Taiwan’s First Low-Carbon Resilient Farm Breaks Ground in Xiaolin

(中央社訊息服務20250811 11:47:17)Kaohsiung community partners with AgriGaia Tech and government agencies to promote climate-adaptive agriculture

A groundbreaking ceremony was held Wednesday in Sunlight Xiaolin, Shanlin District, marking the launch of Taiwan’s first low-carbon resilient community farm. The project, jointly initiated by the Xiaolin community and agricultural innovation company -AgriGaia Tech, is supported by multiple government agencies and aims to strengthen local resilience in the face of growing climate difficulties.

The site, a 1.7-hectare plot adjacent to the village, represents the first piece of farmland directly managed by the community since Typhoon Morakot struck in 2009. The disaster destroyed the original Xiaolin Village and claimed over 400 lives, displacing residents and forcing them to rent farmland for over a decade.
Sixteen years later, the community is reclaiming both land and agency through a new model of farming that integrates modern technology with local values. The project incorporates AgriGaia Tech’s biomimetic underground irrigation system and resilient solution—to support crops under extreme weather conditions.

The farm is not only expected to reduce carbon emissions by shortening food transport chains and less tillage but also serve as a multifunctional platform combining agricultural production, environmental education, cultural revitalization, and rural tourism. Traditional Taivoan plants will be cultivated and featured in guided tours, festivals, and community workshops, while natural habitats will be restored to support protected species such as the crested honey buzzard and the lesser green tree frog.

Speaking at the ceremony, Kaohsiung Agriculture Bureau Director Mr. Yao Chih-wang said the project aligns with the city’s goals for smart farming and rural transformation. He described the farm as a highly valuable demonstration site for future climate and agriculture policies.

Xiaolin community chairperson Ms. Pan Chih-mei noted that the project carries deep emotional significance. “Since the typhoon, we’ve always asked—when can we grow our own food again? Now, we finally have land that belongs to the community. This is a new beginning, one that we hope others can learn from.”
AgriGaia Tech CEO Ms. Vanessa Lin emphasized that the role of technology is to empower the community, not to replace people. “We want to create a model that is replicable, accessible, and resilient. The future of agriculture lies in local hands—our job is to support that.”

The project has also attracted international attention. Karen Trayvilla, director of the Kaohsiung office of the Manila Economic and Cultural Office (MECO), expressed hope that this farm will become a training site for future AgriGaia–Philippines agricultural cooperation and that its model can be replicated in similar communities in Southeast Asia.

From disaster recovery to climate resilience, the Xiaolin farm illustrates a new direction for Taiwan’s rural policy. It is a story of how a community, with the right support and the right tools, can take ownership of its land, reimagine its future, and contribute to a more sustainable planet.