As the autumn wind is soughing and as year’s second rice harvest season approaches, the Council of Agriculture (COA) holds numerous activities to popularize indigenous rice and the rice delicacies. The concept is aimed at filling the atmosphere with the subtle fragrance of Asia’s most ubiquitous grain and reminds people to keep in mind its pleasant flavor.

The Council has taken measures to compete with foods and rice imports recently and would like that fact to be known. Indeed, industrious farmers, agricultural experts and scholars have been working together to produce quality rice in order to gain a competitive advantage. Promoting in tandem all kinds of domestic fruits and vegetables to stress indigenous qualities of Taiwanese agricultural rice, such as how they appeal to people of all ages, the Council strives forward with its promotional plan. The idea is to blend the idea of rice as a staple with that of it capable of bringing consumer exotic flavors, rice byproducts, rice delicacies, healthier life and so forth. The intention is not only to let the public enjoy having Taiwanese rice but also to have as and ultimate goal increased profits for rice farmers.

The COA indicates, in accordance with the latest Food Balance Sheet, the amount of rice consumption in Taiwan has declined for years. Nevertheless, the record of the year 2005 rose slightly--around 0.4 kg per person--compared to the previous year. It shows that people in our country are gradually inclined to consume more rice and could mean the downward trend has made a shift. In order that people can taste the fresh and delicious rice in this high-yield season, the COA especially holds Taiwan Rice Festival, a big event filled with activities.

The first such activity is the ‘2006 Gift-Wrapping Design for Taiwan Quality Rice Competition’. There will be 10 winners and these gifts may be future new choices for as Mid-Autumn Festival gifts. Subsequently, the ‘4th Annual National Rice Competition’ promises to be the best representation to cultivate greater achievements for farmers. All champions from the 35 villages and towns that were veterans in such competitions will contend for the National Rice Champion on September 18th in Banciao Farmers’ Association.

Following with ‘2006 Quality Taiwan Rice Autumn Fair’ held from September 22nd to 24th at the National Taiwan University Sports Center, the farmers’ associations and rice dealers throughout the country will gather and provide consumers with the freshest domestic rice. The wise consumers therefore can try quality rice from different places on this rare occasion. Besides, the National Quality Rice Award and Auction will also be held in the NTU Sports Center at 10 a.m. on September 23rd. It promises to be one of the highlights of the fair. The Council with all sincerity welcomes rice-lovers, gourmands and people from all walks of life who are concerned with the farming industry to join in the celebrations.

The Agriculture and Food Agency is holding an on-line activity called ‘Popular Rice Delicacy Shop’ for all the public to recommend and cast ballots for the most outstanding delicacy shops that use the high-grade rice as a main ingredient. Presentations can also include useful information about rice dainties for all the people.

A carnival for Taiwan delicate rice product will be held on October 28th. When the time comes, the chefs of the shops with the most on-line votes will take part in this event and show their skillful cooking to present the infinite possibilities of Taiwanese rice. Furthermore, the young generations from different areas will demonstrate their originality and ideas to unfold the characteristics of Taiwan rice in the Originality of Taiwan Rice Delicacies Competition. Hopefully, all the participants will enjoy having rice and enhance and glorify rice culture.

The COA emphasizes that Taiwan Rice Festival is comprised of several activities that present the diversity of Taiwan quality rice, present the best rice gifts, delicacies, and snacks and showcasing the exotic flavors of rice delicacies that are full of originality and combine the flavor with modern culinary techniques. Hopefully, the activities can help to illuminate the people to the nature of rice and bring life again to this wonderful table staple. By making use of Taiwan quality rice to meet people’s different demands, we can find that everyone displays a satisfied smile--the best way to help assure sustainable management of Taiwan’s agriculture.