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CANBERRA, Australia
– Members of the Policy Advisory Council (PAC) of the Australian
Centre for International Agricultural Research (ACIAR) held its
113th annual meeting last 21-25 May as part of its goals in strengthening
agriculture in developing countries and reviewing programs and policies
on agricultural research and development (R&D).
Developing countries
such as the Philippines represented by PCARRD, India, Indonesia,
Vietnam, and Papua New Guinea took part in the gathering.
Participants
tackled the national and regional development constraints in agriculture,
and opportunities for R&D collaboration. ACIAR presented its
2007-2008 Annual Operational Plan.
Under the plan
were research priorities jointly identified by Australian and national
scientists of partner countries. Australian expertise will be more
involved in the implementation of these priorities, which are seen
to boost the partner countries’ agricultural grade.
For the Philippines,
part of ACIAR’s plan is to increase the market competitiveness
of agricultural products, particularly horticulture and aquaculture
products. The planned initiatives on proper management of farm-based
land and water resources may lead to profitable and sustainable
agriculture.
ACIAR
shall also support R&D projects to strengthen agricultural programs
in the Visayas and Mindanao regions. (Pia Paula P. Mateo, S&T
Media Service)
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