(1) Utilizing the strength of Taiwanese agricultural technology and our other superior traits, the COA actively worked to advance agricultural technology. We established an intellectual property rights system to protect plant varieties, developed new agricultural biotechnologies, set up a global logistics center for orchids, expanded the overseas markets for grouper and ornamental fishes, and promoted development of plant seeds and seedlings along with livestock and poultry breeding stock. We have already established research teams for flowers, grouper, plant seeds and seedlings, and livestock and poultry breeding stock with the goal of commercializing newly developed technologies.

(2) In 2009, the COA set aside an area of 46.61 hectares to serve as an export orchid model zone assisting growers to expand overseas markets. In addition, we promoted a cross-departmental agricultural biotechnology commercialization development strategy, implementing a total of 164 agricultural biotechnology innovation research projects, academia-industry collaborations, and production development plans. We established commercialization platforms for plant seed and seedling, fish fry, safe agriculture, molecular farming, and livestock and poultry breeding stock technology, while operating three technology incubation centers.

(3) By providing incentives to build high-efficiency live grouper transport vessels, improving boat and shore facilities for the transport of live fish, and establishing long-distance transportation rules and mechanisms, we achieved high fish survival rates. The COA held the 2009 Taiwan International Aquarium Expo, increasing international awareness of Taiwan’s ornamental fish industry. To assist breeders to improve their environment and facilities, the COA established sea and freshwater ornamental fish breeding technical service groups.

(4) Along with the 27 EU nations, the USA, Japan, and Australia, Taiwan reached an agreement for the mutual recognition of plant varieties, so the results of Taiwanese innovation will be protected overseas. The COA strengthened the development of new plant variety rights and established mass production technology. A total of 125 newly developed varieties were recognized under The Plant Variety and Plant Seed Act. With the goal of becoming an Asia-Pacific livestock and poultry breeding stock center, we are building up related industries and have also drawn up a dairy farm production and quality (DHI) plan.