MANILA, Philippines—The agriculture department’s agribusiness marketing and investment promotion arm has forged biotechnology agreements with Brazilian agencies.

According to the Philippine Agricultural Development and Commercial Corp. (PADCC), the Brazilian Agricultural Research Corp. (Embrapa) has agreed to share propagation materials for high-value crops, livestock, biofuels and fisheries, as well as technology on crop assessment and production estimate systems.

“We have agreed to cooperate in the field of science and technology toward our common goal of promoting sustainable agricultural development and institutional strengthening in our respective countries,” PADCC yesterday said in a joint statement with Embrapa.

PADCC said its president, Marriz Agbon, signed a memorandum of understanding with Embrapa president Silvio Crestana.

Brazilian cattle breeders also promised to donate semen of the Girolando breed of dairy cattle to the Philippines, PADCC said.

Secretary Arthur Yap said the donation provides an opportunity for the improvement of the Philippine’s dairy cattle industry.

The Philippines recognizes Brazil’s leading role as one of the major producers of cattle and other livestock worldwide. he added.

The Philippines largely sources its dairy cattle breed through importation of a crossbreed of the Indian Sahiwal and the New Zealand Holstein—“an expensive and unsustainable practice,” Yap said.