Director of Agriculture Solia Mutini says federal grants have paid the site preparation for the chicken farm in Manu’a. So far, $84,000 has been spent on clearing land and logistical work for the chicken farm.
Mutini told a hearing of the House Agriculture Committee that officials of the US Department of Agriculture are to arrive in April and funding for the chicken farm will be discussed. ASG is hoping to secure federal grants of up to $42 million for poultry production and a cattle farm in Manu’a. The Director said the funding will cover a five year period, and the projects are aimed at ensuring the territory’s food security.
He said he will be traveling to Australia next month to inspect cattle species that would be suitable for the cattle farm in Manu’a. He said the plan is to breed cows that local families can buy.
The director pointed out that the Governor’s plans for agricultural production in Manu’a is to ensure the territory has food supplies when there are problems with shipping.
At the same hearing last week, Manager of the School Lunch Program Christine Fualaau reported that school lunch has stocked up on frozen meat, and other supplies after learning of an extended delay in shipping schedules.
A container ship, which was scheduled to arrive in December, has been pushed back to this month, so School Lunch has bought cases of chicken, hamburger, ham, and other frozen meat from local suppliers; as well as cases of tuna from StarKist to await the seven containers the container ship is bringing.
