December 3, 2009

The Philippines is importing PHP661 million (US$14.20 million) worth of small ruminant, bovine semen and beef cattle from the United States.

According to the US Department of Agriculture (USDA), the Southeast Asian nation will be buying PHP141 million or US$3 million worth of small ruminant, PHP20 million or US$430,000 worth of bovine semen and PHP500 million or US$11 million worth of beef cattle.

The Philippine Department of Agriculture is buying these farm products to prop up its livestock programme.

The decision to purchase was made after nearly a year of discussion, the USDA report said.

The funds will be coming from the Public Law 480 (PL 480).

Last year, the USDA noted that the Philippines also used past PL 480 funds to purchase sheep and goats, other livestock and livestock genetics from the US.

Since 2000 the Philippines, one of the largest beneficiaries of this programme, has received over US$180 million worth of PL 480 Title I funds from the US for agricultural development.

US$1 = PHP46.50 (Dec 3)