On July 5, El Salvador celebrates one year since launching the agromercados, a government initiative providing fresh, affordable food directly from local producers to families—especially the most vulnerable—by cutting out intermediaries.

“Agromercados are an ideal strategy to keep basic food prices low and strengthen production by connecting producers directly with consumers,” said sociologist René Martínez.

President Nayib Bukele announced the program on July 5, 2024, during a national broadcast, as a response to rising food prices and speculation in traditional markets. Since then, 55 agromercados have opened in strategic areas across the country, including El Congo, Zaragoza, and Ciudad Barrios.

The initiative is part of Bukele’s broader economic plan for his second term (2024–2029), following efforts to reduce insecurity during his first term. The plan’s first phase, focused on food, is already benefiting household budgets through lower prices at agromercados and the main supply center in Soyapango.

To support expansion, the Ministry of Agriculture and Livestock (MAG) received $9 million in December 2024 and $20 million in March 2025. Most recently, on June 24, MAG was granted $725,000 to purchase transport vehicles to deliver products quickly and directly from farms to markets.