A total of 400 acres of land in Togitogiga, Falealili allocated for American Samoa’s Food Security Project, has come under scrutiny as senators in the territory expressed concerns over the absence of a lease agreement for the lands between the two nations. 

At the senate hearing earlier this week, the American Samoa's Department of Agriculture (DOA) Director Solia Mutini was questioned about the proposed development in Samoa. 

Senators expressed deep skepticism regarding the government's lease of 400 acres of prime land in neighbouring Samoa for a cattle farming venture, funded by federal grant money.

Mutini disclosed during the hearing that the allocation of the 400 acres in American Samoa was a result of discussions held during the last Atoa o Samoa Talks between the two-Samoas. 

He further stated that a formal agreement is to be signed in the upcoming talks scheduled for May.

However, concerns were raised by some senators regarding the feasibility of using federal grant funds for a project implemented in a foreign country. 

Senator Satele Aliitai Lili’o expressed incredulity at the arrangement, and bluntly said, "I smell a rat!"

He also asked Mutini whether he had a copy of the proposal for their project and the plans they have for lands in Samoa. 

He also warned Director Mutini for what he perceived as being unprepared for the hearing, emphasising the magnitude of the project and its significant financial implications. He questioned the practicality of executing such a project in a foreign jurisdiction.

In response, Director Mutini clarified that the project's funding source stemmed from a grant provided by the US Department of Agriculture (USDA), earmarked for initiatives aimed at ensuring food security in US territories.

Despite this explanation, Senator Satele remained skeptical, labeling the situation as vague and questioning the lack of transparency surrounding the project's execution and potential liabilities.

Director Mutini revealed that the 400 acres allocated for the project are located in Togitogiga, Falealili in Samoa, emphasising its suitability for cattle farming. 

He mentioned plans to procure 500 heads of Angus cattle from Australia, highlighting the breed's renowned quality meat.

He said that his department has funded the installment of new fencing around the perimeter of the allotted land using Food Security Grant money already in their possession.

According to Mutini, a total of 11 cattle are currently kept there.
Six were gifted by the Samoan government delegation at the last Atoa o Samoa Talks hosted in the Territory as “faaoso” or gift of foodffs, and another five were gifted by Samoa's deputy prime minister plus an undisclosed number of sheep which were also kept there.