Thirty-six winners for the 2006 Shen-Nong Award and seventeen model farmers received their awards and commendations from the Premier, Mr. Su Zhen-Chang, on the 20th of February. In addition to extending his most sincere congratulations to the award winners, Premier Su assured the farmers that the government’s support for the farming industry will not change under the impact of a more open market. He assured everyone that the government would continue to provide assistance to farmers to increase the high competitiveness of Taiwan’s agricultural industry.

The Council of Agriculture, held the “Commendation Ceremony for the 2006 Presidential Awards for Outstanding Achievements in Agriculture (The Shen-Nong Award) at 3 O’clock, February 20th at the Civil Service Development Institute. The Ceremony was hosted by the COA Minister, Mr. Su Jia-Quan. In the ceremony, 36 Shen-Nong Award winners were given trophies and 17 model farmers were commended with certificates; each award winner and model farmer was also awarded with a special gold coin. The enthusiastic participation of representatives from colleges and universities nation-wide, farmers associations, county (city) governments nation-wide, and the COA increased the joyful environment of this successful event.

The Award Ceremony began with a presentation from farmers’ representatives who handed over the achievements of their agricultural production to Minister Su. In year 2005, gross production from agriculture was estimated at NT$ 270 billion, which showed a growth of more than NT$ 6.1 billion, compared to year 2004. The farmers then gave Minister Su a fruit and flower basket symbolizing everybody’s hope for a year of abundance and fullness.

In his speech, Minister Su sincerely extended his gratitude to the farmers for their contributions to the agricultural industry. He said that agriculture was the foundation of a nation and that any nation, even the strongest, would not give up agriculture. He also said that winning the Shen-Nong Award brings great honor to the farmers’ hometowns and praised the wisdom and hard work of the farmers by citing the “Black-Pearl” Wax Apples that were once sold cheaply; they are now high-value products priced by single units.

In his opening speech, Minister Su said that the Shen-Nong Award was now in its 24th year and that each year, a number of elites in the agricultural industry is nominated and strictly evaluated and selected through layers and layers of fair, just, and open processes. In the ceremony, Minister Su especially commended the innovativeness of the winners in managing their agricultural businesses. He said that the Council of Agriculture had the responsibility for the safety of our foods. In the future, the COA would maintain the foundation it has built and continue to guide the farmers and fishermen to move forward into an even stronger and more powerful agricultural industry with high quality and saftyproducts. All efforts will be made for higher farmer's income, health and safety of the citizens, and venture into the international market.

The award ceremony ended with films that told stories of past Shen-Nong Award winners.