30 years of Organic Agriculture Development in Taiwan
Organic Agriculture in Taiwan was assessed to be feasible by experts and scholars in 1986 and has developed significantly in the past 34 years. At the first stage (1990s), people started to be aware of organic agriculture and learn about this concept. At the second stage (2000-2017), the authorities focused on standards and regulations. At the third stage (2018 to present), organic agriculture proceeded to the next step, sustainable agriculture.
The development of organic agriculture requires cooperation between our government and private sectors. The whole organic industry can only be well-developed with the support of all participants, including but not limited to Council of Agriculture, Agriculture Research and Extension Stations, organic farms, organic importers, organic certification organizations, organic sales channels, farmers’ markets, and green restaurants. Furthermore, new farming methods and well-educated consumers are also essential to the sound development of organic agriculture.
All stakeholders in the organic industry including crops and animal husbandry are committing themself to water and soil conservation, ecological environment, biodiversity, animal welfare, and consumers’ rights in Taiwan. Everyone is contributing to eco-friendly farming and sustainable use of resources.
Milestones:
In October 1988, “Organic Agriculture Conference” was held and a report was released after this conference.
In 1990, Taiwan Provincial Department of Agriculture and Forestry started “Organic Agriculture Pilot Plan”.
In April 1990, MOA International Foundation of Natural Ecology was founded.
In 1993, Homemakers Union Consumers Co-op started to promote “Group buying”.
In 1995, Agriculture Research and Extension Stations in each district selected eligible farmers to try organic cultivation. They actively held many demonstration events, on-farm learning activities and trade fairs.
In 1996, Taiwan Provincial Department of Agriculture and Forestry set standards of organic farming practices for four crops, rice, tea, vegetable and fruit. The total planted areas were up to 131 hectares.
From July to September in 1996, ECHO magazine issued three volumes, “Organic vegetables”, “Natural farming” and “Japan MOA natural farming”. That was a good start for the publishing industry to be aware of the emerging trend of organic agriculture.
In 1999, Council of Agriculture announced and enforced “Basic Standards for Organic Production and Processing”, “Accreditation Guidelines of Organic Product Certification Organizations”, and “Guidelines of Consulting Team for Organic Product Certification” to regulate organic food production.
On 21st November 2000, National Animal Industry Foundation held “First Meeting of Organic Livestock Regulations.”
In 2000, Council of Agriculture announced and enforced “Procedures of Organic Product Certification Organization Application and Accreditation”.
In 2004, Hualien District Agricultural Research and Extension Station held “2004 Organic Agriculture Forum”.
In 2005, preliminary meetings were held to discuss CAS logo for organic products.
In December 2005, the first organic product exhibition “Taipei Organic and Vegetarian Food Festival” was held by the private sectors.
In May 2007, Taichung Hope Farmers" Market was founded to lead the trend of farmers’ market in Taiwan.
In June 2007, Council of Agriculture announced and enforced three certification logos, including “Traceable Agriculture Products (TAP), “Organic Traceable Agriculture Products (OTAP)” and “Ubiquitous Traceable Agriculture Products (OTAP)”.
In July 2007, the authority campaigned to host “2011 International Federation of Organic Agriculture Movements (IFOAM)”.
In July 2007, the authority announced “Regulation on Imported Organic Products and Processed Products”.
In 2008, Council of Agriculture accredited MOA International Foundation of Natural Ecology and Tse-Xin Organic Agriculture Foundation as certification organizations for “Organic Products” and “Organic Processed Products”.
In 2009, Council of Agriculture announced updated “Regulation on Organic Products and Processed Products Certification” and “Regulation on imported organic products and processed products”.
On May 30, 2018, the Legislative Yuan passed “Organic Agriculture Regulation”.
On May 30, 2019, “Organic Agriculture Regulation” was enforced. An ambassador was assigned to promote Organic Agriculture.
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參考引用文章：
有機農業全球資訊網(有機農業發展大事記)
https://info.organic.org.tw/3086/
台灣有機農業發展概況與前景(蔡精強 農業部農糧署 副署長)
http://info.organic.org.tw/wp-content/uploads/old_img/721/profile.pdf
