The first local “Rice Trading Center” will begin operating soon. It is hoped that through the trading of rice with special characteristics from different places, the varieties and qualities of rice from Taiwan, the land of production, can be consolidated to effectively establish a competitive brand in both the domestic and international markets. In addition, the center opens up a smooth channel enabling rice buyers, restaurateurs, suppliers, and food manufacturers to easily buy quality and safe domestic rice without doubt as to specific origin. As a result, it can promote the consumption growth of high-quality rice.

The southern district’s Rice Trading Center is to begin operating on June 22, 2006; while that in the eastern district will start operating on July 6, 2006. The northern district’s and central district’s centers are to begin service in late November 2006.Trading at the center is expected to take place once every two-weeks.

The Council of Agriculture indicated that to reinforce the trading mechanism in the rice market, it has observed the experiences of agriculturally advanced countries as well as taken note of the Taiwan practices. In addition, the COA has consulted rice growers, officials, and scholars, and has set up at the branches of the Agriculture and Food Agency in four districts the “Northern Rice Trading Center” (Taoyuan City), “Central Rice Trading Center” (Yuanlin Township), “Southern Rice Trading Center”(Tainan City), and “Eastern Rice Trading Center”(Hualien City).

The COA stressed that the “Rice Trading Center” will provide through the Agriculture and Food Agency a free matching service in rice trade. Compared to the former buying and selling practices in Taiwan’s rice market, the biggest advantage of doing all these through the “Rice Trading Center” lies in three-way “government guarantee.” Firstly, the quality of the product is guaranteed. The rice supply is from the new crop produced within the year, and the rice is classified as of CNS level 1 (or level 2). Secondly, the rice meets the national safety standards. The rice to be sold must first undergo inspection and must fully meet the national safety standards. Thirdly, safe trading is guaranteed with the government assisting to provide service. If any cause for suspicion in trading should arise, the government will be responsible for resolving the problem.

Since the “Special Rice” supplied by the “Rice Trading Center” comes complete with information on the grower, place of production, the rice variety, quality level and low price, the buyer can be fully certain that the rice is of high quality and that it is safe for consumption. The COA expressed the hope that locally cultivated special rice will find its commercial value through the establishment of the “Rice Trading Center,” attracting the attention of buyers at home and abroad as well as letting high-quality Taiwan rice pick up speed in expanding its global market.