October 15, 2010

Wal-Mart Stores Inc plans to double its sales of locally sourced produce in the US by the end of 2015, as part of its new sustainable agriculture strategy to steer more business to small and medium-sized farmers globally, while also reducing farming's environmental impact.

Wal-Mart plans to buy more of select US crops. It also plans to train one million farmers and farm workers in emerging markets in crop selection, sustainable farming practices and in the process, sell US$1 billion in food sourced from one million small and medium-sized farmers.

Wal-Mart said Thursday (Oct 14) that it will start asking suppliers about water, energy, fertiliser and pesticide used per unit of food produced.

"Our efforts will help increase farmer incomes, lead to more efficient use of pesticides, fertiliser and water and provide fresher produce for our customers," President and CEO Mike Duke said in a statement.

The retailer's other goals include expanding the practice started at Walmart Brazil of sourcing only beef that does not contribute to the Amazon rainforest's deforestation.

Wal-Mart said it talked to various suppliers, universities and non-government organisations to come up with its goals.

Wal-Mart Stores, based in Bentonville, Ark., runs more than 8,400 locations in 15 countries.