The Philippines bans farmland conversions
Updated
Authorities in the Philippines have announced a ban on the conversion of farm lands for other uses, including property development due to a rice shortage. The government says due to a booming property market there has been a rapid conversion of prime agricultural lands for real estate development. The President Gloria Arroyo has also ordered a review of the guidelines governing farmland conversion.
Professor of Economics at the University of the Philippines Solita Monsod, Duncan Macintosh, spokesperson for the International Rice Research Instititute based at Los Baņos, south of Manila in the Philippines
