Walmart Foundation and CARE Launch Agricultural Economic Development Initiative in Peru

BENTONVILLE, Ark., Feb. 16, 2010 - The Walmart Foundation and CARE today launched the Peru Agricultural Economic Development Initiative, which seeks to help 2,300 small-scale farmers in Peru. The program is expected to increase participants' incomes by 30 percent and create more than 300 new jobs in the region.

Through this initiative, women in Peru will become more involved in their family's farming operations. In addition, farmers will improve their agricultural operations, expand production, and gain better access to both local and export markets.

"Walmart is committed to empowering women to improve their livelihoods and enhance their economic opportunities," said Margaret McKenna, president, Walmart Foundation. "Agriculture is an important source of income in rural areas of Peru, and we are excited that strategies will be implemented in this project to ensure women are actively involved in training workshops, enabling them to exercise more decision-making in their family farming operations."

The project will focus on developing more productive artichoke, white corn, avocado, and other fresh vegetable value chains. Technical assistance providers will work closely with the growers to implement strong agricultural, environmental, and water resource management practices, strengthen business and negotiating skills, promote access to credit, and develop relationships with local buyers and exporting companies. The project will take place in the Huaylas, Yungay, Carhuaz, Huaraz and Ancash provinces in the north-central highlands of Peru.

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