USAID and Walmart Sign Cooperative Agreement
The U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID) and Walmart for Mexico and Central America signed a cooperative agreement to jointly develop agriculture projects in areas most vulnerable to food insecurity in Honduras.
USAID will provide technical assistance to small farmers in Western Honduras. The Agency will also help farmers get access to agriculture supplies that will improve production at reduced prices. Walmart in turn will develop a direct relationship with producers proving new market opportunities for them through their stores Supertiendas Paiz, Walmart, Maxi Bodega, and Despensa Familiar."This agreement allows us to offer small farmers opportunities to sell their products in new markets as long as they can ensure the quality and quantity of production. This also allows us to help generate new employment opportunities for farmers”, said Mey Hung, Corporative Manager for Walmart in Honduras. “Walmart is committed to supporting the agricultural sector in Honduras. We believe agriculture is one of the main pillars in Honduran economy.” She added.
“For USAID, this agreement is very important because it gives our producers the information they need in terms of what they should produce, the quality in which it should be produces, and the Price in which they will sell their products. This assurance will give producers greater incomes for their crops”, state William Brands, USAID Honduras Mission Director.
dThe signing of the agreement took place at the Walmart store in Fuerzas Armadas Boulevard in Tegucigalpa. Signing on behalf of Walmart was Jorge Cordero, Vice-president for Agribusiness Development, and on behalf of USAID was Mr. William brands. Mr. Jacobo Regalado, Minister of Agriculture served as an honorary witness.
The Minister of Agriculture stated: “We, as government of Hondurans want to thank USAID and Walmart for making this alliance that will ensure higher and sustainable incomes for our small producers. The alliance gives them the opportunity to access new markets and the know-how to be able to compete in those markets. We believe that this alliance will help over 1,000 families improve their quality of life.”
iWalmart for Mexico and Central America works under the “Tierra Fertil” program in Honduras. This socially responsible program promotes the creation of new and direct business opportunities with over 800 small and medium size farmers in Honduras.
USAID is the U.S. Government Agency which offers development assistance to over 100 countries worldwide. This year, USAID celebrates 50 years of working in partnership with the Honduran Government and its people. USAID programs have contributed to reduce poverty and increase opportunities for Hondurans through economic growth, environment, health, education, infrastructure, and democracy and governance programs.
Supertiendas Paiz, Walmart, Maxi Bodega, and Despensa Familiar.
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