So as to boost the efficiency of the 6th National Agricultural Congress that is to take place in September, the Council of Agriculture (COA) has arranged for regional meetings to be held in 18 cities/counties around Taiwan. The second such meeting was held in Taitung, hosted by Chen Hsin-yen, director of the Taitung District Agricultural Research and Extension Station (TTDARES). COA planning department director Tsai Sheng-fu, Soil and Water Conservation Bureau (Taitung branch) director Wang Chih-hui, Agriculture and Food Agency section chief Cheng Yong-ching, Taitung Animal Propagation Station director Hsu Chin-bin, and Taitung Tea Research and Extension Station director Wu Hsing-shun were present. Those from related agencies and businesses were also invited. During the meeting, attendees readily offered their opinions, pointing out the difficulties faced by the agriculture industry in Taitung and offering suggestions. The meeting was webcast live on the COA website, and online viewers were able to make proposals or offer their support for proposals made by others. Proposals that receive support from at least 2,000 people within the 30 days following the meeting will be further discussed during the National Agricultural Congress in September. The agriculture industry is currently faced with a number of challenges, so by means of participation from all who are interested, the COA hopes to make Taiwan’s agriculture industry one of quality, happiness, safety, and sustainability while possessing the competitive edge that comes from foresight.
