Good news on export of Taiwan’s quality rice to Japan again. After the successful export of Fuli Rice of Hualien County to Japan in 2004 and 2005, rice cultivated locally by virtue of its superior quality and flavor, conforming to the Japanese consumers’ taste, has generated very favorable market reaction. Japan has again placed an order for 180 metric tons of Kaohsiung 139 variety rice harvested at last fall season from Chishang Farmers Association and Guanshan Farmers Association of Taitung County. The first shipment of 90 metric tons was packed by the Chishang Farmers Association and dispatched by cargo container to Kaohsiung port on January 10 for shipping to Japan on January 12.

The Council of Agriculture said that to promote quality rice export and to broaden the foreign market for Taiwan’s competitive agricultural products have been Taiwan’s main goals since it joined the World Trade Organization (WTO). Export of quality rice to Japan, a country known to implement the strictest product safety and quality standards, would elevate Taiwan’s image. The COA will continue to assist and guide Farmers Associations and traders interested in exporting rice to Japan by strengthening production technology and management.

The Council of Agriculture said that the Japanese Government has adopted a severe safety inspection system, requiring three-phase sampling of rice earmarked for export to Japan. With the implementation of the newly revised food safety regulation on May 29 last year, Japan has enforced even stricter testing with attention placed especially on use of pesticides in rice production. The pesticides or chemicals subjected to inspection and testing have increased from 129 to 537. And the rice produced in Chishang and Guanshan passed the all 537 testingitems, thereby attesting to the high quality and safety standards of Taiwan rice.

The Council of Agriculture emphasized that the quality rice exported to the Japan market is distributed partially through institutional or food and beverage service channels and partially in smaller packages through rice retailers. The “Taiwan Products Showrooms” set up by the COA in Tokyo and Yokohama display and sell Taiwan quality rice in small packages. Sales are expected to increase annually.