Thursday, 03 March 2022 21:39

Tierra Fértil 2022 Festivals are here!

Written by Evelyn Alas

In order to contribute to the consumption of local agricultural products and raise awareness of the ProgramaTierra Fértil , Walmart de México y Centroamérica will be developing a total of six fruit, vegetable and greens festivals throughout the year, starting with the first event dedicated to a healthy lifestyle.

At all Walmart stores in the region, customers will be able to visit special stands with a larger display of each season's agricultural products.

"At Walmart, we have always believed in local production in the countries where we operate. Through our Programa Tierra Fértil , we have consistently supported small and medium-sized agricultural producers, and this is another window we are opening to promote their development through opportunities that encourage them, while promoting a nutritious and balanced diet for our customers", said Ana Fran Villatoro, Manager of Small and Medium-Sized Suppliers at Walmart Mexico and Central America.

Walmart de México y Centroamérica's Tierra Fértil program promotes the development of 632 Central American agricultural producers, who receive benefits such as advice on agricultural production techniques, support, purchases without intermediaries, secure payments and shorter terms, and even investments in infrastructure and inputs.

Tierra Fértil also advises agricultural producers on how to grow new fruits and vegetables, increase the capacity, efficiency, and safety of their production, and export their products.

"I have a 15-year partnership with Walmart, which has been a life-changer for us. Our potatoes and avocados come directly to the company, without intermediaries. We have been growing. With Tierra Fértil, many farmers in Las Pilas Chalatenango have benefited. We have received training, we have improved our quality and become more competitive", said Saúl Regalado, a Walmart supplier in El Salvador.

These events will be replicated in the 36 Walmart stores in the five Central American countries, so the impact will be a success, according to the organizers. The supermarket chain will be announcing each festival on its respective date.

In 2021, Walmart's purchases from Central American agricultural producers totaled US$88.3 million. The Programa Tierra Fértil promotes the development of 632 Central American agricultural SMEs, benefiting 13,238 families.

In El Salvador, 60% of the fruit and vegetables sold in the chain's stores come from salvadoran producers, 19% of which belong to women farmers. In total, 1,353 salvadoran families benefit.