Local growers excited the partnership

BOISE  -- When hearing the name Wal-Mart, you might think corporate money and big business, but some Treasure Valley stores are working with local farmers to "take a bite" out of that perception.

Starting today corporate meets local and for the next week you'll be able to find some of your favorite Idaho-grown fruits and veggies at seven Treasure Valley Wal-Mart stores.

"We're in the business of pleasing customers, Wal-Mart is and we are too, and that's what's driving both of our businesses is - we have to satisfy both of our customers," said Fred Schreffler, local grower.

Always low prices? --- maybe, but not always local growers, until now.

Through August 30th, seven Wal-Mart stores across the Treasure Valley will be home to farmers markets -- and farmers from Idaho will produce all goods sold there.

It's part of a partnership between Wal-Mart and the Idaho Department of Agriculture to expand a pilot program they started in Meridian last year.

"It was just so hugely successful among our customers and with our associates that we decided to roll it out this year to our seven Treasure Valley stores," said Karianne Fallow, Wal-Mart public affairs manager.

Consumers seem to approve of the "growing" farmers market program.

"I got this fantastic cantelope, I've never seen such a big one before," said Norma Halde, customer.

The Treasure Valley is kind of a test market, some might even say a "ground breaker." If the program is a success again here, the same model could be put in place all over the country.

But that's not what's important to the Idaho growers selling their produce here.

They say it's not so much about business, but healthy living and most importantly - taste.

“It's just better, I mean what can I say," said Schreffler.

The outdoor farmers market will continue until next Thursday, but Wal-Mart will still carry Idaho products after that.