The 3rd National Champion Rice Auction was held on January 13 at the Mini Dome of National Taiwan University. All income from the auction was given to farmers. The auction was a big success with the love for Taiwan rice farmers from Taiwan rice supporters. The champion rice grown by the first-prize winner Lin Long-shan was sold at NT$20,100/kg, a record high in the rice-growing industry of Taiwan. The rice grown by the second-price winners Su Ming-xi and Jeng Ming-bao was sold at NT$18,800/kg and NT$17,000/kg respectively. The rice grown by the third-price winner Lo Jing-ron was sold at NT$16,800/kg.

At the prize presentation held the day before the auction, COA Minister pinned the champion ribbons on all winners and presented them with the cash prizes and trophies.

According to the COA, Lin Long-shan from Chihshang Township, Su Ming-si from Wufeng Township, Jeng Ming-bao from Yusi Area and seven other winners are considered the masters of paddy growing of our times. Their agricultural technology and know-how could be considered a national treasure and benchmarks for other paddy farmers.

To let buyers understand more about the champion rice for auction, samples were prepared for buyers to taste before the auction at the 3rd National Champion Rice Auction to give buyers the opportunity to compare and choose what they thought was the best. Right from the beginning of the auction, Taiwan rice supporters rubbed their fists and wiped their palms, locking on their targets. The Fu Li rice was the first to exceed the price of NT$10,000/kg and sold at NT$16,800/kg. Champion Lin Long-shan who went on stage to auction his champion rice was accompanied by the champions of the 2nd National Champion Rice Competition—Chiu Chui-chang and Lin Long-sing. Finally, the champion rice from Chihshang Township was sold to Chuan Mei Chihshang Lunchbox Co. Ltd. at NT$20,100/kg. The second-prized Wu Feng rice and Yusi rice were sold at NT$18,800/kg and NT$17,000/kg respectively to Chuan Mao Enterprise and Mr. Hsu Jia-jeng. The third prized Fuli rice was also sold at NT$16,800/kg to Fu Yao Jia Enterprise. All other prize-winning rice was sold at prices above their quoted prices.

According to COA Minister, the 3rd National Rice Quality Competition and Auction gives substantial support to Taiwan farmers with the love and support from the agricultural industries of Taiwan. The event also shows the public’s recognition of the sustainable development of Taiwan rice and rewards the toils of rice farmers. It is thus an encouraging and positive activity to enhance the quality and strengthen the marketing of Taiwan rice.