The skyrocketing cost of staple foods in 2007, stoked by rising fuel prices, unpredictable weather and converting farmland to producing biofuels, has sparked an international food crisis. Taiwan's agriculture as part of the world economic system is facing the similar crisis. The agricultural wholesale price index rose 8.7% in 2007, which was triggered by soaring prices of imported raw materials and natural disasters. Fortunately, Taiwan's advanced agricultural technology has minimized this negative impact and helped a speedy recovery. It was not a trivial feat for Taiwan to have stabilized the domestic prices of agri-products amid soaring costs worldwide.

The mission of the Council of Agriculture is to develop a modern agriculture that provides quality and safe agri-products, agro-recreation, a sustainable environment, and an improved quality of life. To cope with a changeable international situation and to safeguard agricultural development at home, the COA launched the New Agriculture Movement in 2006. The Movement will promote a new, creative, vigorous and attractive agriculture. This will not only create an enviable environment for the people but also ease access to the international market. Below are highlights of the movement in 2007.

Development of human resources to best use individual talents

A series of projects have been set up for the development of agricultural human resources. The Wandervögel Project is to attract the young to agriculture, the Master Gardener Project to encourage the middle-aged to return to agriculture, and the Deep Plowing Project to foster innovation in agriculture. These projects are supplemented with followed-up measures to develop the vital rank and file for the new trend of agricultural development. These projects trained 8,740 persons and attracted 795 new recruits in 2007.

Establishment of the farmland bank to best use the farmland

The COA established the Farmland Bank in August 2007 to mobilize and diversify the use of farmland. This Bank, partnering with the farmers’ and fishermen’s associations, offers matchmaking services to facilitate the transaction and leasing of farmland. In 2007 there were 510 cases of land purchasing and leasing totaling 161 ha in 2007.

Development of a knowledge-based sector to best use research results

Apart from strengthening the research and development of new varieties and technologies, efforts have been taken to protect, apply and transfer R&D results to meet the needs of agricultural development and the commercialization of agricultural technologies. Significant outcomes have been achieved in recent years. The income generated from technology transfer in 2007 was 3.7 times the average of the past five years, a record high.

Promotion of the tracking system to best ensure food safety

The Agricultural Production and Certification Act that were promulgated in January 2007 and its nine complementary regulations announced later will serve as a legal basis for ensuring the safety of agri-products. The traceability system is starting to bear fruit; various certified agri-products were successively placed in the market in 2007. The system will enhance consumer confidence and producer cooperation.

Strengthening of international marketing to best sell agri-products

There were a number of breakthroughs in the marketing strategy of Taiwan’s agri-products in 2007: mangoes to Australia; processed chicken meat and pork to Singapore; and poultry products and bananas to South Korea. The export value of agri-products grew 4.1% in 2007; among flagship agri-products Phalaenopsis orchids grew 40.2% and mangoes surged 130%.

This annual report records numerous, vigorous and varied initiatives we put forward in order to attain the goal of transforming the agricultural sector so as to improve the quality of life and enhance international competitiveness. These initiatives have truly made 2007 a successful year, thanks to everyone.

For years to come, the COA will follow three new guidelines to insure the development of a modern agricultural sector—healthfulness, efficiency and sustainability. The new agriculture will be nurtured and buttressed by an international perspective, superior technology and unique geography so that it may become an adaptable, innovative and inclusive industry. To the producer it means better profit, efficient management, and guaranteed welfare. To the consumer it means safe, quality, and health food. To the environment it means better scenery, conservation, and sustainability. To the future generations it means a better life with cleaner earth, wider market, and high technology. And to the earth it means responsibility for improved harmony with mankind and more green energy. The new agriculture will, in short, mark a new milestone in the already remarkable success story of Taiwan’s agriculture.

Wu-Hsiung Chen
Minister, Council of Agriculture, Executive Yuan
Sept. 2008