Yunlin's premium rice expands into eight European countries.

(中央社訊息服務20251030 18:47:52)Yunlin County's Dong Yuan Cereal Company and Taiwan Premium Rice Enterprise held a press conference on July 8 to unveil their latest achievement in exporting Yunlin’s rice to Europe. Yunlin County Magistrate Chang Li-shan (張麗善) congratulated the two companies on their accomplishment of exporting Yunlin’s rice to eight European countries, marking a new milestone in the county's agricultural industry. She reaffirmed the county’s commitment to continue to introduce local agricultural products to international markets through initiatives such as industrial transformation, quality certification, and market expansion.

The press conference was held at the Dong Yuan Rice Husking Factory. Magistrate Chang Li-shan, former Minister of the Council of Agriculture (now the Ministry of Agriculture) Tsao Chi-hung (曹啟鴻), Deputy Director of the Central Region Branch of the Agency of Agriculture and Food Hsu Hui-ying (徐惠瑩), County Councilor Hung Ju-ping (洪如萍) and local farmers attended the event, witnessing a new chapter of Yunlin’s rice industry.

Chang highlighted that through the partnership of the two companies, Yunlin's premium rice will be introduced to eight countries—France, Switzerland, Denmark, Finland, Norway, Sweden, the United Kingdom, and Germany—a remarkable achievement in agricultural export sales. She noted that the rice had to pass over 100 rigorous inspections to meet these countries' import standards.

Chang pointed out that the export to eight European countries demonstrates the confidence of Li Yuan-hao (李元豪), president of the Dong Yuan Cereal Company. His collaboration with farmers in adhering to various quality requirements during the cultivation process, and the hard work of Taiwan Premium Rice Enterprise in maintaining the quality of Yunlin’s rice, contributed to this extraordinary achievement.

Chang further stated that Yunlin County is a key grain production area in Taiwan, with over 36,000 hectares of rice planted and production of over 210,000 tons annually. She emphasized that the export to Europe represents international recognition of Taiwan’s farmers, as well as a breakthrough in the country’s agricultural exports. She believes that by developing international marketing channels with agricultural enterprises and government agencies, local farmers can cultivate rice with greater peace of mind, continuing to produce high-quality rice and fostering a positive cycle of sustainable agriculture.

President Li stated that the export volume this time recorded approximately 50 containers, totaling 1,200 tons. He said that all products have passed EU food safety regulations and standards and will be distributed by local European agents to Asian supermarkets and chain catering channels, with “Taiwan Premium Yukizuru Sushi Rice” as the main product. Simultaneously, the “Taiwan Outstanding Rice” campaign will be launched to enhance domestic and international market awareness and appreciation of Taiwan's rice.

Li highlighted that the exported rice is grown in Erlun and Lunbei, expressing his gratitude to the farmers who work together with the company for growing high-quality rice meeting international standards, applauding them as the true heroes of the success.

Wei Sheng-de (魏勝德), Director of the County Government's Department of Agriculture, said that this export will not only help enhance the international competitiveness of Taiwan’s rice but also serve as a model for future exports. He emphasized that the county government will continue to develop Yunlin’s agricultural products through diverse mentoring programs, brand marketing, international sales promotion, and counselling with farmer organizations, to support local farmers and agricultural enterprises, in order to expand Yunlin's agricultural products beyond Taiwan.