The Council of Agriculture (COA) pointed out that the 2010 Taipei International Flora Exposition, which is sponsored by Taipei City Government and scheduled to open on November 6, is the first world-class exposition authorized by an international organization to be held in Taiwan . As the international community is focusing its attention on the Expo 2010 Shanghai China , the Council expressed the hope that the Taipei Flora Expo will demonstrate the image of Taiwan and the strength of its floriculture on the world stage and drive the upgrade of local horticulture.

The Council emphasized that the Taipei Expo is one of the key activities celebrating the 100^th founding anniversary of the Republic of China with a total budget of NT$7.832 billion. In coordination with the policy objective of developing Taiwan ’s flower industry, the central government provided 50% of the Expo budget, listed it as a special project under the Executive Yuan public construction plan, and designated the COA as the central competent authority. Therefore, the subsidies do not crowd out budgets for the established COA agricultural development programs and projects, said the Council.

In order to protect farmers’ rights and interests, the Council has specifically asked Taipei City Government to buy from local flower farmers 90% of the 30 million cut flowers to be used by the Flora Expo and the Expo organizers have signed cooperation contracts with flower famers in Taoyuan, Changhua, Nantou, Yunlin and Pingtung counties, noted the COA. Besides, Taipei City Government has also cooperated with other city and county governments and travel agencies in planning 116 sets of 1-3-day package tour combining flower farms with distinguished scenic spots in their neighborhood for Expo visitors to arrange their itinerary. It is aimed at creating maximum business opportunity for local horticulture by bringing tourist resources to flower-producing counties and cities. At the same time, Taipei City Government has made integrated comprehensive plans for the sustainable utilization of the 14 exhibition halls after the Flora Expo.

The COA explained that the Taipei Flora Expo will be able to promote domestic floriculture while driving the development of local tourism, restaurants, horticultural technology and other related industries, significantly enhancing Taiwan ’s international status, reputation and visibility. The Council called on the public to jointly take part in the Taipei Expo and let the world community better understand Taiwan .