Adjusting the cropping system and revitalizing farmland

　　Taking into account global climate change and instability in the supply of food, in order to ensure Taiwan’s food security, since 2013 the COA has been promoting a program entitled “Adjusting the Cropping System and Revitalizing Farmland.” Under this program, fields can only be left fallow for one growing season a year, during which they must be used to grow green manure crops. In the other season, we encourage farmers to cultivate the following crops: (i) import substitution crops, (ii) crops with export potential, (iii) organic crops, or (iv) crops with unique local characteristics.

　　In 2015 the amount of land which was reported as left fallow for two growing seasons was 119,000 hectares (ha) (including 27,000 ha on which irrigation was halted), which was a reduction of 81,000 ha (approximately 41%) in comparison to 2011, when 200,000 ha were reported as being left fallow for two seasons. The land area reported as being cultivated for contract crops in 2015 was 127,000 ha, an increase of 55,000 ha (approximately 77%) in comparison to the figure of 72,000 ha in 2011.

　　In addition, to cope with future trends toward trade liberalization around the globe, the COA will continue to: (a) reassess relevant measures on a rolling basis; (b) strengthen guidance of cultivation of import substitution crops that are open-field based; (c) promote “local production, local consumption”; (d) strengthen production and marketing chains; (e) continue guidance toward larger scale farming operations; (f) proactively pioneer the way into international markets; (g) encourage transformation and upgrading of agro-industries, and (h) upgrade the competitiveness of the agricultural sector.

Constructing food security mechanisms

Innovation in agriculture to cope with climate change and ensure food security

　　In 2012 the Council of Agriculture (COA) launched a four-year integrated research project entitled “Agricultural Innovation Studies for Coping with Climate Change and Food Security,” with great expectations to develop innovative technologies for agriculture to cope with concerns regarding the impact of climate change on food security. The project has three main axes: (1) Construct mechanisms and strategies for responding to the impact of global climate change on food security. (2) Upgrade the ability of crops to resist adverse environments resulting from climate change, expand their use by farmers, and engage in international cooperation. (3) Make appropriate adjustments to the agricultural production environment, upgrade the ability to prevent and respond to natural disasters, and utilize natural resources and energy more efficiently. Through this project, the COA aims to integrate and effectively utilize the research and development capabilities and resources of government agencies across the board, and to attack the problem from all angles including policy-making and regulation, technology, production, environmental protection, and industrial policy.

　　We have already achieved impressive cumulative results, which were demonstrated at events held by the COA on October 12 and November 10 of 2015. Through reports delivered by speakers, informative posters, and displays of actual products, we shared the results of our research with the outside community and got valuable feedback. We hope to be able to lead the way in technological innovation and work hand-in-hand with all interested parties to reduce the impact of climate change on domestic agro-industries, to maintain a natural environment conducive to sustainable operations, and to guarantee food security.

Pro-active participation in APEC food security action plans

　　In 2012, Taiwan, at the 2nd APEC Ministerial Meeting on Food Security, proposed a multi-year project called “Strengthening Public-Private Partnerships to Reduce Food Losses in the Supply Chain” (hereafter PPP-RFL). This became the first ever multi-year agricultural project adopted by APEC. The PPP-RFL initiative includes conferences, construction of an assessment methodology for food losses, construction of a “toolkit website” for reducing food losses, and sharing of best practices in both the private and public sectors for reducing food losses. Since the project was launched in 2013, there have been conferences on reducing losses in the supply chains for grains (held in Taipei in 2013), fruits and vegetables (held in Beijing in 2014), and seafood and meat (held in the Philippines in 2015).

　　The emphasis in 2015 was on reducing losses in the supply chains for fisheries products and meat. On July 16-17 of 2015, Taiwan hosted an APEC consultative conference of experts on methodologies for evaluating losses in the fisheries-products and meat supply chains. (The conference was held in coordination with a weeklong series of events entitled “Food Security Week.”) Then on September 27, the COA attended another APEC conference, held in Iloilo City in the Philippines, in which the PPP-RFL concept was applied specifically to the supply chains for fisheries products and meat.

　　The PPP-RFL project continues to be the centerpiece of Taiwan’s contributions to APEC efforts to ensure regional food security. We have continued to update and expand the “toolbox website” on reducing food losses, and to promote sharing of experiences and exchanges of views among APEC members. The PPP-RFL concept was incorporated into the final declaration of the 2015 annual APEC Ministerial Meeting (see Paragraph 127) and the ministers reaffirmed that this project has made an important contribution to regional food security.

　　Finally, on October 3, representatives from Taiwan attended the “High-Level Policy Dialogue on Food Security and the Blue Economy” (HLPD-FSBE) held in the Philippines, where they made a report updating attendees on progress made in the PPP-RFL project. At the event the COA emphasized that this project is especially useful for reducing food losses in small-scale fishing industries. The final HLPD-FSBE “action plan” included public-private cooperation models as one of the main working points for the future.

Adjusting the management system for public food stocks

　　Another approach to food security is to improve the system of public stocks. The COA has been working to strengthen management of public stockpiles and to upgrade storage conditions and methods in order to ensure the quality of stored food. In 2015 we continued to promote “low-temperature automated storage operations” for public stocks. In particular, we pro-actively guided operators to provide low-temperature silos for storage of public food stocks. In 2015, a total of 85,000 metric tons of public stocks were stored using this technology, accounting for 23.4% of the total, a dramatic increase over the baseline figure of 5.4% in 2012.

　　Food security also depends on maintaining the competitiveness of Taiwan’s local rice growers. It is especially important to minimize the impact of Taiwan’s possible future membership in the Trans-Pacific Partnership and/or the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership. In 2015: (1) We guided one farmers’ association to construct a new grain-drying center, and guided two farmers' associations to add, expand, or replace their dryers. (2) We set up one unit of packing and shipping equipment for wet/fresh grains as well as three units of rice milling peripheral equipment. (3) We subsidized one farmers' association to construct a low-temperature temporary storage facility with capacity of 2000 metric tons. These measures increased our ability to handle wet/fresh paddy for the purposes of storing it as public stocks.

　　In a separate move to raise the competitiveness of the rice industry, in order to make it possible for essential machinery to be ready for use by the first crop of 2016, in 2015 we decided to speed up our program to guide 28 farmers’ associations to install dryers, low-temperature temporary storage silos, and other equipment.

　　In 2015 we also guided farmers’ associations to renovate and install five units of rice-husking machines and continued to encourage the adoption of new equipment necessary for the acquisition, storage, and/or processing of rice for public stocks. We also repaired and improved 132 public storehouses and peripheral facilities, to improve conditions in public storehouses and ensure the safety of public food stocks.

Encouraging “local production, local consumption”

Promoting high-quality rice and diversified rice-flour products

　　The COA is working in particular to increase local rice consumption. One way to do this is to diversify the use of rice in different rice-based foods, and we have been pro-actively holding events to promote sales of rice and rice flour. In 2015: (1) We held 33 seminars to promote premium quality rice, with 736 attendees. (2) We held competitions for creative new recipes, both Chinese and Western, using rice flour, as a means to promote the development of techniques for use of rice flour, with a total of 293 teams participating. (3) We held the 2015 “Elite Contest for Rice Products” competition, and published instructional videos of prize-winning items through online audiovisual platforms. (4) We published a collection of recipes for 33 prize-winning items of the 2015 “Innovative Rice Products Competition” which will encourage the application of rice flour in ways that are more fashionable and more convenient for consumers.

Strengthening separate-track management of domestic and
imported meat and poultry products

　　To protect the interests of consumers, the COA has continued to strengthen separate-track management of domestic and imported meat products, in order to increase market differentiation for domestic and imported meat products. In 2015, imports of frozen chicken were about 180,000 metric tons. This figure was bigger than for 2014 (140,000 metric tons) and in fact broke the highest record for chicken imports. However, because of the effect of separate-track management, in 2015 the price of broiler chickens remained relatively stable.

　　On February 16, 2015 the methods for testing enzyme activity in chilled and thawed chicken which were developed by the COA were announced as the national standard methods. In combination with labeling of “thawed meat” and “chilled meat” in retail markets, not only do these measures avoid confusion between imported frozen meat products and domestic chilled meat products, they also increase market differentiation on the basis of different prices. In 2015, inspectors inspected 605 supermarkets to check the labeling of “thawed meat” or “chilled meat” for pork.

　　Utilizing the concept of “place of origin” (or “geographical indications”) also gives products unique market differentiation. The COA has constructed a system of “geographical certification” for the deer-raising industry across Taiwan, by utilizing special cultural, historical, or other distinguishing features of localities. This should strengthen the local competitive advantage of domestically produced deer antler and related products.

Promoting “food and farming education” (FFE)

● FFE for organic foods: The COA works through the media to instruct the public about labeling and certification of organic foods. We also hold “learning camps” for “seed volunteers” who promote the consumption of organic foods. Finally, we have promoted organic-food FFE in 48 primary and middle schools and held 163 “hands-on agricultural experience” courses with 5990 participants.

● Rice industry FFE: The COA has a number of educational programs in place for the rice industry. Under the “rice education” program, we have assisted primary schools in various counties and cities to design a curriculum teaching students about how rice is grown, cultural aspects of rice-based agriculture, the diversified potential uses of rice, and its role in nutrition. The “rice community” program focuses on giving students hands-on experience through camps or short-term visits to farms. We have also: (a) constructed a “rice education” platform (http://www.riceeducation.com.tw/fr/intro); (b) published rice education handbooks and trained “seed teachers”; (c) held nationwide competitions and exhibitions related to rice education, and (d) worked with nutritionists to disseminate information about concepts related to nutrition and health through a rice-based diet.

● Fruits, vegetables, and grains FFE: The COA has set up direct sales platforms (such as sales points in supermarkets to which farmers deliver food straight from their farms, community farmers’ markets, and the like) in 39 locations, and organized 130 innovative marketing activities for niche agro-products, thereby giving consumers the opportunity to learn about their food, and how it was grown, through face-to-face interactions with small farmers. We have also: (a) produced printed educational materials and an interactive e-book on uses of various ingredients, and (b) trained 200 persons as FFE “seed guides.”

● Nutritious school lunches: The COA has worked with local governments to guide 59 organic farms and 12 food distributors to sign contracts to provide schools in New Taipei City and 10 other municipalities, cities, and counties with vegetables for school lunches. Under the program, which involves 851 schools with 601,000 students, each week each school serves one lunch with organic vegetables and four with Gi-Am-Pu-audited vegetables. (Note: Gi-Am-Pu is a “safe agricultural practices” certification system used in Taiwan.) We have also guided 42 schools in Taichung City, with 30,000 students, to serve nutritious lunches using domestically produced non-genetically-modified soybean. These are concrete and pro-active ways to support domestic agriculture.

Strengthening marketing of domestic agro-products

　　As part of our marketing strategies to promote “local production, local consumption,” we held the 2015 Taiwan Agriculture Expo in Taipei, an event that drew 88,000 visits. We are also continually working to link (i) development and production of “boutique (or niche) agro-products” and “gift packages with special local characteristics” with (ii) secondary level manufacturing and (iii) tertiary level services to create value chains and thereby create new commercial opportunities for domestic niche agro-products.

　　The Hope Farmers Market, which opened on Bade Road in Taipei City in 2001, had to cease operations on May 31 of 2015 because the lease expired. On December 6 of 2015, it was reopened in the open park area next to the Huashan Arts Center under the management of the New Taipei City Farmers’ Association. In 2015 a total of 73 agro-product marketing events were held at the Hope Farmers Market or at the Yuanshan venue of the Taipei Flora Expo, with total sales of over NT$180 million.

Developing local cuisines utilizing special local characteristics

　　With the cooperation of local companies, schools, recreational farms, restaurants, communities, and farmers’ associations, in 2015 the COA held 80 events featuring “special seasonal local agro-products” as the defining ingredients for diverse culinary creations. We also created a recipe App, educational films, micro-movies, and promotional pamphlets to spread the word about special local agro-products. Moreover, we guided the National Farmers’ Association of the ROC to arrange for farmers’ associations at all levels to unite with local communities in 33 locations to utilize various spaces—including (i) idle space in existing buildings or (ii) the farmers’ association’s own sales centers or supermarkets—to establish special “community markets” or “neighborhood mini-markets” specializing in selling niche local products. Finally, we brought together over 400 farmers and did the preparatory groundwork in 80 rural communities to sell nearly 1000 types of same-day seasonal agro-products.

Promoting geographical identification systems for agro-products

　　Taiwan has several unique areas with special geographical factors which are helpful for producing agricultural products with higher qualities, reputations, or other characteristics. In order to sufficiently utilize these kinds of geographical advantages, we introduced the “geographical certification mark” and “geographical collective trademark” systems to agriculturists in hopes they will adopt them for their own products. These two systems are very beneficial for the user of the marks to attain the goal of market differentiation and to increase the economic opportunities for their own agricultural products. Furthermore, we also continued to encourage and assist farmers in areas which have considerable future potential to acquire these marks. By doing so, we hope we can further enhance the promotion of the geographical marks (or “geographical indications”) system and implement related management and supervision measures.

　　As of the end of 2015, 27 agricultural products had been approved for geographical certification marks, and 29 agricultural products had been approved for geographical collective trademarks. In order to further promote the economic benefits of these systems in marketing and market differentiation, we have also proactively guided growers in 13 distinctive tea-growing regions to register for, and receive approval to use, geographical certification marks, issuing a cumulative total of 1.5 million labels.

　　We have held a variety of marketing activities to spread the word on how to identify geographical-certification products and to encourage consumers to buy them. For example, at the 2015 Taiwan Agriculture Expo held in Taipei on October 23-25 of 2015, there was a specially delineated area for exhibiting outstanding coffee and tea niche products from Taiwan. The display included a map showing all the areas in Taiwan where various kinds of special local coffee or tea are grown, as well as the special flavors and character of the coffee and tea products grown in each locale. The display also included an explanation of the geographical-origin labeling system and instructed consumers on how to differentiate and select products with labels indicating traceability, safety, and quality.

　　Beginning in 2014, we also launched a program for makers or sellers of food products using Taiwan-grown rice to use the label “Taiwan Rice.” This helps consumers differentiate Taiwan rice and purchase products made with domestic rice, and increases confidence among citizens about the sourcing of the rice they consume. By the end of 2015, 52 different businesses (including the Taiwan Railways Administration, the Mosburger and Yoshinoya restaurant chains, and several leading hotels) had acquired the rightto use the Taiwan Rice label.

Strengthening safety management of agro-products

A traceability labeling system for non-packed eggs

　　In order to strengthen the responsibility of egg producers in quality control and upgrade the quality of market eggs, the COA has guided the Chicken Association of the ROC to build up the traceability system for non-packed eggs and on September 1 of 2015 we began to enforce the traceability labeling measure for all loose-packed eggs. All non-packed eggs must stick the traceability label on the surface of the container. The label must state the name of the farm of origin and include a QR Code. Consumers can use mobile devices to scan the QR Code or access the website of “The Egg Traceability Inquiry System” (http://www.tafte-poultry.org.tw) to get the information about the farm of origin for non-packed eggs.

　　In 2015, the COA completed the survey of hen farms and built the “Egg Traceability Inquiry System,” under which each hen farm got a registered traceability number. There were a total of 1805 registered hen farms and daily use of the traceability labels was about 80,000. There were about 16 million non-packed eggs per day which were traceable, and the percentage of traceable eggs in total output was more than 95% in 2015.

Management of rice sold to consumers

　　In an effort to strengthen management of rice sold directly to consumers, on May 30 of 2014 the Legislative Yuan passed amendments to some provisions of the Food Administration Act, and these took effect on December 18 of 2014. The amendments strengthen labeling requirements for packaged or loose grains sold in markets where consumers shop. They also prohibit the mixing of domestic rice with imported rice for purposes of illicit gain. Violators are subject to fines of NT$100,000 to NT$15 million and can be fined repeatedly if violations are not rectified.

　　In cases where (a) the actual ingredients in the grains do not match the items or contents as listed on the label, (b) the ingredients are adulterated, or (c) claims made in advertisements are not true and no correction is made within a specified deadline, violators can be punished with fines of NT$40,000 to NT$4 million and can be fined repeatedly if violations are not rectified. In serious cases, the violator’s license to operate their business can be suspended for a specific time period or their registration as a food business can be invalidated.

　　Moreover, a provision was added to the Act stating that in cases where serious violations damage the rights or interests of consumers, the product shall be removed from shelves within three days and completely recalled within one month. Another provision was added which states that records on imported grains and domestic grains shall be kept separately. In addition, grain importers or processors of a certain scale as publicly designated by the governing authority shall record the origins and flows of their supplies so that we can continually trace the movements and uses of imported grains.

A traceability system for domestic beef

　　As part of our continuing efforts to establish a comprehensive system for traceability of domestic beef, in 2015 the COA completed the acquisition of 30,000 beef-cattle ID ear-tags, and as of the end of 2015, thanks to the efforts of local governments and industry associations, 24,967 of these ear-tags had been distributed. We guided cattle ranches to undertake ear-tagging and created a linked data system from ranches to slaughterhouses to point of sale. Each day the ID numbers of slaughtered cattle are removed from registers, and in 2015 we achieved a 100% ratio of removals to number of cattle slaughtered.

　　To further promote upgrading in the beef industry, we also: (a) guided a total of 50 sellers of beef products authorized to use the collective “Domestic Beef” label to attach electronic traceability labels to their products; (b) held three explanatory sessions on the functioning of the beef production traceability system; (c) held two training classes for creative beef cuisine; (d) formed teams of experts to provide advice to slaughterhouses and butchering operations, and on 15 occasions these teams provided onsite diagnostic and consulting services at the slaughterhouse end of the production chain, and (e) began implementation of geographical certification labeling for beef to ensure market differentiation between locally produced and imported beef.

The Taiwan “Traceable Agricultural Product” system for agro-products

　　As of the end of 2015, 1570 agro-product operators were approved for participation in the Taiwan “Traceable Agricultural Product” (TAP) system, in seven major categories: (i) staple crops, (ii) processed crops, (iii) livestock products, (iv) poultry products, (v) processed livestock and poultry products, (vi) aquaculture products, and (vii) processed fisheries products. In 2015 these operators supplied 262 types of farm, fisheries, and animal products.

　　In order to make it more convenient for farmers to participate in the TAP system, the COA developed the “Agro-Product Resumé in a Grab” App, which simplifies the recording and uploading of production data. In 2015 an average of 5.25 million TAP labels were used per month, an increase of 47% over 2014. In order to protect the interests and rights of consumers and ensure that products certified for use of the TAP label are meeting all safety standards, the COA has been continually conducting random sample tests; 99% of all products tested over the past three years have been up to standard.

　　It is also necessary to educate the public about this system. In 2015 we incorporated information about the TAP system into a variety of promotional activities. These included: (i) food-and-farming education in primary schools, (ii) information distributed at sales locations, (iii) outdoor events and activities, and (iv) online marketing. It is getting easier for both food shoppers and people dining out to access food that is in the TAP system. A total of 15 food distributors have set up dedicated TAP sales counters in 392 locations, while a total of 91 restaurant operations (181 total branches) have joined the ranks of restaurants that exclusively serve food using TAP ingredients.

The Gi-Am-Pu auditing and certification system Version 2.0

　　The Gi-Am-Pu auditing system, founded in 1993, is a “safe agricultural practices” system used in Taiwan. As of the end of 2014, we had guided a total of 2127 Agricultural Production-and-Marketing Groups (APMGs) to correctly utilize agro-chemicals (especially pesticides). These APMGs cover a production area of 25,000 hectares of land, with production volume of 550,000 metric tons. We have effectively constructed a strong sense of responsibility among farmers for their own production standards, in order to provide citizens with premium quality domestically produced fruits and vegetables. The Gi-Am-Pu label is now widely recognized among consumers and has achieved market differentiation.

　　In terms of marketing of Gi-Am-Pu products, the COA promoted the sale of 31 types of specially double-packaged Gi-Am-Pu fruits and vegetables through major wholesale markets (including those in Taipei, Sanchong, and Taichung) with total supply volume of 19,150 metric tons. We also arranged to have special Gi-Am-Pu product displays or counters set up in 100 locations in chain supermarkets, so that consumers can readily identify and access Gi-Am-Pu products.

　　The Gi-Am-Pu system has also been upgraded to what we call “Gi-Am-Pu 2.0” as a result of its integration with our “Taiwan Agricultural Traceability Label” (TATL) system. The COA implemented this system, which uses QR codes on agro-products, in 2015, in order to make it possible for consumers to use their mobile devices to search for production-source information about agro-products at anytime they wish. Products with the Gi-Am-Pu Label were given top priority for implementation of the TATL system, with the two systems functioning in a complementary way. “Gi-Am-Pu 2.0” not only means stronger traceability, it also means higher value-added for products that are labeled as being certified under both systems.

Organic farming

　　The COA has long had a policy of promoting the development of organic farming in Taiwan, and we have continually guided farmers to help them get their farms or products tested and certified as organic. As of the end of 2015 there were 11 institutions authorized by the COA to conduct inspection and certification for organic farms or products, and a total of 6490 hectares (2598 farm households) of land had been inspected and certified as organic farms. Meanwhile, two livestock producers (accounting for a total of three products) had been certified as organic, as had one firm that produces processed organic livestock products (total of one product). In 2015 the COA also accepted 35 applications for imports of organic livestock products, with total import volume of 129 metric tons. Finally, we conducted 15 random sample tests of organic livestock products at the point of sale, with all tested products meeting required standards.

　　Part of the development of organic farming involves the creation of special zones devoted exclusively to organic cultivation. The COA has guided local governments to rent land and set up special organic farming zones in 16 locations, totaling 688 hectares (ha). Meanwhile, farmers have set up 10 self-managed organic farming zones of their own, totaling 357 ha. The COA has also guided the establishment of “organic villages” in 12 locations, totaling 593 ha.

　　Finally, with the aims of (a) ensuring sustainable development of the organic farming industry in Taiwan and (b) upgrading the quality of organic agro-products, the COA has drafted a special “Organic Farming Act.” The draft is now in the process of being reviewed by the Executive Yuan (executive branch of the government).

The CAS certification system for premium agro-products

　　The CAS certification label, which means that agro-products have been tested and meet specified criteria, was launched in 1989. The system is an incentive for domestic agro-businesses to produce premium-quality farm, forestry, fisheries, and animal husbandry products, thereby driving development of related industries, while also protecting the rights and interests of consumers. As of the end of 2015, the scope of the CAS system included 16 categories, there were 262 participating companies, and CAS label use had been approved for 694 items.

　　To ensure that CAS-labeled products are genuinely of high quality, the entire factory is inspected to see that everything is up to standard, and production traceability and risk management are rigorously enforced. If there are any shortcomings, the product-recall mechanism is strictly activated. CAS certification requires three levels of quality control: (a) testing done by the producers themselves; (b) inspections, sampling, and testing of products by accredited certification organizations, and (c) random-sample testing, monitoring, and enforcement by government agencies as authorized by law. In 2015 accredited certification organizations conducted 730 inspections, and 2,488 products were tested, with over 99% meeting requirements. For products that were not up to standard, producers had to make improvements within a fixed deadline or lose their CAS certification. Where there were violations of the “Act Governing Food Safety and Sanitation,” the health agencies with jurisdiction were informed, and followed up with their own investigations and enforcement.

　　In addition, government agencies take the initiative to inspect CAS product labels at points of sale. In 2015, 14,457 items were inspected, and tests were run on 264 samples. Over 99% of tested products met required standards. Violators were punished under the “Agricultural Production and Certification Act.” Furthermore, in order to upgrade the international competitiveness of Taiwan’s agro-products, we are constantly updating the CAS criteria with reference to international standards, and we are currently in a transitional phase as we catch up to international standards across the board.

Testing for chemical residues in agro-products

　　The COA has continually conducted testing for residues of veterinary drugs used on livestock and poultry, in order to ensure that livestock and poultry operators use veterinary drugs legally and safely, so that we can maintain food safety for citizens. In 2015 we sent inspectors to livestock and poultry farms to do random blood tests on livestock, and to test samples of poultry meat, raw milk, and eggs, for a total of 37,143 cases. The use of veterinary drugs is closely monitored to preempt any concerns that livestock or poultry products with veterinary-drug residues could reach consumers. The tested products passed in 99.9% of cases. There were 36 cases of sub-standard products, all of which were punished according to law, resulting in NT$1.35 million in fines.

　　The Taiwan Agricultural Chemicals and Toxic Substances Research Institute (which also oversees eight regional testing centers), along with the Tea Research and Extension Station, have continually conducted pesticide residue tests on fruits, vegetables, tea, and rice, in the field and at product packing and shipping facilities. In 2015, 10,816 tests were conducted, with 95.3% of tested items meeting required standards. Of these, 7234 of the tests were on samples of fruits or vegetables (94.7% up to standard); 1556 were on tea (97%), and 2026 were on rice (96.3%).

　　In cases where tested samples do not meet requirements, the COA asks the farmers to postpone harvesting of their crops and putting them on the market. In 2015 fines were assessed in 220 cases (192 involving fruits and vegetables, 21 involving tea, and seven involving rice), resulting in NT$3.132 million in fines. Moreover, to strengthen management “at the source,” the Taiwan Agricultural Research Institute has guided farmers’ associations to establish 171 rapid-testing-technology stations to provide farmers with agro-chemical testing services and help farmers manage their own crops right in the fields. In 2015 a total of 632,528 tests were conducted at these stations, with 625,841 of the tested products having an inhibition ratio (suppression ratio) of below 35%.

　　In cases where tested samples do not meet requirements, the COA punishes the violators under the relevant regulations, while we also investigate the reasons why the products are sub-standard and strengthen our guidance of individual farmers to teach them safe use of agro-chemicals and veterinary drugs. We also continually follow up with violators to make sure they have taken remedial steps to improve their operations.

Management of processed foods made from agro-products

　　Upgrading of the processing of agro-products is another way to enhance food safety. On December 9 of 2015, the COA announced new regulations governing the production or manufacture of processed foods made from agro-products. These regulations incentivize farmers’ and fishermen’s associations, as well as other relevant rural organizations and units, to effectively implement all relevant laws and regulations governing food safety and sanitary standards during processing of agro-products.

Meat inspection

　　To ensure that all meat and meat products are free of diseases and suitable (being wholesome and safe) for human consumption, the COA has continually implemented the program of meat inspection. In 2015, a total of 587 qualified meat inspectors were dispatched to 165 registered slaughterhouses (60 sites for slaughtering livestock, 103 for poultry and 2 for both) to conduct ante- and post-mortem inspections and to supervise the sanitary operations of each slaughterhouse. The staff of the BAPHIQ headquarters and branch offices working in meat inspection affairs also conducted unscheduled on-site audits.

　　During the year, 825 million head of livestock and 311 million poultry were inspected, of which 1.49 million livestock and 8.77 million poultry carcasses were wholly or partially condemned to prevent meat unfit for human consumption from reaching consumers. To ensure both the regulations of the “Establishment Standards for Slaughterhouse” and “Requirements for Slaughter Operation” have been properly observed by slaughterhouses, BAPHIQ completed 302 audits.  Slaughterhouses that violated regulations mentioned above and other relevant regulations were fined on 32 cases, with the number of fines totaling NT$ 1.32 million. Through these measures, the operators were supervised to take suitable actions to correct the defects found in their slaughter operations and to provide higher quality and safer products to consumers.

Rational and moderate use of fertilizer

　　In 2015 the COA’s various research and extension stations and the Taiwan Banana Research Institute organized 407 events about fertilizer use including: (a) seminars on how to properly and rationally use chemical fertilizers, and (b) on-site field demonstrations where farmers could see the results of proper fertilizer use. There were a total of 19,500 participants. There were also 38,900 cases in which our experts provided free diagnostic services to assess fertilizer needs for farmers’ crops, with diagnostic teams providing specific and concrete instructions for correct fertilizer amounts and application methods.

　　In addition, the COA held an international training course on smart use of fertilizers to improve crop production and soil conservation. The course was held at the Taichung District Agricultural Research and Extension. At the course, experts taught 33 extension specialists from 18 countries in the Asia and Pacific region the theory and practice of using fertilizers the smart way. Instruction was provided via seminars, laboratory practice in analysis of soil and plant samples, and on-site field studies. This training course demonstrates the efforts made by the Taiwan government in promoting the concept and practice of rational fertilization technologies and techniques.

Introducing the HACCP management system to fish markets

　　To upgrade the sanitary standards and food safety at domestic fish products, the COA’s Fisheries Agency has commissioned food safety experts to guide fish markets to promote the introduction of the HACCP management system. After evaluation, the Ziguan (Tzukuan) Fish Market was selected as the focus for guidance. We not only improved hardware facilities at the market, we also trained people involved in both the production and sales sides on standard operating procedures for safety and sanitation, and we instructed relevant personnel on compliance with the regulatory regime. Instruction focused on five main areas in which pollutants could be prevented from entering the food chain including: logistics, vehicles, human contact, airflow, and water flow. Thanks to the dedicated efforts of all the staff at the Ziguan Fish Market, the market passed an evaluation by the Taiwan agent of Australia’s TQCSI management systems certification organization, and in June 2015 became the first fish market in all of Taiwan to receive HACCP certification.

Policies dealing with animal and plant health

Measures to limit and control rabies

　　Taiwan had been considered rabies-free since 1961. In 2013, however, Taiwan confirmed the detection of rabies virus in wild ferret-badgers. To prevent a resurgence of the disease, we have continued to conduct surveillance on dogs, cats, and wild animals for rabies. From 1999 to 2015, we conducted 12,873 tests of dogs, cats, and wild animals. Confirmed cases of rabies were limited to the following: one puppy bitten by a ferret-badger, one house shrew, six masked palm civets, and 511 ferret-badgers. Cases of rabies have been discovered in 72 townships in nine counties and cities, but the epidemic has been confined exclusively to feral animals in mountain regions.

　　In 2015 we continued to promote rabies vaccinations for dogs and cats to create a protective buffer zone, aiming to achieve a vaccination rate of 70%. We subsidized approximately 680,115 dosages, and the vaccination rate increased as compared to 2014. In cases in which animals have not been vaccinated as required by law, violators are subject to fines of NT$30,000 to NT$150,000; fines were assessed in a total of 24 cases.

　　To minimize the risk of rabies spreading to dogs or cats, the COA is continuing to: (a) undertake reviews and assessments of the effectiveness of rabies prevention at the city and county level; (b) construct digitized or electronic databases and operations regarding rabies vaccinations of dogs and cats; (c) strengthen management of dogs and cats at the source; (d) educate the public about animal health; (e) stockpile rabies vaccines, and (f) train personnel in rabies prevention. We have also established a research program for rabies-related technologies, and expect to develop an oral vaccine for ferret-badgers in order to further control and potentially eradicate rabies in Taiwan.

Measures against foot-and-mouth disease

　　The main focal points for prevention of foot-and-mouth disease (FMD) are meat markets and pig transportation vehicles. On September 2 of 2015, the COA announced new measures entitled “Regulations on Cleaning and Disinfection of Transport Vehicles and the Cages Used in Transport” to effectively lower the risk of disease transmission. These regulations govern the cleaning and disinfection measures of transportation vehicles used in the animal transportation industry, and make these standards obligatory. To ensure that they are followed, the COA has personnel exclusively assigned to guiding transport businesses and inspecting transport operators.

　　In terms of enforcement of FMD vaccination measures for cloven-hoofed animals, by the end of 2015, the vaccination rate for FMD exceeded 90%, and antibodies reached required levels in over 80% of farms. These figures show that our FMD prevention measures have been effective in the preliminary stage. There have been no cases of FMD in Taiwan proper, nor in the island counties of Penghu or Lienchiang, since June of 2013. On October 16 of 2015, we applied to the OIE for verification that Taiwan proper, Penghu County, and Matsu Island are FMD-free zones where vaccination is practiced. In the future, the COA will continue to assess and improve preventive measures to reach our goal of being an FMD-free country.

Management of veterinary drugs

　　In order to upgrade the quality and safety of veterinary drugs, the COA has clearly stipulated: (i) registration review procedures, and (ii) supporting data and materials that must be attached for the alteration, extension, replacement, or re-issuance of permits for veterinary drugs. These steps provide manufacturers and importers of veterinary drugs with clear standards they can rely on in doing business and are helpful to expand the export market for veterinary drugs. Besides simplifying the standards and procedures for veterinary drugs exclusively for export, we are also working to make the regulatory framework comprehensive. In accordance with Paragraph 2 of Article 12 of the Veterinary Drugs Control Act, in 2015 the COA finalized new guidelines for registration review. The guidelines include 32 articles and were published on March 13, 2015 as “Council of Agriculture Announcement No. Nong-Fang-Zi-1041471377.”

　　To ensure that businesses correctly understand relevant operational regulations, the COA’s Bureau of Animal and Plant Health Inspection and Quarantine sent personnel to help explain the content and most noteworthy aspects of the latest regulations to affected parties. In 2015 we did this on seven occasions, including meetings of relevant commercial organizations and associations, as well as at educational and informational conferences held as part of technology development plans. With our help, businesses have been able to smoothly complete registration as well as the extension, alteration, or replacement of permits, thereby protecting their rights and interests.

Management of agro-pesticides

　　On July 9 of 2015 the COA announced amendments to the “Regulations Governing the Application Review for Special-Use Pesticides.” The amendments simplify the data and materials that must be submitted with applications when the pesticide is strictly for export. On July 10 the COA further announced amendments to the “Regulations Governing the Application Review and Approval for Agro-Pesticide Permits.” The amendments brought highly hazardous pesticide products under the scope of “pesticides for which registration may not be approved.” They also included new provisions that: (a) govern culture storage for microbial pesticides, and (b) exempt applicants, when applying for new pesticide usage, from submission of data that has been previously submitted.

　　Moreover, on December 9 of 2015 amendments were promulgated to Articles 45 and 46 of the Agro-Pesticides Management Act. The amendments raised the ceiling on fines for the manufacture, processing, packaging, import, or sale of prohibited pesticides, to more strongly deter violations of the law. Moreover, on August 14 we finalized and announced “Application Procedures and Audit Directions for Plant Protection Pesticides that are Exempted from Registration.” Nine types of plant-protection products, including chitosan, were announced on October 30. The purpose is to promote the application of highly safe plant-protection materials and to provide farmers better access to safer and more environmentally friendly materials.

　　In order to strengthen controls over hazardous agro-pesticides and reduce potential harm, the COA pro-actively conducts safety evaluations on agro-pesticide products that pose higher risks to pesticide users, the environment, and consumers. On January 20 of 2015 the COA effectively banned the use of Fipronil 4.95% SC usage by eliminating all of its registered legal pesticide usages, effective as of January 1 of 2016.

　　In addition, on January 20 we issued a notification that seven types of pesticides, including paraquat, shall be purchased only by pesticide dealers or certified pesticide applicators (but not by ordinary farmers), or for the purposes of experiment, research, education, or emergency plant protection situations. The COA has also guided local governments in strengthening controls over sales of agro-chemicals, and conducts continual re-evaluations and reviews with the aim of reducing risks from the use of pesticides.

The extrapolation of agro-pesticide uses in crop grouping

　　Due to the problem that some minor crops lack registered pesticide uses for their protection, farmers would tend to violate the law by using pesticides not registered for those specific crops. To solve this problem, in March of 2009 the COA began actively establishing crop grouping and approving the extrapolation of pesticide uses in order to make new pesticide uses available to farmers. As of the end of 2015, the COA had announced 3517 extrapolated pesticide uses. Also, in coordination with the extrapolation program, we have asked the Ministry of Health and Welfare to amend or set the maximum residual levels (MRLs) for 1777 items. These measures have proven effective in solving the lack of safe agro-pesticide uses for certain crops, in meeting plant-protection needs, in ensuring agricultural products’ safety, and in protecting the health of consumers.

Monitoring, early warning, prevention, and control of pests

　　In 2015, the COA conducted 4142 monitoring surveys of plant pests and announced early warnings and alerts a total of 81 times. At the same time, through the “Field Hand” (Tianbian Hao Bangshou) system and village broadcast systems we reminded relevant agencies and farmers to pay special attention to prevention of pests in affected areas. We conducted surveys targeting 27 species of high-risk pests, including 18 species of fruit flies and codling moth at 640 locations; peach fruit moths at 100 locations, and six species of nematodes and western flower thrips at various locations. None of the aforementioned pests were discovered at any of the investigated locations.

　　The COA has earned global attention for the development of an “intelligent monitoring system” for the population density of the Oriental fruit fly. Both the BBC and the Discovery Channel reported on the system, and many countries have inquired about the applications of the system in the field and about procurement of the equipment.

　　In addition, in 2015: (1) The COA took steps to block invasive red imported fire ants on 30,000 hectares and eradicated over 5000 anthills, while also implementing emergency-response measures and follow-up monitoring in Yilan and Miaoli. (2) We issued 19 certifications that five types of sprouts or seedlings (including oranges, potatoes, giant timber bamboo, sugar cane, and cowpeas) had been inspected and were up to standard, thereby upgrading sprout/seedling health. (3) We held 210 lecture classes on subjects that included: (i) monitoring, testing for, and prevention of rice blast disease, (ii) integrated management of diseases and insect pests for important fruits and vegetables, and (iii) safe use of agro-pesticides. These measures have reduced the incidence (prevalence) of diseases and pest infestations while reducing farmers’ dependence on chemical pesticides.

Precautions against invasion by significant foreign animal and plant diseases and pests

　　In our continuing efforts to uphold and enforce protective standards against disease at our borders, in 2015 the COA conducted inspections on 143,188 batches of animals and animal products and 174,440 batches of plants and plant products. We also made amendments to relevant regulations and quarantine requirements in response to changing international conditions regarding plant and animal diseases.

　　In 2015, the COA posted 47 detector-dog teams at international airports and harbors to inspect passenger luggage, and also at the international-mail handling center to inspect mailed packages. There were over 54,382 cases of violations totaling 57 metric tons of contraband agro-products. We also actively participated in the “Ankang Special Project” program, and in 2015 destroyed 139 live animals, 50 fertilized pigeon eggs, and 482 kilograms of livestock and poultry products.

　　The COA has even extended our “front line” of disease prevention beyond Taiwan’s borders. In 2015 we dispatched personnel to the following countries for the following purposes: (a) Austria, Poland, Canada, and the US, to inspect and audit meat products; (b) Japan and mainland China to conduct on-site inspections for pear scions in production areas in the summer season and prior to export in the winter season; (c) the Netherlands and Chile to conduct on-site inspections in production areas for lily bulbs; (d) the Netherlands to conduct on-site inspections for export propagation materials which are hosts of Radopholus similis; (e) South Africa, Australia, Chile, New Zealand, the US, and Canada to conduct on-site inspections for apples to be exported to Taiwan from areas affected by the codling moth; (f) Japan and South Korea to conduct on-site inspections for hosts of peach fruit flies that could affect fruits to be exported to Taiwan; (g) Thailand to conduct on-site inspections for betelnut; (h) mainland China to verify Shanxi Province as a guava fruit fly free area and conduct on-site inspections for the systematic exportation of mainland Chinese cherries.

Prevention and control of avian influenza

　　The COA also continued to take measures to prevent any outbreak or spread of avian flu in the high-risk seasons. We pro-actively devised preventive measures and oversaw their strict implementation. Moreover, to prevent unethical operators from sending poultry that is suspected of having contracted, or has actually contracted, avian flu, to illegal slaughterhouses (in order to evade the sanitary inspections that are required at legal slaughterhouses), the COA has led the way in forming joint inspection teams within each county and city government to uncover and shut down illegal slaughtering operations. In 2015 inspections were conducted on 2223 occasions, illegal slaughtering operations were uncovered in 93 cases, and 3237 poultry carcasses were confiscated, thereby effectively deterring illegal slaughtering behavior.

　　COA inspectors charged with inspecting health and sanitary standards at slaughterhouses routinely report cases of suspected infection of poultry with any legally defined communicable animal disease. In 2015, follow-up testing confirmed 26 such cases. We also: (a) processed 168,868 sets of poultry health certification documents, and (b) monitored cleaning and disinfection operations at poultry slaughterhouses on 29,136 occasions (including periods when slaughtering operations were halted). COA inspections covered not only slaughtering areas but also animal transport vehicles and cages. Such measures are critical in preventing any serious outbreak of avian influenza.