To create a pleasant living environment for seniors, the Taitung District Agricultural Research and Extension Station (TTDARES) of the Ministry of Agriculture and the Chishang Farmers’ Association teamed up in launching the 2023 Integrated Consultation System Program, for which the 2023 Green Care – Mounted Fern DIY Class was held on October 23, 24, 30, and 31 at the Chishang Farmers’ Association Green Care Station with 50 participants. The aim was to provide knowledge on growing ferns to people involved in green care and was a step for the TTDARES in planning more useful green care classes.

The TTDARES stated that the green care policy initiated by the Ministry of Agriculture is aimed at promoting the agriculture industry mainly through the channel of health. Multifunctional agriculture can help seniors be healthier and live better lives. In 2021 and 2022, the TTDARES helped farmers’ and fishermen’s associations design healthy succulent-based events for seniors. This year, ferns were the medium of choice. The TTDARES looks to create diverse, fun DIY classes through which seniors may relax physically and mentally and enjoy a friendly living environment. All the participants gave the event a thumbs-up. Green care classes with natural materials allow people to interact with both plants and others in a fun way to reduce stress. Through such activities, the TTDARES wants to expand the multifunctional value of the agriculture industry and contribute to making rural areas into “happiness villages.”