DA to Include Procurement of Australian Live Cattle in The 2018 Budget

To boost the country’s livestock industry, the Department of Agriculture (DA) seeks to include in its 2018 budget the procurement of live animals from Australia.

Agriculture Secretary Emmanuel F. Piñol discussed with Australian Ambassador to the Philippines Amanda Gorely on Wednesday/Feb. 6, the department’s plan to import more cattle into the country.

“We will ensure that the animals will be taken care of, and no money will be wasted,” Piñol said.

Piñol told his visitor about the DA’s plan to establish municipal multiplier farms for the reproduction of dairy animals and processing of dairy products in the Cordillera region and Bukidnon, where the climate is cold.

On the other hand, Ambassador Gorely expressed her government’s intention to export wheat, live bees, sharks fin and sea cucumber to the Philippines.

Some Australian companies are interested in the country’s horticulture and tropical fruits, Gorely added. The Australian government approved the export of Philippine mangoes except those grown in Palawan.

“I’m here not to stop anyone who wants to improve agriculture,” Piñol assured her.

The Agriculture chief said he is interested in exploring the market for live bees, which he believes could be helpful in the growth of a plant.

He told the ambassador that although the entry of wheat products could affect corn farmers, it would also open a new market in the country.

“I believe that other than feeds, there are other uses for wheat, such as in making noodle and bread,” Piñol said.

Gorely also discussed the seven ongoing projects under the Australian Centre for International Agricultural Research (ACIAR), an institution intended to increase the productivity of trees and fruits in the country.

ACIAR has an existing agreement with the local government of Iloilo to share new technology for the development of sea cucumber. The project also targets development of sea cucumber in Mindanao.

Piñol and his visitor also discussed the action their two countries have taken to prepare for climate change.

“All of us should really prepare for climate change,” Piñol said.

He said the government is keen on irrigating at least one million hectares of farmland at the end of President Duterte’s term. (DA)