agriculture 結果共64筆

A sheep farm in Pingtung County, Taiwan experiences its first outbreak of Brucellosis in 30 years, with three sheep testing positive for the disease. The infected sheep have been culled and the entire facility disinfected. Brucellosis is a zoonotic infectious disease that can spread between people and animals, causing placentitis, infertility, miscarriage, and orchitis. The Pingtung County Animal Disease Control Center routinely monitors dairy cattle and sheep farms, with all dairy cattle farms testing negative in 2023. Further confirmation analysis and biweekly blood tests are mandated for the remaining sheep on the affected farm. Taiwan’s Council of Agriculture claims to have eradicated Brucellosis in dairy cows by 1989, and this is the first positive case identified on a sheep farm since surveillance began in 1986. Livestock farms are urged to avoid introducing animals from unknown sources and to enhance biosecurity measures, using proper personal protective equipment and reporting unexplained symptoms to animal health authorities.

Multiple municipalities in Taiwan, including Taipei, New Taipei, Keelung, Taoyuan, and Taichung, have announced the lifting of the ban on imported liquid eggs in school lunches, following a controversy over their use. The ban will be lifted starting from December 11, with the condition that only liquid eggs produced in December and carrying the Certified Agricultural Standards (CAS) mark can be used. CAS-certified liquid eggs, priced at approximately NT＄125 per kilogram, are 1.5 times more expensive than regular shell eggs but guarantee higher quality. Taichung Mayor Lu Shiow-Yen cited the resolution of the ＂egg shortage crisis＂ and strengthened regulation on liquid egg production as reasons for lifting the ban. School meal providers can now gradually reintroduce egg dishes that were previously removed from students’ menus. Former Agriculture Minister Chen Chi-chung expressed his view on the ban lift, emphasizing the importance of food safety in a Facebook post.

Taiwan People’s Party (TPP) presidential candidate Ko Wen-je criticizes a return to the clash between the Kuomintang (KMT) and the Democratic Progressive Party (DPP), arguing that it would result in a victory for the DPP. Ko’s comments were made during an agriculture policy press conference, as support for KMT candidates Hou Yu-ih and Jaw Shaw-kong grows in polls. Ko questions whether Taiwan truly desires a return to a polarized political axis and highlights that 60% of the population supports maintaining the status quo. He appeals to the youth demographic to consider moving away from the blue-green divide and towards a new political and cultural era.

Taiwan People’s Party (TPP) presidential candidate Ko Wen-je has unveiled a series of policy proposals to revolutionize Taiwan’s agricultural sector. These proposals include employing artificial intelligence (AI) to create a comprehensive agricultural database. Ko’s five-pronged approach aims to address challenges faced by Taiwanese farmers, such as fragmented landholdings and an oversaturated domestic market. He also highlights the need to modernize traditional poultry houses and the agricultural marketing system. One focal point of Ko’s agricultural policy is the establishment of a strategic food security plan with AI, aiming to enhance planning in agricultural production and ensure transparency in the sale of farm products through data analytics. Ko also emphasizes the importance of resilient infrastructure to protect the farming sector from extreme weather events and the formation of an agricultural carbon sink platform to promote sustainable and low-carbon development. By drawing on international models, Ko aims to transform rural architecture and farming practices for a more sustainable future in Taiwanese agriculture.

The Minister of Economic Affairs, Wang Mei-hua, stated that the release of the list of key national technologies will not impact businesses as they have been consulted beforehand. The focus is on enhancing the protection of critical technologies. The National Science and Technology Council revealed a list of 22 core national key technologies across defense, agriculture, semiconductors, space, and cyber-security, including two semiconductor technologies. Personnel involved with key technologies receiving over 50% subsidies from the government must seek permission before traveling to China, as per the National Security Act and the Act Governing Relations between the People of the Taiwan Area and the Mainland Area. The two semiconductor technologies listed are IC fabrication technology for processes smaller than 14 nanometers and heterogeneous integration packaging technology. Wang emphasized the importance of protecting key technologies to prevent confidential business information leakage and enhance national security standards. The next steps involve reviewing and providing lists of personnel meeting certain subsidy thresholds and involved with sensitive technologies to relevant entities for management purposes.

Legislators at the Legislative Yuan are demanding that the Ministry of Agriculture (MOA) clearly define ＂fresh milk＂ to differentiate between imported milk and domestically-produced fresh milk in order to protect local dairy farmers. This demand comes as the 10-year anniversary of the economic cooperation agreement known as ANZTEC between New Zealand and Taiwan approaches, which will bring about a zero-tariff policy by 2025. The MOA has committed to collaborating with the Ministry of Health and Welfare (MOHW) to discuss the criteria for defining ’fresh milk.’ Proposals suggest establishing a clear distinction between domestic raw milk and imported liquid milk to ensure stability in contracts between dairy farmers and milk product manufacturers. It is argued that due to high-temperature sterilization and long-distance transportation, imported milk products should be categorized differently from fresh milk produced and stocked within Taiwan. The Acting Agriculture Minister Chen Junne-jih stated that the storage period and processing issues for ’fresh milk’ will be discussed in consultation with the MOHW, and milk labels will be revised to emphasize ＂Taiwan fresh milk＂ for market segmentation, preserving the label exclusively for domestically produced fresh milk. Currently, the national definition of ＂fresh milk＂ refers to raw cow’s milk processed with heating, sterilization, and refrigeration for consumption without specifying a shelf life.

Hsiao Bi-khim, a political veteran, returned to Hualien to rally support for DPP legislative candidate Chang Mei-hui despite unpleasant weather. Hsiao, who made history in 2016 by securing a majority in Hualien for the DPP, faced defeat in the 2020 legislative elections. After her loss, she was appointed to a diplomatic position in the United States. Chang emphasized the need for a representative who could continue the development work of Hsiao and her late husband, former Hualien Mayor Tien Chih-hsuan. Hualien, traditionally a stronghold for the KMT, is of great interest during election seasons. DPP presidential candidate Lai Ching-te, Premier Chen Chien-jen, Legislative Yuan President You Si-kun, former agriculture minister Chen Chi-chung, and DPP Legislator Fan Yun also showed support for Chang.

Learn about Taiwan’s pig farming industry, which involves over 3 million people and has an annual value exceeding NT$150 billion. Acting Minister of Agriculture Chen Junne-jih emphasizes the importance of quarantine stations to protect the industry and prevent the spread of African swine fever. With over 5,000 pig farms operating in Taiwan, the industry contributes significantly to the economy. Chen’s comments came after the implementation of manual inspection stations at Taoyuan International Airport caused a decline in its Skytrax ranking.

Taiwan’s domestic egg production is currently sufficient to meet consumer demands, eliminating the need for imports, according to Acting Minister of Agriculture Chen Junne-jih. Speaking at a joint meeting of the Legislative Yuan’s committees, Chen stated that the country produces around 24 million eggs per day, with approximately 34 million laying hens. While the domestic egg supply is stable, Chen highlighted that some schools’ ban on liquid eggs has weakened consumer demand, leading to increased stock and pressure on national egg production. Chen hopes that the ban can be reconsidered and lifted to maintain stable egg supplies. The potential decrease in egg prices depends on consumer demand, and Chen suggests that incorrect dietary restrictions could create market pressures.

The Ministry of Agriculture (MOA) in Taiwan has announced that starting in January next year, food service businesses will only receive rewards up to NT $14 per serving if they agree to use organic or traceable agricultural products for 12 varieties of fast-growing vegetables, including bok choy and water spinach. However, the catering industry has expressed concerns about potential price increases during typhoon seasons or cold weather, which could make certified and organic products even more expensive. In response, MOA officials have confirmed that subsidies will be offered to mitigate the impact of vegetable price hikes, with school lunch allowances per serving potentially increasing from NT $3.5 to NT$10, and remote schools eligible for an allowance of up to NT $14 per serving. Chen Mig-hsin, Director of Taiwan’s Food Catering Association, has called for the approval of integrating QR-code usage for verified products during natural disasters, emphasizing the need for additional reward systems to better prepare domestic food suppliers for weather disturbances. Agriculture and Food Agency (AFA) Deputy Director Su Mao-hsiang has acknowledged the efforts made by catering businesses to support the MOA’s goals of promoting healthy and affordable school lunches. Currently, over half of the 3,800 tons of vegetables purchased weekly are organic and traceable products, and Su anticipates that the expanded purchase of healthy agricultural foods will further incentivize farmers to produce them.

A Formosan black bear, injured at a coffee plantation in Taiwan, has been released back into the wilderness after four months of intensive care. The bear, named ＂Da qu-ali＂ after a Bunun indigenous leader, triggered a trap in July and underwent successful surgery to recover. Weighing 101 kilograms, the bear was deemed fit for reintroduction. Major wildlife conservation organizations participated in the release, which included a divine naming ceremony led by tribe chief Ho Cheng-chung. The Forestry and Nature Conservation Agency used the incident to highlight the importance of wildlife conservation and encouraged local residents to create bear-friendly environments.

Taiwan’s Minister of Health and Welfare expressed support for signing a memorandum of understanding with India by year-end, aiming to introduce around 100,000 Indian migrant workers to Taiwan. The agreement could involve employing these workers in manufacturing, construction, agriculture, institutional, and domestic care sectors. However, the contract signing might be delayed until December, and the employment of new migrant workers cannot begin immediately. Currently, Taiwan has approximately 748,000 foreign migrant workers, with Indonesians being the largest group at 267,000, primarily in caregiving. Vietnam follows with 260,000 workers, and the Philippines with 150,000, mainly in manufacturing. This collaboration could make India Taiwan’s fourth-largest source of migrant workers.

Taiwan Sugar Corporation plans to hire 148 new employees for the upcoming fiscal year. The company is seeking job seekers who have graduated from high school or vocational schools. The monthly pay for new hires will range from NT$30,000 to NT$34,000, and the company emphasizes that it offers stable employment and comprehensive benefits. There are 33 different job categories available, including positions for individuals with disabilities, sales (including Japanese language), accounting, field sales, land administration, gas station managers, chemical industry, general agriculture, machinery, boilers, agricultural machinery, instrument and electricity, electrical, civil, and livestock. Interested applicants can find application details and the examination program on Taiwan Sugar Corporation’s official website. The registration period will run from November 23 to December 5. The written examination is scheduled for January 27, 2024, with a second round of oral and physical fitness tests slated for March 23, 2024.

The story discusses how Kaohsiung school meals will now only use domestically produced eggs, addressing concerns about imported egg use. Two egg producers, Tai Nong Egg Products and Sin Sing Eggs, faced fines and legal scrutiny from the city government for their refusal to provide import and export documents, creating uncertainty around the distribution of 4.25 million eggs. This issue prompted a special inquiry report on egg imports in Kaohsiung, which Mayor Chen Chi-mai and officials from the Department of Health and the Agriculture Bureau attended. Mayor Chen revealed that both companies have been heavily penalized, accumulating fines of NT＄11.3 million.

An animal rescue shelter in Hualien County, Taiwan, is adjusting its opening hours starting from November 1 to increase pet adoption rates. The Hualien County’s Agriculture Development Department announced that they will reopen applications for residents to schedule adoption appointments. The new adoption hours will be from Tuesday to Saturday, with sessions available from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. and 2 p.m. to 4 p.m. The shelter, located in Fenglin township, covers 0.88 hectares and can accommodate 330 dogs and 20 cats, significantly expanding the capacity compared to another shelter in Hualien. The shelter will be closed every Sunday and Monday for park organization, medical treatment, and animal disinfection. For more information on making appointments and adoptions, the public can contact the shelter at 03-8421452.

Taiwan People’s Party (TPP) presidential candidate Ko Wen-je criticized former Minister of Agriculture Chen Chi-chung for what he sees as ineffective agricultural policies. During a visit to Tainan, Ko asked farmers to name the most successful former Council of Agriculture chief, and some mentioned Chen. Disagreeing with this view, Ko criticized Chen’s subsidy policy, specifically the funding allocations for eggs and pork, which he believes have not brought about structural changes in Taiwan’s pig and poultry industries.

Premier Chen Chien-jen defends the regular scheduling of Food Safety Meetings and dismisses allegations that the import of frozen egg liquid violates procurement laws. The Ministry of Agriculture and Public Construction Commission affirm their adherence to the law and pledge to perfect the import of eggs.

The UCLA Bruin Marching Band and Tokyo’s Emerald Knights are set to perform at Taiwan’s 112th Double Tenth ceremony. This marks UCLA’s first visit to Taiwan in seven years and showcases international friendship through music.

The Tokyo University of Agriculture Second High School ＂Emerald Knights＂ visit Taiwan to perform at the National Day celebration. President Tsai Ing-wen treats them to Taiwanese salted crispy chicken and lemon aiyu jelly. They join other marching bands for a joint exchange at the National Performing Arts Center. The Emerald Knights will perform an anime medley during the National Day Celebration. The UCLA Bruins Marching Band also participates, making it the first time a U.S. performance group performs on Taiwan’s National Day stage.

The Control Yuan ruled against the Taoyuan City Government and the Ministry of Agriculture for their mishandling of a baboon capture in March, resulting in the primate’s death. The Control Yuan criticized the entities for not appointing commanding officers and failing to fulfill their obligations under the Wildlife Conservation Act.

The Ministry of Agriculture in Taiwan has decided not to press charges against a Facebook influencer, Lin Yu-hung, who fabricated death threats related to the Democratic Progressive Party’s (DPP) egg import scandal. Investigations revealed that the incident was self-orchestrated, with assistance from a worker of the Kuomintang (KMT) party. While no legal action will be taken, ongoing investigations are being conducted.

The Taiwan Ministry of Agriculture has requested an official investigation into rumors of spoiled green eggs sold at a supermarket, even though they were still within their expiration date. Reports were filed with the Taipei City Police Department on Sept. 27, with the aim of uncovering the truth behind these allegations.

Driven by recent imported egg controversies, the increasing egg prices in Taiwan have raised concerns. Heightened demand for domestic eggs has outpaced supply, leading to historic price hikes.

Taiwan’s Ministry of Education unveils amendments to address the rising issue of campus bullying. The draft emphasizes separating investigation procedures and broadening the definition of bullying. Learn more about the efforts to combat bullying in Taiwan.

Agriculture Minister Chen Chi-chung disclosed the egg importation contract between the National Animal Industry Foundation and Ultra Source on Sept. 6.