Wal-mart launches commitment to sustainable agriculture

Oct. 14

Wal-mart today launched its new global commitment to sustainable agriculture that will help small- and medium-sized farmers expand their businesses, get more income for their products and reduce the environmental impact of farming, while strengthening local economies and providing customers around the world access to affordable, high-quality, fresh food.

"More than 1 billion people around the world rely on farming and hundreds of millions of them live on less than $2 a day. Globally, with a booming population, food production must increase roughly 70% to feed 9 billion people in 2050," said Mike Duke, Wal-mart president and CEO. "Through sustainable agriculture, Wal-mart is uniquely positioned to make a positive difference in food production -- for farmers, communities and customers. Our efforts will help increase farmer incomes, lead to more efficient use of pesticides, fertilizer and water, and provide fresher produce for our customers."

By the end of 2015, Wal-mart´s sustainable agriculture strategy goals include:

- In emerging markets, to sell $1 billion in food sourced from 1 million small and medium farmers, as well as provide training to 1 million farmers and farm workers in areas such as crop selection and sustainable farming practices.

- Invest more than more than $1 billion in its global fresh supply chain in the next five years. And for the first time, ask suppliers about the water, energy, fertilizer and pesticide they use per unit of food produced.

- Reduce its food waste in its emerging market stores and clubs by 15% and by 10% in stores and clubs in its other markets.

- Reduce deforestation of the world´s rainforests and reduce greenhouse gases by requiring sustainably sourced palm oil for all Wal-mart private brand products and expand Wal-mart Brazil´s practice of only sourcing beef that does not contribute to the deforestation of the Amazon rainforest.

The company estimates that by sourcing sustainable palm oil for its U.K. and U.S. private brand products alone will reduce greenhouse gas emissions by 5 million metric tons by the end of 2015.

Contact Waste & Recycling News reporter Chrissy Kadleck at 330-865-6172 or wnintern@crain.com

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