(1) Promoting regional agricultural processing centers

A. Establishing regional agriproduct processing centers

The COA guided the Chia Luh Fruits and Vegetables Produce Cooperative and the Taitung District Farmers’ Association to set up two regional agriproducts processing centers, bringing together farmers, agricultural production-and-marketing groups, and farmers’ organizations to expand contract production. A total of 820 farmers participated, doing contract production over 243 hectares of land, and producing about 2,500 metric tons of raw materials for processing.

Besides assisting regional processing centers in getting ISO22000 certification and bringing them in line with Good Hygienic Practices, the COA improved processing facilities (or equipment) and added refrigerated warehouses (freezers) to raise production capacity and efficiency and raise storage capacity, thereby strengthening OEM and processing capabilities. We also introduced Traceable Agricultural Products (TAP) and organic processed-product certification systems, with such certifications awarded to products including frozen broccoli, corn, soybeans, carrots, turmeric, roselle, and sugar apples.

B. Establishing regional distribution and processing centers for fisheries products

The COA guided the processing plant of the Yong’an District Fishermen’s Association to install freshness-preserving freezers and processing equipment in order to build a processing plant that conforms to HACCP norms. We thereby enabled grouper aquaculture operators in the Yong’an District of Kaohsiung City to have immediate and nearby access to handling of fish products, to produce frozen processed products, and to develop multiple sales channels and achieve market dispersion. At the same time the Fisherman’s Association can purchase seafood at stable prices for processing and, by using frozen storage, can maintain a balance between production and sales volume.

C. Establishing regional washing, grading, and distribution centers for chicken eggs

In coordination with the policy of comprehensive washing and grading of chicken eggs, the COA guided cooperatives and production-and-marketing groups to form regional washing, grading, and distribution centers for chicken eggs. In 2018 the COA completed guidance of the Fangyuan Township Farmers’ Association and the Dacheng Township Farmers’ Association (both in Changhua County) as well as the Egg Marketing Cooperative, Republic of China in setting up washing, grading, and distribution centers for chicken eggs, using equipment such as automated washing and grading machines, packaging machines, and basket washing machines, to maintain a balance between regional egg production and sales, stabilize the quality of the egg supply, and develop international markets for the export of chicken eggs.

(2) Promoting management of primary-level processing of agriproducts

In order to (i) construct a unified management system for agricultural products from the production through primary processing stages, (ii) strengthen the sanitation and safety of agriproducts, and (iii) assist small farmers to get legal certification for processing sites, all of which will facilitate market access for products, broaden sales of agriproducts on store shelves, and promote industrial upgrading, the COA drafted management regulations for “primary processing sites for agricultural products.” We will amend the “Agricultural Production and Certification Act” so that Article 16 provides the legal authorization based on which we will announce the “regulations governing management of primary processing sites for agricultural products.”

In the future, following the amendment of the “Agricultural Production and Certification Act,” the COA will pro-actively promote the adoption of regulations governing a management system for primary processing sites for agriproducts, and will hold additional local explanatory seminars. We will implement grading guidance and food safety management, strengthen guidance and improve software and hardware facilities, and undertake training of personnel, all in order to conform to the relevant rules of the “Act Governing Food Safety and Sanitation” and the Good Hygienic Practices standards, in order to proceed with certification of “primary processing sites for agricultural products.”

(3) Promoting premium agriproducts

A. Innovating new value for agriproducts

In 2018 the COA guided farmers’ associations, rural communities, and related organizations to use local agricultural resources to develop rural economic enterprises and rural travel itineraries, and we also constructed sales channels; besides providing innovative new value for agriproducts, these steps aided rural economic development. We also selected 144 products from 95 farmers’ associations and nine fishermen’s associations for the “Top 100 Premium Agricultural Products of Farmers’ and Fishermen’s Associations.” Moreover, the COA highlighted “Rural Good Products” to encourage rural communities to develop marketable products that reflect the unique characteristics of the locality. In addition, we developed 26 agro-gift or souvenir items. Besides increasing the value-added of agriproducts, these measures aided rural economies, creating nearly NT$600 million in production value.

In 2018 the COA guided 20 rural wineries to create products flavored with ingredients unique to local agriculture in their respective areas. We guided production of 190,000 liters of wines and liqueurs, with production value of NT$183 million. We also promoted the internationalization of rural wines, and screened out superior wines and liqueurs to compete in international competitions, winning four golds, six silvers, and two bronzes, thereby shaping a reputation for quality for rural wineries.

In addition, the COA guided nine fisheries (or fishermen’s) organizations (including the Keelung District Fishermen’s Association) to develop unique seafood products that are representative of the locality or the fishing season, and through refinement of seafood packaging, create a reputation for quality of Taiwan seafood products. These steps not only made it possible to raise the price of fish products, but also increased job opportunities in fishing communities and raised fishermen’s incomes. Thereafter, groups within the jurisdiction of sustainable fishing communities developed marketing for fisheries products, benefitting both fishing communities and fishermen.

In addition, in 2018 the COA and 14 domestic wood businesses worked together to create the “Taiwan Wood Pavilion” at the Taipei Building Show, winning the “top exhibitor award” for the second time. We used Taiwan wood and bamboo as the main construction material for the Pavilion, and effectively raised the market visibility of domestic wood and bamboo materials, displaying the innovative value of beautiful wood and bamboo products from Taiwan.

In 2018, in order to promote elderly-friendly foods, the COA continued to hold the “elderly-friendly food selection activity.” We evaluated entries and selected a total of 27 elderly-friendly foods processed from local farm, fisheries, and animal husbandry products, with the aim of encouraging the healthy development of aged societies.

B. Strengthening marketing and promotion of premium agriproducts

To strengthen marketing publicity for the “Top 100 Premium Agricultural Products of Farmers’ and Fishermen’s Associations,” we used information and communications technology to attract consumers, and provided product catalog and e-book download services on the agricultural “ezgo” website (https://ezgo.coa.gov.tw/). We also cooperated with the “Ponta” website of the Eastern Multimedia Group to produce informational live video feeds direct from production areas, which were broadcast on social networks monthly. The COA further created a Facebook fan page to market “Haiyan” (“Seafood Banquet”) premium seafood products, and continued to drive upgrading of domestic seafood in the areas of quality, safety, and refinement.

In 2018 the COA guided farmers’ and fishermen’s associations at all levels to set up brick-and-mortar outlets as well as virtual special areas for selling the “Top 100 Premium Agricultural Products of Farmers’ and Fishermen’s Associations” and agro-gift and souvenir items, to facilitate the purchase of these items. They set up sales points on the “Country U Box” online purchasing platform of the New Taipei City Farmers’ Association, at the Banqiao District Farmers’ Association, the Dahu District Farmers Association, the Chishang Township Farmers’ Association, and the Mellow Fields Hotel. The COA also provided exhibition and sales opportunities for “Rural Good Products” on the Country U Box electronic emporium, at the “Uncle Sweet” Taiwan sweet potato outlet in the main hall of the Yunlin High-Speed Rail station, at the Tai’an northbound and southbound service areas of National Freeway No. 1 and at the Dongshan service area of National Freeway No. 3, at the Dong Li Family-style B&B direct sales center in Yuanli Township of Miaoli County, at the Takegreen Farm and Miaoli Cultural Park, and at pop-up counters in department stores.

The COA also marketed premium farm, forestry, fisheries, and animal husbandry products during special events. These included the “Taipei International Food Show,” the “Winter Sale Expo for Premium Agri-food Products of Assured Safety,” the “2018 Forestry Market: The Forest Goods Shop,” the “Taiwan Culinary Exhibition,” and the “Taipei International Travel Fair.” The COA participated in these large scale exhibition and sales activities or arranged for individual booths, while mediating purchasing deals with domestic and foreign buyers. Products on display combined “special local characteristics” with the “Four Labels and One QR Code,” enabling consumers to better understand the significance of certification labels and safe agriproducts. Our participation at these events was well-received by the public, and increased international visibility and export opportunities for Taiwan agriproducts.

(4) Promoting rural tourism

A. Agricultural tourism

The COA works to create a tourist friendly environment for leisure farms, innovate value-added for these farms, strengthen the quality of manpower and overall service capabilities in the rural leisure industry, and guide leisure farms to move towards having themes, having unique characteristics, being “smart,” and being regional. By the end of 2018, the COA had designated 91 “recreational agriculture areas,” licensed 437 leisure farms, and assisted 125 “Tian Mama’s cuisine units,” to enrich the special character of rural tourism.

The COA also promoted 234 themed rural itineraries, including “fruit-picking tours,” and combined these with local rural festivals to develop regional tourism activities. We also deftly used online social networks, cross-domain integration, and virtual sales channels to attract tourists from home and abroad to rural areas. There were about 27.6 million journeys by tourists to rural leisure and travel destinations, of which 610,000 were by foreign tourists, creating production value of NT$10.8 billion and promoting “local production, local consumption.”

Also in 2018, the COA carefully reviewed and selected 35 high-quality “rural experiential communities,” which we promoted to the public so they can enjoy visits to rural communities and experience local customs and culture. Of these, 15 trips were put on the “ezgo” website so citizens can buy tickets for them online. There were also six barrier-free rural experiential tours, so that the elderly and handicapped could also enjoy exciting rural experiences.

B. Fisheries-related leisure and tourism

The COA held 53 promotional activities for fisheries industry culture and recreational fishing. In terms of recreational fishing promotion, we created an integrated platform for Internet information about recreational fishing, and also provided domestic and foreign tourists with information about boats available for marine eco-tourism and recreational fishing. Surveys showed that in 2018 there were a total of 10.137 million participants in coastal fisheries recreation and eco-travel, creating about NT$3.18 billion in production value.

C. Forest eco-tourism

In 2018 the COA strengthened management of the maintenance of equipment at recreational venues, and also upgraded the quality of visits to the nation’s 18 National Forest Recreation Areas and three Forest Parks. We encouraged citizens to get in contact with nature to improve their health, and there were over 4.53 million visits. The Neidong Forest Recreation Area had to be temporarily closed following severe damage caused by Typhoon Soudelor; it was re-opened in September following repairs. The Bong Bong Train at Taipingshan Forest Recreation Area also resumed operations in September. Moreover, forest recreation sites continued to cooperate with mountain villages and indigenous communities to come up with variously themed eco-tourism itineraries 683 times, creating nearly NT$10 million in direct production value.

The COA also founded the “Alishan Forest Railway and Cultural Heritage Office” to take charge of the Alishan Forest Railway and surrounding cultural heritage sites. The Office worked seamlessly with Taiwan Railways Administration, and total passenger volume exceeded 1,106,000 men-times. We also made a short film advertising the multiple values of Alishan, including cherry blossom season in the Alishan National Scenic Area, the Alishan Forest Railway, cultural heritage around the Railway, and experiential tourism, proactively working to attract international tourists to Taiwan. At the same time, the COA continued to develop international exchanges, and in December the Alishan Forest Railway signed a Letter of Intent with the Čierny Hron Forestry Railway in Slovakia to become sister railways.