The Council of Agriculture (COA) is proud to announce that the Taiwanese delegation wins yet another gold medal at the annual Chelsea Flower Show in London. Held between May 21 and 26 this year, the Chelsea Flower Show is organized by the British Royal Horticultural Society and is the sole flora exposition to be graced by Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II’s presence. Subsidized by the COA, the Taiwan Orchid Growers Association (TOGA) has hosted a booth at the London event in recent years, first winning silver in 2008, and then awarded a gold medal in both 2011 and 2012. Moreover, the quality of the island’s horticultural products, which is also reflected in the unblemished conditions of the ensemble on show in London, was a crucial factor in determining the flower arrangement’s success.

A ‘Dragon’ pays tribute to long-lasting friendship between Taipei and London

The Taiwanese delegation’s submission to the Chelsea Flower Show, titled “The Dragon that Conquered the Heavens and the Earth,” used the Phalaenopsis Sogo Yukidian and other indigenous orchid varieties to defend the island’s “Orchid Kingdom” reputation. Comprised of three scenic props called “The Golden Dragon from the Orient,” “A Sky Lantern Alit with Prayers” and “The Hakka Textile with a Thousand Blossoms,” the exhibit features dragon scales made of orchid petals, sky lanterns covered with Hakka-patterned cloth and five flower wreaths that symbolize the Olympic rings. Altogether, the “Dragon” ensemble is a prime example of horticultural diplomacy, for it serves as a tribute to both the 2012 London Olympic Games and the Diamond Jubilee of the Queen’s reign.

Horticultural exports grow by 17.67%, unfurling the way for a US$100-billion orchid industry

According to recent COA statistics, last year’s horticultural exports tallied US$175.92 million in sales, which translates into a 17.67% increase in comparison to 2010 numbers. Out of the myriad of orchid species bred on the island, the Phalaenopsis genus can be considered the number one cash orchid, raking in US$98.47 million in 2011 and earning a 19.28% increase in trade volume in comparison to 2010 numbers. To aid the domestic horticultural industry expand its presence in oversea markets, the COA pledged to increase the government’s efforts in cultivating new species, protecting intellectual property rights, investing in horticultural technology, conducting international publicity campaigns and spreading the word of the superior quality of the nation's horticultural products.