Premier Cho Jung-tai (卓榮泰) says Taiwan is shifting towards healthier eating and needs to eat more rice. Speaking at an awards ceremony on Tuesday, Cho said the average person in Taiwan now eats just 43 kilograms of rice a year, less than half the 96 kilograms consumed 30 years ago. He says eating more rice helps support local farmers and maintain a balanced diet.
The Agriculture Ministry held its first awards ceremony for outstanding contributions to food and agriculture education. Cho says the government is committed to helping farmers by improving rice procurement policies to address farmers’ needs and legislative expectations. He says these efforts help ensure farmers have sustainable livelihoods and be more respected in society.
Cho says Taiwan’s agriculture industry, representing just 1.5% of Taiwan’s GDP, is small but essential. He acknowledges increasing global competition for food resources and praises Taiwan’s use of smart and precision farming techniques to maximize limited land.
Cho says Taiwan has progressed from an era of merely having enough to eat to eating well, and now, prioritizing healthy eating. He urges the public to support local farmers and says the government will promote sustainable agriculture and help farmers face evolving challenges in the industry.