An official statement issued Thursday by Samoa’s Ministry of Agriculture and Fisheries (MAF) provides information that conflicts with statements by Director of Agriculture, Solia Mutini at Fono hearings concerning the 400-acre cattle farm in Samoa.
The statement, signed by the Chief Executive Officer of MAF, Sr. Seuseu Tauati, says Samoa had offered 5 cattle and 5 sheep to bolster animal production in American Samoa. The animals are kept at the Vaea compound awaiting collection by the American Samoa Department of Agriculture.
The statement said regarding the animal farm at Togitogiga that is operated by MAF, there have been no formal agreements, including any lease arrangements with American Samoa.
Director of Agriculture Solia Mutini had told hearings by the House and Senate that the Samoa government has given American Samoa 400 acres of land in Togitogiga for a cattle farm. He said, in his testimony in the House, there were 20 cows being grazed at the farm. Then he told the Senate there were 11 cows: 6 were a gift from the Samoa Government and 5 were a gift from Samoa’s Deputy Prime Minister. He said there was no lease agreement or any paperwork related to the 400-acres, but he expects there will be a signing in the upcoming Atoa o Samoa talks in May.
The statement from Samoa’s MAF said that during the recent Atoa o Samoa discussions, representatives from Samoa and American Samoa Agriculture and Fisheries sectors had discussions on collaboration and addressing mutual priorities, particularly in the realm of food security.
In this regard, Samoa provided 600 giant clams along with training to support food security initiatives to American Samoa. Samoa has also offered tilapia once American Samoa is ready to receive them.
The statement went on to say that American Samoa has been invited to be part of discussions on advancing the genetics of Samoa’s cattle industry. Plans are underway for the importation of bull semen for artificial insemination, scheduled to commence in the coming months,” said the statement. “Additionally, discussions with the cattle industry of Australia are progressing with the intention of importing young cattle to enhance the breeding stock.”
Director Mutini had testified, at the Fono hearings, he would be traveling to Australia with Samoa’s Minister of Agriculture to negotiate the price for Angus cows, which is the best choice for meat for the cattle farm at Togitogiga.
He said the plan is to purchase a herd of 500.
