Peru receives grant to improve livestock health sector

Peru's National Agrarian Health Service (Senasa) will receive US$35 million for the initial phase of its long-term investment project aimed at improving the country's animal health sector and agricultural production.

The project is funded by the Inter-American Development Bank (IDB) and the Peruvian government.

The total cost of the long term investments plan of Senasa amounts to US$305 million, of which 57.4% will be provided by the IDB, while 42.6% by local contribution.

Only in the first phase of the programme for 2009-13 period, the financing will reach US$121 million for the execution of 11 projects.

The programme will also support SENASA's efforts to eradicate pests and diseases that can harm farm output, efforts the IDB has been assisting since 1996.

The agency strives to eliminate Peru of foot-and-mouth disease, which affects cattle and swine diseases.

With Peru's commitments towards plant and animal health, the programme will also help finance mechanisms for the post-registration of pesticides and veterinary supplies, a national system for certifying organic production and a primary food safety system, which will lead to the establishment of a traceability system for farm products.