Taiwan’s commitment to sustainable development is evident in the significant growth of its organic farming sector. With a focus on promoting organic agriculture, Taiwan has seen a 3.5-fold increase in the land used for organic farming and a rise in certified organic farms. These efforts have led to record-breaking organic agricultural exports, reaching 40 tonnes last year. Find out how Taiwan is driving sustainable development and enhancing its reputation as a producer of high-quality organic agricultural products.
Taiwan’s Commitment to Sustainable Development
Taiwan has placed a strong emphasis on sustainable development, with organic farming playing a crucial role in President Tsai Ing-wen’s sustainable development policy. Under the Organic Agriculture Promotion Act, Taiwan has actively promoted organic farming, leading to significant growth in the sector.
( Credit to: Taipeitimes )
Organic farming has seen remarkable progress in Taiwan, with the land used for organic or environmentally friendly agriculture increasing by 3.5 times to 24,114 hectares. The number of certified organic farms has also witnessed a substantial rise, reaching 5,131 in 2019.
To encourage the transition to organic agriculture, the Agriculture and Food Agency has incorporated domestic organic produce into school lunches and promoted its sale in supermarkets. This effort has been successful, as organic farm produce has claimed a significant share of vegetable sales in the nation’s supermarkets.
Diverse Range of Organic Produce
Taiwan’s organic farming sector encompasses a diverse range of produce. Vegetables are the most common organic produce, accounting for 30 percent of the total. Rice and specialty grains follow closely behind. Although fruits have a smaller share due to higher risks and less frequent harvests, organic citrus fruits have gained popularity among planters.
International Recognition and Export Success
Taiwan’s efforts in promoting organic farming have gained international recognition through the signing of organic equivalence agreements. In 2019, Taiwan signed agreements with Japan, New Zealand, Australia, the US, Canada, India, and Paraguay. These agreements establish commonly recognized standards and certificates for organic produce, allowing the export of organic-labeled products to these countries.
As a result, Taiwan’s organic agricultural exports reached an unprecedented 40 tonnes last year. The exports included fresh and processed products, with mushrooms and rice being the main items. This export success has enhanced Taiwan’s reputation as a producer of high-quality organic agricultural products.
Expanding Organic Farming Market
Taiwan is actively seeking to expand its organic farming market by negotiating organic equivalence agreements with the UK and the EU. These agreements would further boost Taiwan’s organic farming sector and open up new opportunities for export.