The world's biggest retailer is going local, vowing to double its sales of produce from farms near its stores by 2015. The move is part of Walmart's push to support smaller farms in the U.S. and overseas, while encouraging producers to cut back on fertilizers, pesticides, and energy consumption. Though local fruits and vegetables will still only account for 9 percent of the produce the company sells, Walmart's sheer size means that the "groundbreaking" program could have a big impact on the farming industry. While the green initiative is earning raves, not all commentators are convinced:
Even Walmart haters should applaud: "It's becoming increasingly difficult to vilify Walmart," says Ariel Schwartz at Fast Company. Sure, it has driven plenty of mom-and-pop grocers out of business. But the company is so big it has the power to change the entire U.S. agriculture system for the better. "As long as it continues to wield its powers for good, we won't complain."
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