AGRICULTURAL EXTENSION

The Station integrates and consults production and marketing groups representing farmers of paddy rice, dryland crops, fruit, vegetables and flowers. Special effort is placed on grading, branding, cooperative marketing, direct marketing, and exporting. The Station also certifies vegetables and fruit that meet TGAP standards, and helps farmers to form strategic alliances in production and marketing of star fruit, pomelo, grapefruit, bamboo shoot, and pineapple. A traceability system has been introduced to secure safe agriculture.

<> <> 　　Various training programs have been conducted for farmers, production and marketing groups, agricultural organization staff, and 4-H clubs to introduce new knowledge and technologies and to rear a new crop of agricultural human resources. Home economics training is also offered to strengthen the function of home economics groups, and to improve rural women’s skills in farming, home health, indigenous culinary art, and side-business development and management. The Station facilitates the development of recreational agriculture in the district. Efforts are also directed toward healthy experiences through ecotourism, natural landscapes, local agriculture, and rural culture. All these represent the diverse characteristics of Taiwan’s agriculture, create attractive conditions for business development, and give agro-tourism—travel that informs people about agriculture and the benefits it provides—depth, width and character.

　　To speed the distribution of new agricultural information, both print and Internet are employed. Printed materials include monthly newsletters, special issues, technical brochures/bulletins, and fact sheets. The results of research and development are placed on the web for easy access. News releases or cell phone text messages are used to spread knowledge and alert people to activities. An online farmer and consumer service center has also been established to provide updated information, check soil fertility, and help diagnose diseases and insect pests.