Visiting young agriculturalists in Yilan County today, Premier Jiang Yi-huah expressed hopes that eco-friendly farming methods can become an important part of Taiwan's agricultural policy. He affirmed the young people for their passion for the land, for contributing to farming communities, and for applying environmentally friendly concepts to crop-growing.
In a discussion session, National Taiwan University doctoral student Lin Jia-jia, and young Yilan farmers He Zheng-ru and Li Ming-zhu shared with the premier about their personal journeys in the field of agriculture.
"Agricultural policy covers not only national security and land conservation, but also concerns for people's health and their attachment to the land. The government must formulate the right policy and will absolutely not leave the farming industry behind," the premier said.
Quality agriculture has been chosen as one of six emerging industries for priority development, Jiang said. But Taiwan must abandon old farming techniques that may damage the environment and human health. The industry should infuse new blood and find a new path of development.
The premier said that many in the younger generation are open to farming as a career but often face difficulties acquiring land for cultivation or marketing their produce. Hence the government will continue listening to young farmers and incorporate their ideas into agricultural guidance and support programs. Jiang believes that as more young people enter farming and bring in new know-how, new technologies and marketing networks, many of these difficulties can be overcome and Taiwan's agricultural industry can prosper once again.
The premier also called on consumers to support environmentally friendly products as a way of bringing eco-friendly farming into the focus of Taiwan's agricultural policy. Further adding value to organic produce can enhance their competitiveness on domestic and international markets.
After the discussion session, Premier Jiang, along with Minister of Agriculture Chen Bao-ji and the Executive Yuan's Deputy Secretary-General James Hsiao and Spokesperson Sun Lih-chyun, stepped into the fields to try their hand at tilling soil, clearing pebbles, and harvesting naturally cultivated crops. The experience allowed them to appreciate the hardships and joys of the farming life.