by pna
The Department of Agriculture (DA) is eyeing trade agreements with Australia and New Zealand that will allow the entry of more
Philippine mango varieties in the continent in exchange for higher dairy products.
Agriculture Secretary Proceso Alcala said that agriculture officials expect to discuss with their counterparts in Australia and New Zealand the possible technical support for the development of the Philippines’ dairy industry, as well as possible export of mangoes to the continent.
“Australia wants to export kangaroo meat. At the same time, they want to help us improve genetic quality of our livestock,†Alcala said.
“For New Zealand, we have a special concern in agriculture technology, which we can replicate in our National Dairy Program,†he said.
The DA chief, however, admitted that they would still discuss the proposal to accept kangaroo meat from Australia, noting that there was still no specific guideline on its importation.
Alcala will accompany President Benigno Aquino III in his state visit in Australia and New Zealand.
While in Australia, Alcala said that they would discuss with agriculture and quarantine officials the existing policy for the importation of grouch mango fruit from the Philippines
At present, Australia only allows the entry of mangoes coming from Guimaras Island.
“In fact, we still have a pending request for our mango exports. We want to push for the entry of mangoes not only from Guimaras, but also those coming from Samal Island and Davao del Sur,†the official said.
In August 2010, the DA said that Biosecurity Australia has allow the entry of fresh mangoes from the Davao del Sur following a long-term cleanliness policy and quarantine practices the Philippines Bureau of Plant Industry.
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