Cerro Verde, a Freeport-McMoRan Company, Supports Organic Agricultural Business Development

June 8, 2018 /3BL Media/ - Cerro Verde has supported the Promotion for Agricultural Development Project in surrounding communities near its operations in Arequipa, Peru. The program benefits the farmers of Tiabaya, Uchumayo, Yarabamba, La Joya and Hunter.

The Promotion for Agricultural Development Project started in 2012 with the aim of improving the quality and quantity of agricultural and animal yields to increase the economic income of local farmers.

Programs include training in innovative organic agricultural industrial methods, demonstration plots and farms, health campaigns and vaccinations for cattle, supply chain management training and instruction on production tools and technique for international markets.

Organic farming maximizes the resources from the earth and minimizes the use of non-renewable resources. Farmers who participate in the program do not use synthetic fertilizers and pesticides. By using natural compounds to control insects, they have seen an improvement in crop yields and quality.

The farmers that participate in the program have increased their cost effectiveness of the crops and lowered production costs. They are producing organic products that has opened up access to new markets.

Cerro Verde promotes the creation, improvement and development of micro and small enterprises through its various programs.

To learn more about how Freeport-McMoRan supports the communities in which it operates, please visit fcx.com.

Please see the 2017 Working Toward Sustainable Development Report for more information on all of their social, economic and environmental efforts.