The Australian Centre for International Agricultural Research (ACIAR) is eyeing bilateral research and development (R &D) cooperation with the Philippines as ACIAR now funds 24 multi-year bilateral projects worth .84 million.

Among the areas eyed for future bilateral R&D cooperation are the development of local farm products' productivity, marketability, international competitiveness, and market access. For the Visayas region, possible areas of R&D cooperation are on tree establishment on degraded lands and fisheries.

ACIAR has sent a mission to the Philippines last March to evaluate priorities for research that will have the greatest impact in the farm sector and among small farmers, and nongovernment organizations. This was done through a consultation with scientists, managers and representatives from the private sector and the Philippine Council For Agriculture, Forestry and Natural Resources Research and Development

Thirteen new projects are being developed for the bilateral program. An integration of farming activities may be enhanced under these research programs.

Since 1983, 101 bilateral projects had been completed by ACIAR in the Philippines. For the 2005-2006 program, the Philippines has a share of .7 million or 17 percent of the ACIAR projects which are being implemented in certain Southeast Asian countries.

Current bilateral R&D programs in livestock include the development of diagnostic and control methodologies for animal trypanosomiasis (surra) which is also implemented in Papua New Guinea, Indonesia, and Australia; prospects for smallholder poultry producers; and genetic improvement of ruminant animals.

For fisheries, projects are improved hatchery and grow-out technology for marine finfish in Asia Pacific and management and policy frameworks for illegal fishing (also in Indonesia).

The projects in forestry are improving financial returns to small-holder tree farmers and improving productivity of bamboo for quality timber and shoots.

The projects for major crops and vegetables are fertilization-embryo formation for hybrid rice; linking smallholder vegetable producers in urban markets; and embryo culture for coconut germplasm.

For pest management, these are herbicide use strategies; biological control of chromolaena odorata (also in Indonesia, Papua New Guinea); integrated pest management and supply chain for mangoes; and bio-fumigation for soil-borne diseases management in tropical vegetable.

Among the projects for fruits are the technologies for germplasm conservation of tropical fruit species; management of postharvest diseases of subtropical and tropical fruit using natural resistance mechanisms; and development of papaya ring spot virus-resistant papaya genotypes by introgression of genes from wild Carica.

Several projects also involved environmental studies including seasonal climate forecasts and decision-making in agriculture; integrated watershed management for sustainable soil and water resource in Inabanga, Bohol; enhancing agricultural production by sustainable use of shallow groundwater; income generation from irrigated horticulture in sloping lands; and growing landcare systems.