Wal-Mart helps Florida farmers by promoting locally grown produce
Wal-Mart helps Florida farmers by promoting locally grown produce
While Hurricane Wilma devastated many Florida crops in the field, it couldn't destroy the spirit of Florida's farmers, who have been replanting, rebuilding and working diligently to have fresh Florida products in grocery stores as soon as possible.
But when the new harvest of fruits and vegetables arrives, shoppers might notice a slight departure from the normally pristine appearance they have been accustomed to seeing.
Wal-Mart, the nation's largest retailer, will post signs in produce section of its Florida stores letting customers know that while the fruits and vegetables might look a little different than usual, buying Florida produce is helping the state's farmers get back on their feet.
Displays of tomatoes, citrus, peppers, squash and cucumbers in Wal-Mart stores will include a sign that reads: "The appearance and size of many fruits and vegetables may change due to crop destruction from Hurricane Wilma. Please help us support your local Florida growers during this time."
"This is a critical time for our state's agricultural producers, who are working hard to ensure that adequate supplies of fresh Florida fruits and vegetables are available this season," Florida Agriculture Commissioner Charles H. Bronson said in a statement. "We appreciate the support of retailers like Wal-Mart that are committed to buying locally grown Florida produce and making it available to their customers."
Mr. Bronson has been assessing the damage to Florida crops and infrastructure. "I can say without hesitation that this storm's damage is more extensive than any I have witnessed," he said. "Despite this devastation, I am proud that the spirit of Florida's farmers remains strong."
But when the new harvest of fruits and vegetables arrives, shoppers might notice a slight departure from the normally pristine appearance they have been accustomed to seeing.
Wal-Mart, the nation's largest retailer, will post signs in produce section of its Florida stores letting customers know that while the fruits and vegetables might look a little different than usual, buying Florida produce is helping the state's farmers get back on their feet.
Displays of tomatoes, citrus, peppers, squash and cucumbers in Wal-Mart stores will include a sign that reads: "The appearance and size of many fruits and vegetables may change due to crop destruction from Hurricane Wilma. Please help us support your local Florida growers during this time."
"This is a critical time for our state's agricultural producers, who are working hard to ensure that adequate supplies of fresh Florida fruits and vegetables are available this season," Florida Agriculture Commissioner Charles H. Bronson said in a statement. "We appreciate the support of retailers like Wal-Mart that are committed to buying locally grown Florida produce and making it available to their customers."
Mr. Bronson has been assessing the damage to Florida crops and infrastructure. "I can say without hesitation that this storm's damage is more extensive than any I have witnessed," he said. "Despite this devastation, I am proud that the spirit of Florida's farmers remains strong."