Fundacion Walmart de Mexico and TechnoServe Mark 13 Years of Strengthening Smallholder Supply Chains in Mexico

Vegetable and fruit farmers across 25 states have participated in the Program

Mexico City, June 17, 2024 –  Fundacion Walmart de Mexico and international nonprofit TechnoServe announced today Walmart Mexico’s supply chain sources 13% of its fruits and vegetables from smallholder farmers. This marks a major milestone for the Pequeño Productor Program, which has provided training to more than 32,000 Mexican smallholder farmers in best agronomic practices since 2011. The farmers have also transformed over 68,000 hectares of land into regenerative production.

Oscar Mora, an avocado producer from Avo Hass Colima, said “It has been a life-changing experience for us. We understand better what markets demand in terms of quality and avocado sizes. We know our product is of high quality, and we no longer fear that our fruit will remain unsold or that we won’t be paid.”

Agriculture plays a significant role in Mexico’s economy, employing 12% of the workforce and contributing over 4% to the GDP. Around half of the farms operate on less than two hectares, facing challenges not only concerning low yields and unpredictable harvests but also limited access to finance and formal markets, intermediary-driven low prices, insufficient incentives to adopt sustainable farming practices, and buyer concerns about product quality. All these challenges are compounded by the growing impact of climate change and the degradation of natural resources, making it even more difficult for these farmers to thrive.

The sales achievement marks a success story for farmers who have not only strengthened their access to markets but also embraced regenerative agricultural practices, enhancing their profitability, and contributing to sustainability. The regenerative agriculture component of the Pequeño Productor Program promotes practices like cover cropping, crop rotation, erosion barriers, and efficient use of water, amongst others. Moreover, regenerative agriculture practices enable producers to reduce the use of fertilizers and agrochemicals, resulting in cost savings and increased soil fertility, leading to greater productivity.

Gisela Noble, the Director of Fundacion Walmart Mexico added, “This remarkable success reflects Walmart’s commitment to bringing prosperity to Mexican smallholder producers and the transformative potential of collaborating with an organization like TechnoServe, which brings deep localized experience working with farmers and promoting a more regenerative future in agriculture.”

The Pequeño Productor Program is an initiative that leverages the collaborative power of Walmart de Mexico y Centroamerica, one of the world’s leading retailers, in partnership with experts and professionals from TechnoServe. At its core, this Program champions a methodology that includes agronomy training, business advisory support to help farmers establish formal businesses and manage them effectively, as well as quality guidance to produce and sell according to market demands. The Program also focuses on ensuring that women can fully participate in, and have a direct benefit from, all aspects of the supply chain, including leadership in farmer-run businesses.

Jacqueline Castillo, a tomato producer from Uelitini Tonatiuteotl, Puebla, said, “As a woman, I would never have imagined leading a farmer-producer organization as the field is predominantly male-led. Due to the hard work and perseverance, it’s now a dream come true, and I encourage all women producers not to be afraid because it is possible.”

Gabriela Campuzano, Regional Director of Latin America & The Caribbean at TechnoServe, said, “We are proud of the remarkable achievements of smallholder farmers. Their accomplishments improve their financial stability and contribute to soil health, biodiversity, and climate resilience, positioning farmers for long-term success. At TechnoServe, we champion regenerative business practices, developing robust business models and innovative solutions to facilitate the transition. We are convinced that embracing regenerative businesses empowers both individuals and markets to thrive.”

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Media Contact

Mexico – Diana Fernández,+5255 12534908  dmfernandez@tns.org

Washington – Julieta Ocampo, +120278545150 jocampo@tns.org

### About the Inclusive Agriculture Program

The Pequeño Productor Program, created and led by the Walmart Mexico Foundation and implemented by TechnoServe, has been running in Mexico since 2011. It is committed to empowering local communities by strengthening market access, promoting regenerative agriculture, enhancing rural connectivity, empowering women and youth, facilitating access to markets, and improving communication strategies.

### About Fundacion Walmart de Mexico

It was created in 2003 as the non-profit organization that channels the company’s community support, helping to improve the development of different communities, through: Emerging Situations, Volunteering, Fight against hunger, Support to Small Producers and Donations. More information at https://www.walmartmexico.com/regeneracion/fundacion-walmart

### About TechnoServe

Founded in 1968, TechnoServe is a leader in harnessing the power of the private sector to help people lift themselves out of poverty for good. A non-profit organization working in around 35 countries, we work with people to build a better future through regenerative farms, businesses, and markets that increase incomes. Our vision is a sustainable world where all people in low-income communities have the opportunity to prosper.

More information at: Twitter @TechnoServe | Facebook @TechnoServe | LinkedIn @TechnoServe