Carrefour sows seeds of hope for farmers

French retail giant Carrefour China Inc celebrated the 10th anniversary of farmers' supermarkets program in late October, stating it will continue to help agricultural producers obtain wealth through its direct selling channels.

Under the program, Carrefour eliminates middlemen, instead purchasing fresh fruit and vegetables directly from farmers, thereby increasing farmers' income while providing cheaper food for customers, the company said.

Since 2007, the company has paid about 380 million yuan to buy 700,000 tons of agricultural food from about 1.3 million famers across China, it said.

The program helps improve the efficiency of circulation for agricultural products, strengthens farmers' competitiveness in the market and increases their income, it said.

Carrefour paid more attention to farmers in poor areas of China, including Lindian county of northeastern Heilongjiang province, where since June it has bought black, red and yellow beans, as well as millet and black rice worth up to 600,000 yuan.

To guarantee food safety, employees were sent to examine the quality of food and give each product a QR code to ensure traceability.

The company also organized training for local farmers about the standards of quality, modern agricultural technology and their opportunity to cooperate with supermarkets.

A new activity room for left-behind children in Lindian county, established the same day as the anniversary, gives children the opportunity to read books, play games, meet friends and receive psychological consultation after school.

chenmeiling@chinadaily.com.cn