The government is stepping up efforts to renew the agricultural manpower structure and strengthen the industry's competitiveness, Premier Mao Chi-kuo said at the Cabinet meeting held today.
After the Council of Agriculture (COA) reported on its plan to cultivate a new generation of agricultural workers, the premier said the plan is aimed at attracting and training multi-skilled workers from a diverse array of backgrounds. These workers will in turn help promote Taiwan's bioeconomy, increase farming productivity through interconnected information systems, and contribute to the development of agricultural e-commerce and marketing.
The plan divides the needs of new agricultural businesses into four phases: preparation, initial operation, growth and stable development. The COA analyzes the needs of each phase and offers young entrepreneurs the appropriate guidance measures that will help them create a sustainable business environment.
Premier Mao also requested the COA to identify internationally competitive and far-sighted agricultural products or services that are worth promoting. The agency was also instructed to bridge the gap between vocational education and actual industry needs and to map out a complete set of complementary measures across the industrial value chain. These efforts will raise young people's willingness to engage in farming and improve the competitiveness of the entire agricultural sector.
The COA said the manpower cultivation plan is built around 12 measures, including the establishment of incubation centers and the integration of guidance resources. Over the next 10 years, it hopes to train and recruit 30,000 bright young people to drive innovation and value in Taiwan's agricultural production chain.