Sugar apples are the mainstay of fruit production in Taitung. 12,392 metric tonnes were shipped from Taitung for sale during 2015 for an output value of NTD 890 million. This was the third consecutive year that sugar apples were the local fruit to earn the most in sales outside of Taiwan.

So as to ensure growers will follow regulations regarding the use of agrochemicals to prevent disease and pest damage, the Taitung District Agricultural Research and Extension Station (TTDARES) plans to augment its publicity of safe agrochemical use in the major areas of sugar apple production this season. Eight lectures and two outstanding orchard conferences are to be held to remind growers of regulations so as to ensure fruit safety. During an agrochemical residue inspection on sugar apples in January of 2016, all those inspected in Taitung passed, showing that while growers are producing high-quality fruit, they are also maintaining fruit safety to win the confidence of consumers. The TTDARES will continue to provide technique consultation and service to growers in a joint effort to further the local sugar apple industry.