The five cattle and five sheep gifted by the Samoan government to the American Samoa government are currently being cared for at the Vaea compound and not at Togitogiga. 

This was confirmed in a statement issued by the Ministry of Agriculture and Fisheries (M.A.F.) on Friday, in response to queries raised in the American Samoa Senate Hearing as well as Parliament in Samoa. 

Signed by the Chief Executive Officer of the ministry, Dr. Seuseu Tauati, the statement explained the discussions between M.A.F. and the Department of Agriculture in American Samoa. 

Dr. Seuseu elaborated that during the Atoa o Samoa discussions, representatives from both Samoa and American Samoa engaged in productive dialogues aimed at bolstering collaboration and addressing shared priorities, particularly in the sphere of food security.

This included the provision of 600 giant clams along with relevant training to support food security initiatives. 

Additionally, Samoa offered tilapia to be supplied to American Samoa upon their readiness to receive them. 

"Furthermore, to bolster animal production in American Samoa, Samoa has generously offered five cattle and five sheep," the statement reads. 

"These animals are currently being nurtured at the Vaea compound, awaiting collection by the American Samoa Department of Agriculture."

Dr. Seuseu also echoed the response from the Minister of Agriculture, La'auli Leuatea Schmidt that there have been "no formal agreements" between the two countries regarding land in Togitogiga. 

"Regarding the animal farm at Togitogiga that is operated by M.A.F., there have been no formal agreements, including any lease arrangements made with American Samoa.

"Looking ahead, M.A.F. is committed to advancing the genetics of our cattle industry. 

"Plans are underway for the importation of bull semen for artificial insemination, scheduled to commence in the coming months. 

"Additionally, discussions with the cattle industry in Australia are progressing, to import young cattle to enhance our breeding stock. We have extended an invitation for American Samoa to partake in these discussions and explore the possibility of joint cattle imports via sea transport."

"Dr. Seuseu expressed sincere gratitude to the American Samoa Department of Marine and Wildlife Resources and the American Samoa Department of Agriculture for their close collaboration, emphasizing their instrumental role in driving sustainable development in agriculture and fisheries in the region."

In closing, Dr. Tauati extended appreciation to all involved parties for their unwavering support in advancing agriculture and fisheries in Samoa.