The first seminar on “Campaigns for Notable Agriculture Selection” was held on September 7th by the Council of Agriculture (COA). The “Top 10 Remarkable Farming and Fishing Villages Selection” launched its first episode with a ceremonious application on September 8th. With participation from farming and fishing villages throughout the nation, the presentation of their production, their way of life and the charming ecology depict the distinctive images of their villages. The sponsor, COA, welcomes more faming and fishing villages to join this Competition.

Since June 2006 COA has attempted to carry out the “New Agriculture Movement” in order to refresh the agricultural industry and pave the way for the future. By expanding the market and promoting the production profit, the implementation of this movement has encouraged people to acquaint themselves with agriculture again and hence support it. Therefore, the COA continues to work towards the three objectives of the “New Agriculture Movement”; “innovative agriculture”, “energetic farmers” and “fascinating farming villages”. Nevertheless, the greatest help among these are the farmers and fishermen’s devotion as well as the participation and support from the population overall. The intention of the “Campaigns for Notable Agriculture Selection” is to encourage farmers, and meanwhile gain the acclaim of all the people.

The COA Minister Su, Jia-Chyuan indicates that the “Campaigns for Notable Agriculture Selection” is based on four elements; the people, objects, places, and things. These are embodied in farming and fishing villages, farmers, recreational farms, agricultural products and agricultural techniques. These five domains are the subjects for a series of activities. In holding these activities, marketing of quality agriculture can be performed with greater vitality and greater thoroughness. Also, consumers will place greater reliance on these products and then purchase them. The series of selection campaigns begins with the “Top 10 Remarkable Farming and Fishing Villages Selection” on September 8th. It represents the reputable images of Taiwanese agriculture and welcomes all the villages and towns to participate and make this a glorious, splendid event.

The COA states that the city and county governments could nominate three villages for participation from their respective areas by November 7th. The COA will also invite the ministry-level agencies, such as the Ministry of the Interior, Ministry of Transportation and Communications, Ministry of Finance, Council for Cultural Affairs, Council for Hakka Affairs, Council of Indigenous Peoples, to nominate good farming and fishing villages to participate this competition. The COA also will invite the notary members of the public in specific fields to make up an elite panel of judges. Judges will be in charge of the primary, the semi-final and the final stages of the competition. In addition, to encourage participation, the COA will hold an on-line ballot for the public to vote for their favorite ones in the semi-final stage. This will be followed up with a lucky draw on line. After elected, the prize-winning village will be awarded NT$200,000, certificates of award, and trophies. Moreover, these units have priority in receiving subsidies for construction of modern facilities and activities held within there farming villages. On the other hand, they must give assistance to the media in promoting their achievements by holding exhibitions and printing booklets. These actions help promote a sense of honor for the residents and also serve as role models for the other villages. It is believed that a brilliant perspective of our villages will soon be created.

The COA Minister Su, Jia-Chyuan, further specifies that to inspire winning participants, except for the prize, certificates and rewards etc., the COA will even invite the famous stone carving artist, Wang, Hsiu-Chi to design the trophies for the notable series. Wang's works transpire the rich flavor of native culture and love towards our land. This rightly represents and corresponds with the tight connection between the agricultural industry and the mother nature. The rustic charm and refined beauty found in the vital agriculture will be unfurled in the works of notable series.

While the “Top 10 Remarkable Farming and Fishing Villages Selection” takes the lead, other selection campaigns will also be put in motion. Please look forward to these great events. Hopefully, by virtue of these activities, the farmer and fishermen can reach a turning point and the government will be able to implement policies to better care for these people. With the high quality of people, objects, places, and things, the products from agriculture, forestry, fishery, livestock, and agricultural technology can extensively be supported and loved by the whole people. To view details about the activities and related application forms, please log on to the COA website (http://eng.coa.gov.tw/index.php) or visit the websites of the Soil and Water Conservation Bureau (https://www.ardswc.gov.tw/Home/eng/) and Rural Delight (https://www.ardswc.gov.tw/Home/eng/).