Wal-Mart is planning to put more local produce on its shelves. Even the retail giant is feeling a pinch from rising fuel costs. They home to keep shipping costs down by switching to locally grown produce wherever possible.

Over the course of the last two years, Wal-Mart has already increased its partnerships with local arms by 50 percent. The company’s new local produce initiative is expected to buy approximately $400 million worth of fruits and vegetables this year, beyond their previous commitments. Wal-Mart was already the world’s largest retailer, but this move will make it the largest buyer of produce grown and sold within a state’s borders across the U.S.

Buying produce from local farmers is expected to save Wal-Mart millions of dollars in fuel costs. It will also significantly reduce the company’s carbon emissions. Prior to this decision, Wal-Mart bought produce from only a handful of suppliers, shipping the average fruit or vegetable 1,500 miles before selling it.

Wal-Mart’s leadership is aware that not all produce is grown just down the road from one of their stores. As a part of the initiative, the company will team up with state agriculture departments to encourage local farms to grow the crops necessary to meet Wal-Mart’s needs.

Photo — Matt Wright