’ meeting – finalisation of MOA and AOA
6. Identifying the first directors
Post-Incorporation Stage
Supporting the implementation team in –
1. Preparing agendas and facilitating Board meetings that are held to approve the opening of a bank account, business plan, organogram, purchase policy, membership application form, appointment of the Chief Executive, etc.
2. Field staff recruitment and training
3. Preparing print and audio-visual material aids for the Members’ enrolment drive
4. Preparing and facilitating Board meetings to approve various compliance requirements and membership
5. Holding the first AGM (Agenda, process of conduct, and documentation etc.)
Operationalisation Stage
Supporting the implementation team in –
1. Support FPCs in implementing the approved Business Plan with full involvement and ownership of the respective Board
2. Preparing for operations:
a. Defining standard operating procedures (SOPs) for all the processes
b. Training the employees and related functionaries on SOPs
3. Finalise the agreement with various parties (transporters, other such service providers) involved in the business, including forward-linkages (for bulk sale of produce in the beginning), if any.
4. Identifying and facilitating agency(s) for designing and implementing appropriate IT systems to ensure transparency and fairness at all levels
5. Operationalisation of the FPC
6. Establishing backward linkages for input supplies and forward linkages for the sale of members’ farm produce.
Post Operationalisation Stage
Undertaking activities and initiatives for –
1. Evolving shared the “Values and Vision” of the Company with the board and professionals
2. Designing need-based modules for continuous capacity building of all stakeholders, including field extension programmes for members (including trainers’ training for taking up these programmes/interventions).
3. Undertake Board training as a focused and time-bound activity following a modular approach covering various aspects of Knowledge, Skill, and Attitude to govern effectively.
4. Regular monitoring and review of the activities to ensure achievement of the set goals
5. Continuous Value Chain monitoring and strengthening
6. Strengthening marketing linkages with reliable agencies and value-added process initiatives in the FPC
7. Help build a retail brand for the FPC
8. Preparing appropriate Agendas for Board meetings/Annual General Meetings and ensuring proper documentation of minutes and training the FPC person to take it forward on his/her own.
9. Keep reviewing the operations and governance for continuous improvement and guide the Chief Executive in conducting the business review meetings.
10.Providing Mentoring support to the CEO, if needed also for the Board Chair and Board Members.
11. Support developing suitable Apps for members’ information and awareness building about the activities of the FPC, leading to strengthening Member-FPC linkages.
12. Handholding the FPC in guiding and strategizing to achieve the Business Plan’s time-bound Goals/targets.
13. Undertake grooming of potential professionals to be on board as expert directors in the coming years.