Reaping economic benefits from agro-technology

Industrialization of agro-technology R&D

　　In 2014, the COA received intellectual property rights (IPRs) in 33 cases, including 14 patents and 19 variety rights. There were 142 new cases of technology transfer, and income from R&D results produced by the COA totaled NT$100 million. This was an increase of 20% over 2013 and was the first time the NT$100 million level had ever been reached. The agro-technology program, with 94 projects, drove NT$190 million in R&D investment from the private sector, with derivative investment of NT$650 million and production value of NT$320 million. There were also 35 projects for industrial-academic cooperation and four projects for commercialization of technology by enterprises. These included four "top-down industry-academia cooperation" projects (one example is building an industrial chain for rice-husk flour), which are expected to yield production value of over NT$20 million.

　　The COA also hosted the "Agricultural Pavilion" at the 2014 Taipei International Invention Show and TechnoMart, exhibiting and marketing 47 technologies with strong commercial potential. Among these were: (a) planting and cultivating technology for producing Wasabia japonica in the plant factories, (b) extraction of silk from silkworms, and (c) sponge gourd variety "Kaohsiung No.4" ("Prosperity" type). There were 61 face- to-face commercial negotiations at the Agricultural Pavilion, of which 28 successfully resulted in technology transfer, with earnings for the COA of NT$9.35 million.

Development of high-efficiency agriculture

　　In 2014 the COA continued to upgrade efficiency in the use of resources in agriculture by developing and utilizing a variety of methods—including (i) environmental sensors, (ii) information and communications technology, and (iii) sophisticated water and fertilizer pipe delivery systems—to (a) allow delivery of water and nutrients at the times and amounts needed depending upon the volume of crops being cultivated at any given time, and, (b) through remote monitoring, to allow immediate adjustment of cultivation parameters. These measures reduce the use of labor, time, water, and fertilizer.

　　The COA has also been developing energy-saving equipment and technology for tissue culturing. In 2014, using T5 lighting, we were able to reduce electricity use by 25-50% for (a) shoot proliferation of the "Red Sky" variety of Phalaenopsis orchids, (b) shoot proliferation of the "Honey Angel" variety of Oncidium orchids, and (c) root induction of Dendrobium orchids. Also, utilizing deep-sea water to conduct temperature-controlled cultivation, we achieved the growth within 45 days of healthy strawberry sprouts with a diameter of one centimeter. There is also potential to use this technology to produce summer-season spinach and chrysanthemum greens.

Assistance to agro-technology enterprises

　　The COA plays an important role in advising and upgrading agro-tech enterprises. Specific tasks in 2014 included the following:

● We assisted eight agro-businesses in strengthening their core-satellite systems, as well as improved operational management at six agro-businesses, stimulating investment of NT$15 million by enterprises and increasing sales by NT$27 million.

● We continued our courses, for the fifth year, for management personnel in agro-technology businesses, training 43 individuals in management skills for production, marketing, human resources, R&D, finance, and IT. We also held the 5th Awards for Innovation in Scientific and Technological Agribusinesses, publicly recognizing eight outstanding firms in the two categories of "innovative R&D" and "applications of technology."

● We founded the Scientific and Technological Agribusiness Advisory Services Center to coordinate all information related to subsidy programs and consulting resources for agro-businesses that are trying to transform and upgrade. The Center serves as a convenient "single window" where agro-enterprises can get rapid answers to their inquiries.

● We assisted 24 agro-enterprises to adjust their capital structure and financial models; successfully brokered venture capital investment of NT$12 million in agro-businesses; and had four agro-businesses list on the Emerging Stock Board of the Taipei Exchange (GreTai Securities Market), with one already trading on the Taipei Exchange.

SOPs for production of laboratory livestock

　　The COA's Livestock Research Institute has been working to set standardized operating procedures (SOPs) for the production of animals for biomedical (laboratory) uses. SOPs have been created for animal care, transport, production records, disease testing, inspection, biosafety of livestock farms, employee health, and other related activities, showing the importance we place on animal welfare and occupational safety. We have received accreditation for miniature pigs raised for biomedical uses from the "Association for Assessment and Accreditation of Laboratory Animal Care International." We have also received ISO9001:2008 international certification for ducks raised for biomedical uses, confirming that we conform to international norms regarding quality and operations. In the future, the SOPs developed for laboratory-animal production can be transferred to the domestic livestock industry to make the transition to biomedical lines of business.

The animal vaccine industry

　　The COA utilizes the Agricultural Technology Research Institute as a platform to coordinate the research resources of the Animal Health Research Institute, the Pingtung Agricultural Biotechnology Park (PABP), and universities, in an effort to collectively develop new-type vaccines and related technologies that have international market potential. The COA also organizes exploratory commercial meetings to attract foreign companies to come to Taiwan to negotiate deals and confidentiality agreements. In 2014, R&D was completed on a number of products and technologies, with licensing fees totalling NT$10 million. Also, the PABP organized an exploratory commercial visit to Vietnam, where meetings were held between Taiwanese animal-vaccine firms and Vietnamese firms controlling local sales channels.

Constructing cloud services for agriculture

The "agricultural resources cloud"

　　In 2014 the COA used ICT (information and communications technology) to construct a novel agriculture survey mechanism. Focusing on major crops at the township level, we have compiled a total of 186,389 separate data entries, covering 79,843 hectares of cultivated area. This data will be critical in shaping and promoting policy. We also strengthened coordination of data use by linking data on (a) land, (b) farmers, (c) crops and (d) government administrative handling for examination and articulation. We have thus far compiled 1.92 million entries of land data, covering 370,000 hectares of land and over 320,000 farmers. This coordination of data will speed up handling of tasks such as crop subsidies and disaster relief, and will upgrade administrative efficiency.

　　ICT is also being applied to the following: (a) Traceability of domestic beef: In 2014 we completed ear tagging of 33,000 head of cattle, and announced the implementation of pre- slaughtering inspections, reaching a 100% ratio of number of head slaughtered to number of tag numbers removed from circulation. (b) Improving the CAS certification system for premium agricultural products: We assisted 95 businesses that deal in CAS products to compile traceability data for their CAS products, and to link this data to the Executive Yuan's "food products cloud," so that consumers can undertake verification of product information, do product tracing, and acquire real-time data about the safety of their food.

Integrated use of data systems

　　In coordination with the development of "agriculture cloud services," the COA can provide integrated services to farmers through use of each farmer’s bar-code ID. The first stage of this process will be using ICT to handle subsidies or tax breaks that the COA offers to farmers for fuel and fertilizer, which will greatly simplify administrative procedures and make life much more convenient for farmers.

　　Fuel: Based on the farmer's individual bar-code ID, the system will, each year, automatically approve a certain amount of tax-free fuel. The farmer then need only present his or her ID and "certification of use of agricultural machinery" when purchasing fuel, and he or she can enjoy the tax exemption. This eliminates the former complex procedure of application, review, approval, and use of printed-paper tax exemption vouchers. This step greatly reduces the approximately 40,000 documents that needed to be filed annually in past years, as well as trips back and forth to local government offices for farmers.

　　Fertilizer: In March of 2014, we completed development of a fertilizer purchasing system. We then selected fertilizer sales points for six local farmers' associations (such as Pitou Township in Changhua County), and completed a trial test of linking individual farmers' ID numbers to a fertilizer "point of sale" (POS) system. In the second half of 2014 we got all local farmers' associations and fertilizer sellers to enroll in the system. This new system eliminates hand-written paper registrations, allows us to keep better track of the flow of subsidized fertilizer, and ensures the rights and interests of farmers entitled to subsidies.

Applications of ICT to agriculture

　　The COA has constructed an RFID traceability system for chicken farms which records hygiene in different types of enclosures that are used in the poultry industry. This data provides more information to wholesalers about disease-prevention and health conditions of chickens, as well as data about the effectiveness of biosafety protection measures. As a result, opportunities for transmission of communicable diseases like avian flu have been reduced.

　　The COA also com plet ed development of a production traceability system and platform for processed animal products. We provided this to three production chains—the Hsinchu gongwan (pork meatball) industry, the industry of essence of chicken, and the pidan ("thousand-year-old egg") industry—for better management and traceability in the production process. We assisted 11 processing companies to keep production traceability data, thereby assisting these production chains to lower the possibility of food-safety incidents.

　　As another ICT measure to improve food safety for our citizens, the COA has constructed an information system storing test data about pesticide safety of agro- products. The system integrates the Gi-Ann-Pu system of certification of safe agricultural practices, the Laboratory Information Management System (LIMS), and the Geographic Information System (GIS). The platform includes data (a) from samples taken at the source, (b) about laboratory management, and (c) of the results and analysis of tests for pesticide residues. The data will be available online to the COA and to local governments to improve the effectiveness of pesticide inspections.

　　Also, through the "safe agriculture portal network," we provide consumers with information about safe agro- products and about how to recognize and understand labeling systems. The aim is to deepen awareness among consumers about food safety and to increase consumer demand for foods that are deemed safer. The COA also encourages farmers to use the Internet to sell certified-safe agro-products. At present, there are 216 businesses doing such online sales, selling a total of 1,725 products. The program has stimulated over NT$25 million in online sales.

　　To meet the needs of rural producers, we broadcast dynamic audio-video information through the 430 "electronic bulletin boards" installed at the nation's farmers' and fishermen's associations. Also, given the widespread adoption of mobile devices, we have added a mobile information App to better meet the needs of farmers. Through our smartphone App and other ICT, the COA automatically sends out individualized agricultural info, transmits agricultural policies, and provides the latest updates on agricultural conditions. In 2014, these services were provided more than 1.41 million man-times.

Application of ICT to "value-added agriculture" in FEPZs

　　As part of the government’s recently launched program for Free Economic Pilot Zones (FEPZs), the COA is promoting "value-added agriculture" within FEPZs. In the first stage of the FEPZ plan, we are focusing on a few key value-added industries: (a) ornamental fish, aquarium pets, and peripheral products; (b) animal vaccines; and (c) processed farm, fisheries, and animal husbandry products. ICT plays an important role here.

　　The COA's role in the FEPZ plan is currently focused on the Pingtung Agricultural Biotechnology Park, where we have applied ICT by launching a “Service E-Net for PABP Enterprises," which is a cloud concourse platform for value-added agriculture. It provides park enterprises with services that include: (a) review of customs forms, (b) insurance and tax services, (c) quality control for restricted products, (d) import and export controls for marine animals, (e) e-account books, and (f) end-user auditing for customs convenience. Provision of these services via ICT helps the government ensure that the FEPZs operate in conformity with the principles of transparency and efficiency. At the same time, the FEPZs offer customization of ICT services and training to individual investors in the FEPZ to assist them to become "model enterprises."

　　It is very easy for PABP enterprises to use this cloud concourse platform. Only a single on-line sign-in is required to utilize all the various systems and services. Likewise, agencies in charge of management in the PABP can use the platform to monitor, rule on applications related to, and audit business operations, keeping fully informed at all times of the latest actions of enterprises. And the system aims to reach the goal of completely paperless.

Exploring new markets outside of Taiwan

International marketing of Taiwan agro-products

　　The COA actively works to promote and market Taiwan agro-products around the world. In 2014,we: (a) assisted domestic agro-product associations and farmers’ associations to participate 36 times in overseas exhibitions; (b) held promotional and marketing activities through overseas sales channels 47 times; and (c) continued the commissioning of the private sector to set up and manage two permanent overseas Taiwan agro-product display centers. The COA also continued its program to train personnel in the skills required for international marketing of agro-products, taking one group of trainees overseas and holding a total of 72 hours of training classes. Finally, we also took on special projects in branding and exporting of agro-products, assisting 10 agro-product exporters to improve their packaging and branding. The long-term goal is to build up a reputation among international consumers that Taiwan agro-products are of superior quality and safety.

　　In 2014 exports of Taiwan agro-products totalled US$5.26 billion, an increase of 3.7% over 2013. A total of nine products had increases of at least US$1 million in the value of their exports. The five products that showed the largest growth in export value were grouper (25.3%), Phalaenopsis orchids (13.1%), pineapple (85.4%), edamame (4.9%) and mangoes (13.9%).

Marketing of agro-products in mainland China

　　Owing to the adoption of policies like the opening of direct shipping and flights between Taiwan and mainland China, and also the signing of the cross-strait Economic Cooperation Framework Agreement, mainland China has become the number one market for exports of agro-products from Taiwan. In 2014, the COA: (a) assisted farmers' and fishermen's associations from Taiwan to participate in a total of 16 general or specialized trade fairs or exhibitions in mainland China; (b) cooperated with mainland sales channels in organizing four marketing events for agro-products from Taiwan; and (c) continued to aggressively promote Taiwan flowers, fruit, tea, and ornamental fish, as well as the "Top 100 Products of Farmers' and Fishermen's Associations," to the mainland market. In addition, we continued with our long-standing project of assisting Taiwan agro-product exporters to build long-term, stable sales channels in the mainland.

　　In 2014, the value of exports to mainland China was US$1 billion, an increase of 8.6% over 2013. Whereas in 2008 Taiwan was running a trade deficit in agro-products with mainland China of US$280 million, by 2014 this had become a trade surplus of US$31.29 million. The top five fresh agro-products in terms of growth in export value to mainland China were grouper (26.0%), pineapples (104.5%), ornamental fish (204.5%), mangoes (71.7%), and wax apples (54.1%).

Selling Taiwan agro-technology to the world

　　The development of agricultural technology plus economic growth in newly developing countries has brought novel international commercial opportunities. Taiwan has the potential to be competitive in foreign markets with our agricultural technology, techniques, products, and services. The COA is currently promoting a four-year plan to promote our agro-technology industries internationally. The plan focuses on 10 core agro-technology industries, for which we are aggressively targeting foreign markets.

　　In order to better evaluate which R&D results can be most effectively utilized by overseas customers and can prove to be highly efficient on a global level, the COA has completed drafting formal “Principles Governing, and the Process for, Evaluating Overseas Applications of R&D.” The core principles are fairness, transparency, efficiency, completeness of operational models, risk management, and creation of overseas business opportunities for people from Taiwan.

　　In 2014, evaluations were completed of 10 projects, including (a) rapid-test technology for pesticide residues (developed by the Taiwan Agricultural Research Institute), (b) new varieties of the rosy periwinkle (Catharanthus roseus), and (c) a new type of papaya sprout for transplantation. Of these, we will especially focus on the enormous commercial opportunities in mainland China for the rapid-test technology for pesticide residue (while of course also meeting demand from domestic testing stations). Patents have already been licensed to domestic manufacturers, and it is anticipated that once the product successfully reaches the market, in the first four years it will generate NT$300 million in revenues. This will be a powerful demonstration of Taiwan’s competitiveness in agro-technology.

Ensuring sustainability of deep-sea fisheries

　　Taiwan’s deep-sea fisheries sector has been developing since the 1960s, and our fleets are currently working in the Atlantic, Pacific, and Indian oceans. In 2014, the three major types of deep-sea fishing were: (a) long-line tuna fishing, (b) purse-seine skipjack-tuna fishing, and (c) Pacific saury fishing. These accounted for 92% of the total value of the deep-sea fisheries sector.

　　In order to retain our country’s fish-catch quotas and protect the rights and interests of the deep-sea fishing industry, the COA has continued to participate in the meetings of major regional fisheries organizations. These include annual meetings and working groups of the Inter-American Tropical Tuna Commission, the Western and Central Pacific Fisheries Commission, the Indian Ocean Tuna Commission, the International Commission for the Conservation of Atlantic Tuna, the Commission for the Conservation of Southern Bluefin Tuna, the South Pacific Regional Fisheries Management Organisation, and the North Pacific Fisheries Commission. Through these meetings we stay abreast of the latest developments in the international fishing arena, so we can adopt effective policies and conform to relevant norms. In 2014 we secured quotas totalling 84,104 metric tons.

Engaging in international and cross-strait agricultural cooperation

Adapting to regional trade liberalization

　　Since the Doha negotiating round of the World Trade Organization (WTO) became stalemated, countries around the world have been working outside the WTO to sign free trade agreements (FTAs) in order to eliminate custom and non-custom barriers to trade. Taiwan must participate in this trend because our economy depends heavily on trade. In 2014, President Ma Ying-jeou issued a written declaration calling for “national unity in pursuit of economic growth” and requesting all ministries and agencies to speed up preparatory work for joining the Trans Pacific Partnership (TPP) and Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP), with the aim of ensuring the sustainable development of our economy.

　　Given that two of the important objectives of the COA are (a) to increase the competitiveness of Taiwan’s agriculture sector and (b) secure the rights and interests of farmers, our goal with respect to trade liberalization is to cope with the impacts of, and seize the opportunities offered by, joining the TPP and RCEP. To this end the COA has formulated agricultural adjustment measures, based on our assessment of the developments in negotiations and the overall regional economic and trade situation. By implementating relevant measures, including the adjustment of the industrial structure and the exploration of new business models and new markets, it is expected that our agricultural sector can minimize any negative impacts and capitalize on new profit opportunities.

Participation in international organizations

● The COA strives to win the right to host activities in Taiwan for international organizations such as the Asia-Pacific Association of Agricultural Research Institutions (APAARI) and the Asian Productivity Organization (APO). Main events hosted in 2014 included: (a) an APO Workshop on Innovative Postharvest Management Tools and Technologies for Fruit and Vegetable Products; (b) an International Conference hosted jointly with APAARI on Prevention and Control of Avian Influenza; (c) the “APO 3rd World Conference on Green Productivity: Milestone of the APO Movement” hosted jointly with the Ministry of Economic Affairs, and held along with an exhibition of accomplishments of the APO “Center of Excellence on Green Productivity,” which is located in Taipei.

● In response to calls under the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) framework for conservation and sustainable management of forests, the COA sent representatives to attend the 5th and 6th APEC “Experts Group on Illegal Logging and Associated Trade” (EGILAT) meetings held in mainland China in 2014. We joined the EGILAT working group which is laying the groundwork for construction of an information platform on the lumber trade, demonstrating Taiwan’s determination to promote only legal trade in lumber. The COA also attended the meeting of contact persons for the Asia-Pacific Network for Sustainable Forest Management and Rehabilitation, held in Chiang Mai, Thailand in May of 2014.

● Although Taiwan is not a party to international conservation treaties, the COA participates actively in related meetings. In 2014 these included: (a) the 27th meeting of the Animals Committee of CITES, held in Mexico in April; (b) the 10th Conference of the Parties to the Convention on Biological Diversity, held in Korea in October; and (c) the 6th World Parks Congress, held in Sydney, Australia, in November.

● The COA pro-actively cooperates with the International Rice Research Institute (IRRI). Areas of cooperation include development of strains that are resistant to environmental deterioration, germplasm exchange and preservation, and coordinated prevention of damage to agriculture from disease and pests. We have established an excellent relationship with the IRRI, and in October of 2014 that body invited Taiwan to attend, with observer status, the 4th meeting of the Council for Partnership on Rice Research in Asia, held in Bangkok, Thailand. COA Deputy Minister Chen Wen-Deh addressed the meeting, and his remarks on contemporary international rice research were very well received by the delegates.

　　The COA also has continued to strengthen cooperative relations with organizations headquartered in Taiwan whose activities are international in scope. In 2014 we subsidized eight international conferences and four international training programs organized by the "Food and Fertilizer Center for the Asian and Pacific Region" and the "International Center for Land Policy Studies and Training." This is yet another way that the COA is able to expand interactions with the international agricultural community

Bilateral cooperation

　　In 2014 the COA held meetings with many countries, including Japan, Australia, and South Africa, in which we pursued (a) international agricultural cooperation, (b) exchanges between similar rural industries, (c) development of sales channels, and (d) elimination of non-tariff barriers to exports of agro- products. One of the main achievements in 2014 was that Vietnam agreed to allow imports of plant-derived food from Taiwan.

　　On April 1 of 2014, COA Minister Chen Bao-ji visited Myanmar and met with U Myint Hlaing, the Minister of Agriculture and Irrigation, and they signed a "Memorandum of Cooperation in Agriculture," marking an important milestone in the development of Taiwan’s relationship with Myanmar. Taiwan also signed a "Memorandum of Understanding on Cooperation in Agriculture" with Hungary on September 2 of 2014, the first document of this nature signed with any country in central or eastern Europe. Finally, on December 5 of 2014, Taiwan signed the "France-Taiwan Agricultural Cooperation Convention," which took effect the same day, thereby creating a standing mechanism for dialogue on agricultural matters.

　　In July, COA Minister Chen led a delegation to the US, where they met with important members of Congress, business leaders, and Secretary of Agriculture Thomas Vilsack. Chen explained Taiwan's policy stand on "separate treatment of beef and pork"; emphasized the importance of the Taiwan-US Bilateral Investment Agreement (BIA); and exchanged views with the US side on strengthening bilateral agricultural cooperation, trade in agro-products, and other matters.

　　In order to deal with problems with fishing boat operations arising from the fact that Taiwan and Japan have overlapping maritime exclusive economic zones (EEZs), on April 10 of 2013, the two sides—breaking a 17-year deadlock in negotiations—signed the Taiwan- Japan Fisheries Agreement. As per the Agreement, the two sides formed a "Taiwan-Japan Fisheries Committee" (TJFC) and completed the "Principles Governing Fishing Boat Operations in Seas Covered by the Taiwan-Japan Fisheries Agreement."

　　To further improve handling of civil fishing-boat disputes between Taiwan and Japan, and to better guarantee safety for all fishing boat operations, the COA took the lead in guiding Taiwan's National Fishermen's Association in signing a "Civil Contract Governing Handling of Incidents at Sea and Rescue Operations" with the Japan Fisheries Association. This agreement draws on the capabilities of these non-governmental organizations to help handle civil fisheries disputes, while also providing mutual assistance in the event of maritime accidents, illness or injury to fishing-boat crew, and other emergency situations.

　　In another important step in fisheries cooperation with Japan, talks between the two sides regarding the tuna industry convened in Taipei on July 23 of 2014. The COA and Japan's Fisheries Agency exchanged views on matters of mutual concern, which will be helpful in future coordination in regional fisheries management organizations (RFMOs).

　　Continued progress was also made in fisheries cooperation with the Philippines. Taiwan and the Philippines have held three rounds of fisheries talks, in which the two parties: (a) reached consensus that no weapons or violence should be used in law enforcement, (b) agreed to a notification mechanism when law enforcement from one side acts against fishing boats from the other side, (c) agreed to a process for rapid release of impounded vessels and their crews. In order that the above points be codified in a legally binding manner, the two sides have continued to negotiate the signing of a "Taiwan-Philippines Agreement on Cooperation in Law Enforcement in Fishing Affairs," in order to guarantee the safety, rights, and interests of fishing operations on both sides.

Cross-strait agricultural interactions

　　The COA has long promoted exchanges between agricultural professionals from Taiwan and mainland China. Such exchanges were made easier when the Ministry of the Interior integrated four previously existing sets of regulations governing visits to Taiwan by people from mainland China into the single "Regulations Governing Entry Permission to the Taiwan Area for People from Mainland China." These integrated Regulations, which took effect at the beginning of 2014, streamline the review process for visits by mainland Chinese. In 2014, the COA handled the paperwork for (a) visits to Taiwan for purposes of "professional agricultural exchanges" by a total of 290 groups (4,013 visits), and (b) visits by representatives of mainland Chinese agro-businesses in a total of 58 groups (141 visits). (Note that these figures do not include persons whose visits fell under the jurisdiction of more than one ministry and were handled directly by the Ministry of the Interior.)

　　Meanwhile, the COA has continued to ban imports of 830 agro-product items from mainland China. We also prevent Taiwan businesses which have invested in mainland China from selling their agro-products back into Taiwan. Moreover, we have kept "agro-products in which Taiwan has a technology- or technique-based competitive advantage" on the list of items that are banned for investment by Taiwan businesses in mainland China. However, we have, when appropriate, re-assessed liberalization of certain items based on the strategic needs of specific agro-industries. Within certain parameters— specifically (a) ensuring continued development of agro- industries in Taiwan and (b) avoiding the outflow of superior technologies (techniques) that create competitive advantage—we are building an investment model, based on a framework of "industrial value chains," that will benefit both Taiwan and mainland China.

Expanding and internationalizing the rural tourism and leisure industry

The agro-tourism industry, leisure farms, and internationalization of the industry

　　One major way in which the COA is helping the rural economy is diversification. One of the most important forms of diversification is the development of recreational, leisure, and tourist activities and enterprises in rural areas. Leisure farms (also known as "recreational farms") are a critical focus of this work.

　　The COA has continually worked: (a) to encourage leisure farms to develop unique themes and interesting characteristics that will attract consumers and create market differentiation; (b) to create an environment that is friendly to leisure farm operations; (c) to strengthen the functions and contents of agro-tourism websites and Apps and make it easier for consumers to use these; (d) to train hospitality professionals to staff leisure farms; (e) to promote a service quality and certification system; (f) to promote leisure farms to schools as destinations for school field trips; (g) to participate in local and international travel fairs and to hold other promotional activities; (h) to deepen the established market for group tours while developing a new market for independent travelers; (i) to improve coordination with travel agencies and the transportation industry; and (j) to promote theme events and marketing activities (such as the "gourmet food tour," the "sea of flowers in Xinshe," seasonal agro-tours to Hualien and Taitung counties, and the selection of the Top 100 Rural Inns).

　　One part of the leisure-farm policy is to demarcate "leisure farm zones" where a "cluster effect" will be created. New demarcations by the COA in 2014 brought the total number of these zones in Taiwan to 78. Further, we assisted 50 individual leisure farms to receive certification for the quality of their services. In 2014, the rural tourism industry attracted 23 million visits, an increase of 15% over 2013, with total production value of NT$10.2 billion. Since internationalization is integral to the overall development policy for this economic sector, it is especially noteworthy that 300,000 of the total visits were by foreigners.

The leisure fishing and boating industry

　　It is not only farms that can be converted to tourist facilities. Small rural fishing harbors have their own charms and are prime candidates to become tourist attractions as well as centers for leisure boating and recreational fishing.

　　In 2014 the COA: (a) worked with local governments and fishermen's associations to hold 50 “fishing industry festivals” and promotional events, which attracted an estimated 700,000 participants; (b) continued to promote recreational fishing and marine eco-tourism; (c) assisted fishermen's associations and fisheries-related private sector groups to develop 19 high-quality souvenir and gift packages featuring unique local products of various fishing communities; (d) guided fishermen's associations to hold 229 activities to promote preservation and learning of traditional arts, crafts, and skills characteristic of fishing communities; and (e) broadcast 61 episodes of a program drawing attention to unique traditional customs (e. g. temple festivals) of various fishing communities, as a way to attract visitors to these communities. In 2014, recreational fishing and boating, fishing-community tourism, and marine eco-tourism attracted 11.48 million visits, with production value of NT$3.9 billion.The Anping yacht and sailboat dock and the Badouzi "Bisha Recreational Harbor Area" both opened in 2014, with the objective of transforming these traditional fishing harbors into modern facilities that also offer recreation and sight-seeing. Special facilities installed at Badouzi to ensure complete accessibility to the handicapped for both recreational fishing and sight-seeing (for example, facilities for embarking on and disembarking from boats) won a "Handicapped-Friendly Facilities Award" from the Ministry of the Interior in 2014.

Forest ecoturism

　　The COA operates a system of national forest recreation areas (NFRAs), and we have been actively promoting these as high-quality outdoor recreation venues. In 2014 Hehuanshan and Daxueshan both won certification for environmentally friendly hotels; Zhiben and Alishan were honored as among the year’s best handicapped-friendly facilities; and Baxianshan and Taipingshan hosted special themed tourism activities on "100 Years of the Forestry Industry." In 2014 NFRAs hosted over 5.14 million visits, an all-time high. Restoration of the Alishan Forest Railway continued apace, with the line re-opening as far as Lake Fenqi (Fenqihu), and it carried a cumulative total of 1.98 million passengers.

　　The COA also continued to expand activities at our eight nature education centers, where we had more than 110,000 participant-learners in 2014, while the center at Dongyanshan received a National Environmental Education Award. We also organized the first international conference ever held in Taiwan on "eco-craft" trails, and we also published a book series on trails in Taiwan. Turnout was especially good at the Nenggao Cross-Peak Trail, where the Tianchi Hostel provided lodging to over 10,000 people in 2014, an increase of 45% over 2013.

　　While most forest parks are in and around mountain areas, the COA has also been working for several years to create woodlands parks in plains areas to provide more possibilities for eco-tourism. This work has focused on a set of three major parks: the Dafu/Danong Forest Park in Hualien County, the Aogu Wetland and Forest Park, and the Linhou/Silin Forest Park in Pingtung County. The former two had opened before 2014, and Linhou/Silin opened on June 14 of 2014, thereby completing the set. In 2014 the three parks had a total of 380,000 visitors.