Wal-Mart expects to buy about $400 million in locally grown produce this year, and says it is bringing more American farmers into its supply chain to keep food prices down amid rising fuel costs.
Fruits and vegetables grown in-state account for about one-fifth of the produce in its stores this summer. Partnerships with U.S. farmers have increased 50% in the past two years, the retailer says.
Wal-Mart will also be working with state departments of agriculture and local farmers to develop or revitalize growing areas for produce like corn in Mississippi and cilantro in southern
Florida. By buying cilantro from Florida for distribution across the East Coast, Wal-Mart saves some 250,000 miles in one season.
The retailer first announced its plans to increase local
sourcing last month as it looked for ways to reduce transportation costs while supporting its goals to sell products that are earth-friendly and ethically sourced. "We're taking it to a new level with
a pledge to grow our partnerships with local farmers," says Pam Kohn, Wal-Mart's VP and general merchandise manager for grocery.
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