Hualien Showcases Comprehensive Organic Agriculture Development to Global Organizations － IFOAM Asia and International Organic Agriculture Groups Visit Hualien County to Explore Its Achievements

(中央社訊息服務20241203 12:08:25)On November 29, 2024, following the successful completion of the “2024 International Organic Agriculture Exchange Program in Collaboration with ALGOA,” Hualien County welcomed domestic and international experts for a series of in-depth visits to highlight its achievements in organic agriculture. Participants included representatives from renowned organizations such as IFOAM Asia, ALGOA, the International Competence Center for Organic Agriculture (ICCOA), and the Youth Organic Global Network (YOGN). These visits focused on exploring Hualien’s organic practices, production models, and marketing strategies, while fostering meaningful exchanges and collaboration discussions to further Hualien’s entry into the global organic market.

The first stop was the Ji’an Township Farmers’ Association Health Crop Processing Plant, which holds organic processing certification, HACCP, and ISO22000 standards. General Secretary Chang Te-Chi provided a detailed explanation of the plant’s operations, highlighting its adherence to strict organic standards and eco-friendly practices at every step—from raw material intake and washing to processing and packaging. Guests not only gained insight into the plant’s processes but also sampled locally produced organic treats such as ice desserts and dried fruits, enjoying a multi-sensory experience. The visit concluded with a trip to the “Mountain and Sea Sweetness” retail store, where participants experienced the vibrant atmosphere of organic product showcases and tasted newly developed offerings, leaving impressed with Hualien’s brand management effectiveness.

The delegation then traveled to the Fenglin area to visit Hualien’s soybean fields. In these pristine farmlands, Director Lin Yu-Feng of the Fengrong Farmers’ Association Extension Department detailed the soybean varieties and organic cultivation techniques. Visitors engaged with local farmers in discussions about organic soybean breeding, cultivation management, and strategies for responding to global market demands. The group then visited the Fengrong Soymilk Processing Factory to understand the production process and brand development. From washing and grinding to bottling, each step demonstrated the professionalism of Hualien’s food processing industry. Guests sampled various products, including “Fengrong Soy Milk,” “Slow City Soy Milk,” and “Slow City Organic Soy Milk,” praising their refined taste and health-focused concepts while exploring global marketing opportunities.

The final destination was Lu Yu Estate on Chike Mountain, where guests enjoyed local farm-to-table cuisine provided by Yifeng Ecological Farm and several organic farms. The meals featured fresh local organic ingredients prepared with a blend of traditional and innovative cooking methods, allowing guests to experience both the flavors and the passion of Hualien’s farmers. The following morning, tea master Chen Chi-Hung, who has won awards at the 2024 Great Taste Awards, France’s AVPA World Tea Competition, and The Leafies by UK Tea Academy, shared his expertise in tea-making techniques and the application of smart agriculture in tea farming.

County Mayor Hsu Chen-Wei expressed gratitude to IFOAM Asia Chair Mathew John for leading representatives from ALGOA, ICCOA, YOGN, and other global organizations back to Hualien after successfully hosting the World Organic Youth Summit in 2023. She emphasized how this visit provided a comprehensive understanding of Hualien’s organic agriculture—from production and processing to marketing and branding. Hsu acknowledged the continued partnership with local farmers’ associations and farmers in promoting organic agriculture, noting that the visiting delegates not only recognized the high quality and innovative models of Hualien’s organic products but also expressed strong interest in future technical and market cooperation, working together to create a bright future for organic agriculture.