RP, Brazil forge pact on agricultural cooperation

MANILA, Philippines – The Philippines and Brazil have forged an agreement that will allow the Department of Agriculture (DA) to tap the latest technologies  from the Brazilian Agricultural Research Corp. (EMBRAPA) for high-value crops, livestock, biofuels  and fisheries.

In a joint statement, the DA, represented by the Philippine Agricultural Development and Commercial Corp. (PADCC), and the EMBRAPA said they have committed to cooperate on promoting sustainable farm development.

Their first cooperation will be an exchange of germplasm of selected high-value crops and the transfer of technology on crop assessment and production estimate systems.

A memorandum of understanding (MOU) was signed during the working visit of President Arroyo to Brazil on June 24.

Signed by PADCC president Marriz Agbon and EMBRAPA president Silvio Crestana, the MOU demonstrates EMBRAPA’s intent to help in improving Philippine agriculture.

“We have agreed to cooperate in the field of science and technology towards our common goal of promoting sustainable agricultural development and institutional strengthening in our respective countries,” the joint statement said.

“Both parties have further conveyed their commitment in facilitating the implementation of the said MOU, starting with the exchange of germplasm of selected high value crops and transfer of technology on crop assessment and production estimate systems,” the statement added.

An association of Brazilian cattle breeders also committed to donate 2,000 doses of semen of the Girolando breed of dairy cattle to the Philippines to support the development and growth of the country’s fledgling dairy industry.

In a joint statement, the DA, represented by Secretary Arthur Yap and the Brazilian Association of Girolando Breeders, led by Jose Donato Dias Filho, expressed their intent to cooperate with each other “in the interest of livestock development.”

Brazil’s Girolando breed of cattle provides an opportunity for the improvement of the Philippine’s dairy cattle industry.

The Philippines largely sources its dairy cattle breed through importation of a crossbreed of the Indian Sahiwal and the New Zealand Holstein which is expensive.