In order to contribute to the economic and social development of extremely poor areas of the country, Walmart in El Salvador has been developing the "Strengthening Agricultural Technology" project since 2020, benefiting suppliers that are part of the Tierra Fértil program.  In this way, it contributes to improving the living standards of families engaged in horticultural production, guaranteeing and promoting a profitable and sustainable business through good agricultural practices.

This initiative had an investment of US$67,714.97 and focused on three leading horticultural suppliers in the upper zone of the municipality of San Ignacio in the Department of Chalatenango and one producer in the municipality of Nahuizalco in the department of Sonsonate, benefiting 104 workers (46% women) in the packing and delivery logistics centers.

The project included technology transfer and technical assistance through the construction of four greenhouses per supplier, reinforcement of the application of Good Agricultural Practices and Good Manufacturing Practices, and induction in the use of cover technologies by Hortifruti's Agricultural Extension area. This guarantees sustainable production of vegetables under cover, the opportunity to have staggered production and scheduled deliveries of products at fair prices so that suppliers can achieve greater profitability.

"The Tierra Fértil program is part of the actions that Walmart carries out as part of its commitment to be a regenerative company, one of its main pillars being the community. On this occasion, we are closing another project that has benefited national suppliers in the area of Chalatenango and Sonsonate, favoring the development of the vegetable value chain", emphasized Sandra Cáceres, Walmart's Corporate Affairs Coordinator in El Salvador.

Tierra Fértil is a program that supports small and medium-sized agricultural producers and aims to provide access to the formal market for their products. The program offers training in good agricultural practices, production organization, and post-harvest management, among other relevant topics. To join the Tierra Fértil program, each producer must be willing to produce using Good Agricultural Practices and Good Manufacturing Practices and must also meet the legal requirements for formal marketing of their products.

Sixty percent of the fruits and vegetables marketed by Walmart in the country come from salvadoran farmers.

Translated by: A.M