In addition to energy saving and carbon reduction, carbon footprint reduction has become an emerging environmental protection indicator. Carbon footprint refers to the amount of land, energy, water, etc. that a person or organization uses in order to exist or operate. The use of transportation, water and electricity facilities as well as the food and water we drink translate into carbon emissions.

To reduce the carbon footprint produced as a result of transporting and packing foods, the concept of consuming as many farm goods produced locally as possible is becoming popular here in Taiwan. Farmers’ markets, having been in existence in some countries for many years, are beginning to appear in Taiwan.

An organic farmers’ market enables face-to-face communication between producers and consumers.

@ What is a farmers’ market?
A farmers’ market is a place chosen for local farmers to sell their produce only at certain times. Features of a farmers’ market are: 1. its produce is fresh, natural and produced locally; 2. its farmers offer a wide variety of produce in small amounts; 3. its produce is sold directly by farmers or growers, thereby reducing marketing cost. In addition, with producers dealing face-to-face with consumers, farmers can better understand consumers’ needs, while consumers get a clearer picture of where the produce was grown and the method used to grow it.
Farmers’ markets also play an important educational role. Lectures on how to live a healthy life are held at these markets to give consumers a better idea of foods conscription and health.

@ Where can I find a farmers’ market?Where do I find a farmers’ market in an urban area? The following are a few farmers’ markets existing in urban areas.

Taipei
Taipei is Taiwan’s capital. Taipei residents are able spend more than residents of other cities and are more open to healthy, organic products.

Taipei Hope Plaza
Located on Bade Road, Taipei Hope Plaza has an event held by Agriculture and Food Agency, Council of Agriculture, every weekend. The event has a different theme each weekend, featuring produce that is in season.
Address: No 49, Section 1, Bade Road, Zhongzheng District, Taipei
Times: Saturdays and Sundays
Website: http://www.ehope.org.tw/

248 MarketThe Rice Bomber Mr. Yang Ru-men has changed tack and become a fulltime farmer, using a non-violent approach to promote his farming ideals. His idea of producing pollutant-free, safe, environmentally friendly produce has won support from a business, which rents a vacant plot of land situated in expensive east area of Taipei city to him for a price of one dollar. As the market began only a short time ago, the produce available is of little variety. However, due to Mr. Yang’s fame, this market is becoming known to the public.
Address: Alley 248, Section 4, Zhongxiao East Road, Taipei (on the vacant plot of land at the third intersection down the alley to the right)
Times: 14:00-19:00, Fridays; 10:00-16:00, Saturdays
Website: http://www.248.com.tw

Taichung
Taichung is also quick to introduce organic, healthy concepts. Lectures given at its farmers’ markets often attract people interested in organic products nationwide.

National Chung Hsing University(NCHU) Farmers’ Market
All farmers selling produce at this market have been certified by the Council of Agriculture as organic farmers, with their products approved by NCHU Agricultural Products Analysis and Certification Center. The soil and water in their farms have to meet the organic standards. In addition, NCHU offers lectures on organic living so that, on top of buying healthy products, consumers can learn to live an organic life.
Address: 205 Guoguang Road, South District, Taichung (wooden path behind Hui Sun Auditorium)
Times: 8:00-12:00, Saturdays
Website: http://organic.nchu.edu.tw

Hope MarketHope Market first opened in October 2006 in an attempt to allow people to learn, through hands-on experience, how to stay healthy in various aspects of their lives. Lectures are given irregularly on how to be a good farmer and live a healthy life.
Market’s address: No 6-6, Hsiping South Alley, Hsitun District, Taichung (bottom of Fulin Road) Baoyun Temple, Dharma Drum Mountain
Organization’s address: 246 Gongzheng Road, West District, Taichung
Times: Second Saturday of each month. Visit Hope Market website for a full listing of scheduled events.
Website: http://www.hopemarket.net/

Kaohsiung

Breeze MarketThe subtropical southern Taiwan has a farmers’ market as well. Situated in Fengshan, Kaohsiung County, Breeze Market provides farmers with a place to sell their produce and student bands with an opportunity to perform.
Address: No 120, Section 2, Guangfu Road, Fengshan, Kaohsiung County (Children and Youth Center)
Times: 15:00-18:00, second Saturday of each month.
Website: http://breezemarket.blogspot.com