Women Farmers in China Join Walmart's Direct Farm Program

In 2007, Walmart China launched the Direct Farm Program to help farmers better adapt to market conditions by encouraging them to choose standardized and scaled production methods and by providing training to preserve the environment through sustainable farming methods. As of Aug. 31, 2011, Walmart China had set up 75 Direct Farm projects in more than 20 provinces and cities, directly benefitting more than 780,000 farmers, the majority of whom are women.

Two of these women farmers, Pei Wanni and Wu Guoyan were recently recognized by Walmart China for their success in the program. Pei Wanni, the 2010 recipient of the "Sustainability Pioneer" award, joined the Direct Farm Program in 2009 after graduating from Liaoning University with a degree in product safety. Through the program, Pei played a leading role in upgrading her own cherry orchard from green to organic certified. Pei also worked to push forward the development of other farms in her hometown and organized local farmers in her area to teach them techniques in using organic instead of chemical fertilizer.

To find out how Walmart supports women's economic empowerment around the world, visit http://walmartstores.com/women

Category:

News & Politics

Tags:

• Walmart
• women empowerment
• women economic empowerment
• direct farm program
• China
• Pei Wanni
• Wu Guoyan