Adjusting the cropping system and revitalizing farmland

　　In the face of global climate change, and in the interests of national food security, the COA aims to reactivate fallow land and raise national self-sufficiency. To this end, in 2013 the COA launched a new program to "adjust the cropping system and revitalize fallow land." Priority was given to 48,000 hectares of land left continuously fallow for both growing seasons. (Taiwan has two growing seasons per year.) Under the plan, farmers are encouraged to cultivate specified contract crops, which present few production and marketing problems, during one season, while leaving the land fallow (or planting green fertilizer) in the other. The "specified contract crops" include import substitution crops, crops with export potential, organic crops, and special local niche agro-products. Under this program, the former subsidy paid for leaving land fallow is now used to subsidize contract cultivation and ensure that participating farmers get a stable income.

　　In 2014, area that farmers reported as leaving fallow for both growing seasons fell to 100,000 hectares (ha), a decline of 50% from the 2011 figure of 200,000 ha. The area reported as being under contract cultivation increased to 125,000 ha, an increase of 53,000 ha (74%) over of the 2011 figure of 72,000 ha. Main uses in 2014 were as follows: (a) special local niche agro-products, 23,000 ha; (b) pasture land and forage corn, 9,000 ha; (c) flint corn, 6,000 ha; (d) sugar cane as raw material, 2,000 ha; (e) edamame, 2,000 ha; (f) vegetables for export, 1,000 ha; and (g) import substitution crops (including soybeans), 1,000 ha.

　　The measures discussed in the previous paragraphs have generated NT$18.4 billion in production value in agriculture and peripheral industries. The results of transforming the former subsidies for fallow land into subsidies for agricultural production have exceeded expectations. The new system is being constantly reevaluated on a rolling basis, and the COA will add more diversified crops for farmers to choose from, while continuing to observe the principle of ensuring that participating farmers earn adequate incomes. We will strengthen "local production, local consumption"; encourage farmers to grow import substitution crops, crops with export potential, organic crops, and special local niche agro-products; and move toward a more corporatized business model of production to encourage transformation and upgrading of the rural economy.

Constructing a food security mechanism

The challenges of climate change and food security

　　In response to climate change, in order to ensure national food security and maintain sustainable development of agriculture, since 2012 the COA has been pursuing a project, under t he ov er all c har ge of t he Taiwan Agricultural Research Institute, of "Studies of Agricultural Innovation to Deal with Issues of Climate Change and Food Security." The project integrates institutional resources, and, based on a multi-faceted approach over a four-year time frame, incorporates research on subjects that include: (a) mechanisms and strategies for food security and responses to crises, (b) upgrading resistance of crops to environmental changes, (c) constructing an environment for agricultural production that is adaptable and minimizes risk of damage from natural disasters, and (d) efficient use of energy. The project has produced very extensive results, and on October 30 of 2014 the COA held an exhibition to share these results and exchange views with interested outsiders. We hope to stimulate technological innovation to minimize the negative impact of climate change on food security and the agricultural sector.

　　One central pillar of our national food security strategy is purchasing rice for public stocks. As of the end of 2014, there were 870,000 metric tons of rice in public storehouses, enough to cover eight months of domestic demand, well above the widely accepted food security standard of three months. In combination with the adjustment of the cultivation system and revitalization of fallow farmland, the public purchasing policy will continue to be essential to the nation’s food self-sufficiency.

Food security through APEC planning

● In 2012, Taiwan, at the 2nd APEC Ministerial Meeting on Food Security, proposed a multi- year project called "Strengthening Public- Private Partnership Reduce Food Losses in the Supply Chain." This became the first ever multi-year agricultural project adopted by APEC. The project includes annual capacity-building conferences, construction of assessment methodology for food losses, construction of a toolkit and database website for reducing food losses, and sharing of best practices in both the private and public sectors for reducing food losses. The project was launched in 2013. Conferences on reducing losses of (a) staple foods and (b) fruits and vegetables were held in Taipei in 2013 and in Beijing in 2014, respectively. These efforts are raising awareness in every APEC member economy of the critical issue of food losses.

● On August 28 of 2014, COA Minister Chen Bao- ji led a delegation to participate in the 4th APEC Ocean- Related Ministerial Meeting (AOMM4), held in Xiamen, mainland China, where Minister Chen was invited to deliver an address on "the role of the ocean in food security." The four priority issues of AOMM4 were: (a) coastal and marine ecosystem conservation and disaster resilience, (b) the role of the ocean in food security and food-related trade, (c) marine science, technology and innovation, and (d) the "blue economy." After the conference, all ministers in attendance joined in issuing the "Xiamen Declaration," which emphasizes that each APEC member economy should, through Asia-Pacific regional marine cooperation, moved toward new partnership relations.

● Minister Chen Bao-ji also led a delegation to attend the 3rd APEC Ministerial Meeting on Food Security held from September 18 to 19 of 2014 in Beijing. Because the “Reduction of Food Losses” multi-year project proposed by Taiwan has strengthened sharing and exchanges between APEC member economies, as well as created a model for cooperation between the public and private sectors and between member economies, ministers from APEC member economies were very positive at the meeting about Taiwan's project, and incorporated it into the Beijing Declaration on APEC Food Security (see Paragraph 15).

"Local production, local consumption" strategies

Promoting high-quality rice and diversified rice-flour products

　　In 2014 the COA: (a) held four demonstration events to promote the use of rice flour, with 280 attendees; (b) held four classes training people in diversified applications of rice flour, with 144 trainees; (c) held the semi-finals and finals in a competition for creative uses of rice flour (a total of six events); and (d) held the finals of the competition for creative Chinese- style rice dishes, with 128 persons participating. The goal of the COA is to encourage greater use of rice flour by demonstrating how easy it is to use and how it can be used in gourmet quality foods.

　　The COA has also provided bakeries and food manufacturers with technical guidance and R&D on the use of rice flour as a raw material. Mass production has begun on rice-flour breads and cakes (for Family Mart convenience stores), instant rice noodles (for the National Farmers’ Association of the ROC), pure rice cakes (by Hunya Foods Company and Ya Dian bakery), rice ice cream (by the Shuang Yeh Food Company), and other products. Already ten of these diversified rice products are available for sale to consumers. Moreover, the COA has: (a) provided expert guidance to four famous food sellers in the Yongkang Commercial District to sell six new rice- based products including dumplings and pasta made with rice flour; (b) worked with seven large corporations to make rice pasta and rice noodles available in their employee cafeterias; and (c) introduced rice pasta into the purchasing system for the employees’ restaurant at the China Steel Corporation.

Separate-track handling of domestic and imported livestock products

　　In order to strengt hen separat e-t rack management of domestic and imported meat products, fortify separation of imported frozen chicken and pork, and protect the interests of consumers, on January 21 and June 16 of 2015, respectively, the COA announced methods for testing enzyme activity in (a) frozen and thawed-frozen chicken and (b) frozen and thawed- frozen pork. We also listed the above-mentioned items for CAS testing and certification. The methods for testing of chicken meat have already been reviewed and approved by the national standards commission of the Bureau of Standards, Metrology, and Inspection under the Ministry of Economic Affairs.

　　In addition, starting from March and May of 2014 respectively, supermarkets that sell frozen chicken and frozen pork must always label "thawed meat" or "frozen meat" in order to avoid confusion and to increase market differentiation for domestically produced chicken and pork, and to form different price zones for frozen and domestic meat sold at retail traders. Taking chicken legs for example, the retail price differs by more than 50%. In 2014, frozen chicken imports were 141,000 metric tons (the highest figure ever recorded), as compared to only 111,000 metric tons in 2013. However, because of the effect of separate-track management measures, in 2014 the price of broilers remained relatively stable.

Healthy vegetables for student lunches

　　The COA has been working with the government of New Taipei City to guide organic farms and Gi- Ann-Pu-certified Production-and-Marketing Groups to sign contracts to provide schools with vegetables for school lunches. Under the program, which involves 286 middle and primary schools with 346,000 students, each week each school serves one lunch with organic vegetables and four with Gi-Ann-Pu-audited vegetables. In addition, we have built a "group purchasing system for healthy vegetables," with schools encouraging students' families to purchase vegetables from safe and healthy source growers. (Note: Gi- Ann-Pu is a safe agricultural practices certification system used in Taiwan.)

Marketing of domestic agro-products

　　To help market agro-products, in 2014 the COA: (a) held activities entitled "Fresh from the Farm: The 2014 Agro-Products Exhibition," with total sales of NT$9.68 million; (b) organized farmers' markets at the "Hope Plaza" and Yuanshan flora expo venues in Taipei, with total sales of NT$310 million; (c) worked through farmers’ and fishermen’s associations to sell domestic pork through sales promotions, in order to maintain market share of domestic pork during a peak period for prices of hogs in Taiwan; and (d) organized cooperation between industry groups and large-volume supermarket sales outlets to hold seven large- scale marketing activities for domestic seafood.

Developing rural cuisines with local characteristics

　　In order to help drive sales of special local niche agro-products, the COA organized teams of professional chefs to visit farmers' association in 20 localities in 13 cities and counties, to inventory the special features of local cooking and ingredients, and to devise recipes using these features. Classes and competitions involving these recipes were held via the local farmers' associations, and the recipes were posted as a mobile phone App, in the hopes of encouraging consumers to use the Internet to purchase the niche ingredients for these dishes.

　　We also guided the establishment of "Mother Tian" cooking groups, to encourage greater use of, and development of special local dishes using, healthy and safe niche ingredients. As of 2014 there were a total of 140 groups, with operating revenues in excess of NT$520 million. We also held a competition to choose the "Top Ten Dishes" of the first tier of Mother Tian groups, and integrated this activity with advertising for rural travel itineraries, forming a "culinary travel map" and effectively promoting the idea of "local production, local consumption."

The "place-of-origin" labeling system

　　Given that certain regions are famed for certain kinds of foods, a labeling system that certifies place of origin can create market differentiation and economic opportunities for these products. As of the end of 2014, the COA had approved "place-of-origin" names for 25 agro-products, as well as "place-of-origin" trademarks for 27 groups of producers from specific localities. We also held two seminars to teach people about how to get and manage place-of-origin branding, in hopes of further increasing the positive economic impact of market differentiation. We also continued to encourage localities with the potential for certification to acquire it, so that the system can be implemented as widely as possible.

　　In addition, the COA, in cooperation with the Intellectual Property Office of the Ministry of Economic Affairs, held a conference for those with actual experience in using place-of-origin certification to share and discuss their experiences. Participants included place-of-origin rights holders and business operators from both sides of the Taiwan Strait. The conference attracted nearly 200 representatives of government, industry, and academia.

Strengthening safety management of agro-products

The domestic beef traceability system

　　As part of our efforts to establish a comprehensive system for traceability of domestic beef, in February of 2014 the COA convened a meeting to discuss a requirement that any cattle sent for slaughtering had to possess a certification of where they had been raised. On March 26 of 2014, in accordance with Article 5-1, Section 1 of the Slaughtering Sanitation Inspection Guidelines, the COA announced that as of July 1 of 2014, before being slaughtered, cattle must have a label with sufficient information to determine where the animal was raised, and the owner or manager of the animal must attach a form indicating the place of origin.

　　To ensure full implementation, the COA held an intensive round of 18 explanatory sessions, and also did daily monitoring of slaughtering volume and sales code numbers. Starting in August of 2014, each day the sales code numbers of slaughtered cattle would be removed from registers, and we achieved a 100% ratio of removals to number of cattle slaughtered. Moreover, the electronic label system for beef traceability has functioned smoothly, so that all cattle can be traced back to their ranch of origin. A total of 150,000 head of cattle have been registered in the traceability system, and we have set up eight demonstration sites for how the place-of-origin system operates.

Tracking agro-products

　　Acting on the basis of the Agricultural Production and Certification Act, the COA has been promoting a certification system for safety and sustainability that tracks the life cycle of agro- products from production through marketing, keeping a "resume" for each product. As of the end of 2014, 12 certification institutions had been accredited to implement certification, which so far covers: (i) staple crops, (ii) processed crops, (iii) livestock products, (iv) poultry products, (v) processed livestock and poultry products, (vi) aquaculture products, and (vii) processed fisheries products. In 2014 there were 1,420 operations producing agro-products still within the validity period for their certification. They supplied 201 types of farm, fisheries, and animal products, with a total production value of NT$6 billion.

　　One major indicator that our work to educate consumers and to broker sales for agro-products that have production-and-marketing "resumes" is that in 2014 an average of 3.58 million "resume" labels were printed per month, an increase of 106% over 2013 (1.74 million per month). Also, ten major supermarket chains and other food sellers have set up a total of 361 special counters for selling agro-products that have complete production-and-marketing "resumes."

The Gi-Ann-Pu system for fruits and vegetables

　　The Gi-Ann-Pu auditing system is one safe- agricultural-practices system used in Taiwan. As of the end of 2014, a total of 2,127 fruit and vegetable Production-and-Marketing Groups (PMGs), with production area of 25,700 hectares of land, had passed review under the “Guidelines for the Gi- Ann-Pu Labeling System” and earned the right to use the Gi-Ann-Pu label. To monitor the quality of Gi-Ann-Pu produce, in 2014 authorities conducted 3,168 sample tests on products, both in the field and at product packing-and-shipment locations. Of the samples, 96.3% were up to standard (3,050 passed, 118 failed). In cases where samples were found to be below standard, the COA provisionally suspended the right to use the Gi-Ann-Pu label and followed up on a case-by-case basis with stronger guidance of farmers, teaching them better techniques to prevent damage from disease or pests and instructing them in the safe use of pesticides. Also, local governments, acting under the Agro-Pesticides Management Act, investigated cases falling under the act, punished violators, offered expert advice on safe use of pesticides, and intensified sample testing.

　　In terms of marketing of Gi-Ann-Pu products, in 2013 the COA promoted the sale of specially double- packaged Gi-Ann-Pu-certified produce through four major wholesale markets, with total sales of 23,000 tons. We also: (a) arranged to have special Gi-Ann-Pu product displays or counters set up in 115 locations in chain supermarkets, to create market differentiation for consumers to identify, and understand the superiority of, Gi-Ann-Pu-certified produce; (b) conducted systematic advertising for Gi-Ann-Pu products on over 900 platforms, including the print media, billboards, and buses, and also broadcast advertisements 3000 times on giant TV screens in commercial districts and department stores; and (c) coordinated with the government of New Taipei City to sign contracts with Gi-Ann-Pu-certified PMGs to provide vegetables for school lunches (covering 286 middle and primary schools with 346,000 students).

Organic agriculture

　　In 2014 there were a total of 6,071 hectares of land inspected and certified as "organic farms," and as of the end of 2014 a total of 14 collective organic agriculture special zones had been established, covering 642 hectares. To promote organic products, in 2014 the COA held 162 events for the purposes of teaching organic-farming techniques, marketing, training in business and operational management, volunteer training, and consumer education. We also: (a) guided retail outlets to set up special counters or displays for organic products in 103 locations, so that consumers can easily differentiate organic products; and (b) established organic-product farmers' markets in 18 locations, as well as 165 organic "e-commerce emporiums," to encourage sales of organic products straight from the locations where they are produced.

　　Tests are regularly conducted to ensure the authenticity, quality and safety of organic products. In 2014 there were 3,441 label inspections of organic products, with 97.1% meeting standards. There were also 2,127 quality tests, with 99% of tested items passing the tests. Producers of items that failed to pass were investigated and punished under the Agricultural Production and Certification Act.

　　Meanwhile, two livestock producers (accounting for a total of four products) were certified as organic, as were two firms that produce processed organic livestock products (total of two products). The COA also accepted 56 applications for imports of organic livestock products, with total import volume of 129 metric tons. Finally, we conducted 15 random sample tests of organic livestock products at the point of sale, with all tested products meeting required standards.

The CAS certification system

　　The CAS label was launched in 1989. The system is an incentive for domestic agro- businesses to produce premium-quality agro-products in order to qualify for use of the label, thereby “raising the bar” for the standards of food that consumers can buy. As of the end of 2014, the scope of the CAS system included 16 categories, there were 290 participating companies, and CAS label use had been approved for 744 “list items” (which can be further subdivided into 5,946 specific shelf products).

　　To ensure that CAS-labeled products are genuinely high quality, the entire factory is inspected to see that everything is up to standard, and production traceability and risk management are rigorously enforced. If there are any shortcomings, the product-recall mechanism is strictly activated. CAS certification requires three levels of quality control: (a) testing done by the producers themselves; (b) inspections, testing, and sampling of products by accredited certification organizations; and (c) random-sample testing, monitoring, and enforcement by government agencies as authorized by law.

　　In 2014 accredited certification organizations conducted 849 inspections, and sample-tested 2,794 products, with over 98% meeting requirements. For products that were not up to standard, producers had to make improvements within a fixed deadline or lose their CAS certification. Where there were violations of the Act Governing Food Safety and Sanitation, the health agencies with jurisdiction were informed, and followed up with their own investigations and law enforcement. In addition, government agencies take the initiative to inspect CAS labels and product labels at points of sale. In 2014, 10,558 items were inspected, and tests were run on 293 samples. Violators were punished under the Agricultural Production and Certification Act.

Monitoring for agro-pesticide residues and veterinary drug residues

　　Another measure to ensure that the food that citizens consume is safe is that the COA has continually been monitoring for (a) agro-pesticide residues and (b) veterinary drug residues. In 2014, we conducted 7,267 pesticide residue tests on fruits and vegetables in the field and at product packing facilities, with 96% of tested items up to standard. There were 296 cases in which the tested products were sub-standard, resulting in NT$1,827,500 in fines. Also, inspectors visited livestock and poultry farms to do random blood tests on livestock, and to test samples of poultry meat, raw milk, and eggs. A total of 41,716 tests were conducted, and the use of pharmaceuticals was closely monitored, to preempt any concerns that livestock or poultry products with veterinary drug residues could reach consumers. The tested products passed in 99.9% of cases. There were 47 instances of sub-standard products, resulting in NT$1,329,000 in fines. Also, there were 1,669 random-sample tests of aquaculture products before they came onto the market, and another 1,500 tests at wholesale fish markets. For both sets of tests, the products were up to standard in 98.3% of cases. We uncovered 29 instances of sub-standard products in the pre-market phase, and 26 more in the wholesale phase, resulting in NT$330,000 in fines.

　　In cases where tested samples do not meet requirements, while the COA naturally punishes the violators under the relevant regulations, we also investigate the reasons why the products are sub- standard and strengthen our guidance of individual farmers to teach them safe use of agro-chemicals and veterinary drugs. We also continually follow up with violators to make sure they have taken remedial steps to improve their operations.

Livestock and poultry inspection

　　As required by the “Animal Industry Act”, meat for human consumption derived from livestock or poultry has to undergo meat inspection and be deemed wholesome before being shipped out of a slaughterhouse. The COA has delegated the responsibility of meat inspection to the Bureau of Animal and Plant Health Inspection and Quarantine (BAPHIQ) since 1997. In 2014, a total of 584 inspection personnel were dispatched to 161 registered slaughterhouses (59 sites for slaughtering livestock, 98 for poultry and 2 for both) to conduct ante- and post- mortem inspection and to supervise the sanitation operations of each slaughterhouse. During the year, 7.99 million head of livestock were inspected, of which 3,371 carcasses were condemned and 1.467 million partially condemned, and 321 million poultry were inspected, of which 1.395 million carcasses were condemned and 8.074 million partially condemned.

　　The auditors from four branch offices of BAPHIQ conduct both scheduled and unscheduled on-site audits. In 2014, a total of 789 audits were performed and 10 slaughterhouses were fined for not meeting the sanitation requirements. A total sum of NT$960,000 was collected in fines.

Rational and moderate use of chemical fertilizer

　　The COA has long been encouraging farmers to use less chemical fertilizer, and the COA’s various local research stations, extension stations, and institutes have formed special teams to: (a) provide expert advice to farmers on moderate and appropriate fertilizer use; (b) conduct soil fertility tests; and (c) do diagnoses of fertilizer needs for farmers’ crops. The goal is, as always, to teach farmers how to use chemical fertilizers more safely and efficiently. In 2014, various research stations and the Taiwan Banana Research Institute determined three types of priority areas—locations with heavy fertilizer use, ecological zones, and reservoir watershed areas—and gave special attention to teaching farmers in these areas about optimum ways to use fertilizer. These policies are essential to protect the agricultural environment for the long run and contribute to sustainability of agricultural development.

　　In 2014 the COA organized 197 teaching events with 15,000 participating farmers, as well as 34 on-site events at demonstration farms where farmers could come and see, first hand, how to use fertilizer in an optimal way. There were 39,800 cases in which our experts provided free diagnostic services to assess fertilizer needs for farmers’ crops, with diagnostic teams providing specific and concrete instructions for correct fertilizer amounts and application methods. A total of 116 interviews with COA experts on this subject appeared in the media, while 109 articles on relevant subjects—e.g. rational fertilizer use for specific crop types, optimal methods of fertilizer application, the best ways to deal with soil fertility problems—appeared in agricultural magazines and on our special webpage devoted to fertilizer use.

Policies dealing with animal and plant health

Effective stabilization and control of the rabies outbreak

　　In 2013 there was an outbreak of rabies in Taiwan. As a result of measures like (a) vaccinating most dogs and cats against rabies, (b) strengthening management of dogs and cats, and (c) giving preemptive vaccinations to high-risk humans (like rabies-test technicians and disease-prevention personnel), the outbreak has been stably controlled. However, since the virus has an incubation period, and there have continued to be individual cases of positive tests for rabies among wild Formosan ferret-badgers, the COA has continued to rigorously implement relevant preventive measures.

　　In 2014, we tested 948 dogs, 12 cats, 120 bats, 306 wild carnivores, and 28 other wild animals. Except for 147 ferret-badgers and one masked palm civet that tested positive, all other tests were negative. In addition, to confirm the boundaries of the distribution of ferret-badgers in eastern Taiwan, in 2014 the COA’s Forestry Bureau carried out: (a) an active monitoring program of ferret-badgers in the Xiuguluan River watershed area, and (b) the first phase of a long-term program of monitoring changes and movements in the ferret-badger population. At the same time, in the Da’an River watershed area in western Taiwan, the Forestry Bureau carried out: (a) ecological studies of the ferret-badger as well as basic surveys of its life cycle; (b) microsatellite primer screening and studies of ferret-badger population genetics; and (c) construction of a model of the population density and spatial distribution of the ferret-badger.

　　In the future, we will continue monitoring and testing for rabies, and pro-actively work to increase the coverage rate for rabies vaccinations among dogs and cats, in order to prevent any further outbreak.

Continued implementation of the policy to ban slaughter of live poultry in traditional markets

　　It has long been a part of Taiwan’s culture for farmers to raise free-range poultry in traditional ways, and then sell the birds to butchers at traditional markets who would slaughter them fresh on the spot for customers. However, for health reasons, on May 17 of 2013, the COA announced a ban on slaughtering of live poultry at traditional markets. Working with the Ministry of Economic Affairs, the Ministry of Health, and the Environmental Protection Administration, we also instituted corollary measures including: (a) assisting live-poultry butchering stands to switch to other lines of business; (b) educating consumers about safe and sanitary poultry; (c) reorganizing the poultry production, slaughtering, and marketing structure; (d) strengthening enforcement of the law against illegal slaughtering operations; (e) adoption of provisions for collecting data on avian flu and responding to possible cases; and (f) explaining the ban to persons adversely affected by the new policy.

　　We began implementation by compiling a register of 1,051 traditional butchers’ stalls, and these have all been guided to switch to other lines of business. Meanwhile, the number of legally authorized poultry slaughterhouses reached 100 in 2014. Local governments have conducted investigative work to enforce the ban on illegal slaughter or sale of live poultry. In 2014 there were 29,126 checks at butchers’ stalls, and 61 violations were discovered.

　　In the future, we will continue to supervise local governments in establishing poultry wholesale markets. We will also work with the poultry industry, transport companies, slaughterhouses, and sales outlets to create vertical and horizontal integration, and to establish regional poultry supply system that meets the highest sanitary standards and that will fully supply traditional butchers’ stalls with safe poultry products.

Effective prevention of foot- and-mouth disease

　　The main focal points for prevention of foot- and-mouth disease (FMD) are meat markets and pig transportation vehicles. In order to minimize the risk of infection, the COA requires all animal-health agencies in local governments to send qualified personnel to make sure that the meat markets and transport vehicles within their jurisdiction undertake cleaning and disinfection measures. In addition, the COA continually evaluates the situation and does monthly reassessments of the effectiveness of these measures. "The Amendments to the Statute for Prevention and Control of Infectious Animal Disease," announced on December 24 of 2014, set specific norms for cleaning and disinfection of transport vehicles by animal transport companies, and clearly state that the companies bear responsibility for ensuring that the norms are followed.

　　In terms of enforcement of FMD vaccination measures for cloven-hoofed animals, by the end of 2014, the vaccination rate for FMD exceeded 90%, and antibodies reached required levels in over 80% of animals. There were no reported cases of FMD in 2014, showing that preventive measures have been thus far effective. In the future, the COA will continue to assess, improve, and adjust preventive measures to reach our goal of being an FMD-free country.

Helping veterinary drug manufacturers to voluntarily achieve international standards

　　By the end of 1988, Taiwan's manufacturers of veterinary drugs had fully implemented “GMP” (Good Manufacturing Practices). However, the COA still aims to upgrade the standards and quality in this industry and bring it in line with global trends. Therefore, we have been steadily pushing a policy of getting domestic manufacturers of veterinary drugs to meet “cGMP” (current Good Manufacturing Practices) standards. That is to say, they must ensure that the raw materials, manufacturing processes, and finished products all can meet strict standards of validation with finished products of high quality.

　　In coordination with the above policy, on October 22 of 2014 amendments were made to Article 23 of the “Guidelines for Good Manufacturing Practices for Veterinary-Drugs Manufacturers” which clearly stipulate: (a) the items for which existing manufacturers can choose to implement the new, higher validation standards, as well as (b) the process by which they can apply to have their operations inspected and certified. Newly established veterinary-drugs manufacturers, meanwhile, are required to implement these standards. To explain the new policy, the COA held four cGMP seminars across Taiwan, and held three training-and-education sessions for quality-control personnel at veterinary-drugs manufacturers. We also assisted three manufacturers with cGMP applications. We want to encourage all manufacturers to apply for certification, while at the same time, we will do our utmost to help resolve any problems that businesses may encounter in the upgrading process.

Strengthening management of high-risk agro-pesticides

　　The COA has been continually working to manage high-risk agro-pesticides and eliminate them from use. We have pro-actively conducted safety evaluations of users, the environment, and toxic products that are at high risk of ending up in food. Based on test results, we can: (a) change to safer formulas for products, (b) reduce the quantity of a specific active ingredient, or (c) ban or restrict the use of a product altogether. These measures can all serve to reduce the risks associated with agro-pesticide application.

　　On December 17 of 2014 the COA announced a timetable for the termination of use of four types of agro-pesticides, including 40.64% Carbofuran (SC), 44% Carbofuran (SC), 37.5% Carbofuran (WPSB), and 24% Methomyl (SL). As of the end of December of 2014, we had publicly listed 20 types of formulated agro-pesticide products with high toxicity, of which seven have already been banned, and two others restricted in how and where they can be used. Besides overseeing local governments in strengthening controls over sales of agro-chemicals, the COA regularly undertakes evaluation work and holds regular conferences to reassess the situation, continually screening out products that are rarely used or which have safer substitutes available. We will continue this work in the future to reduce risks from agro-chemicals.

Promoting the extension of authorization of agro- pesticides in crop grouping

　　One problem in the safety of agro-products is that some crops lack authorized protective agro- pesticides, and as a result some farmers will be tempted to use unauthorized agro-pesticides on them in violation of relevant laws. To solve this problem, in March of 2009 the COA began actively researching and approving "extensions of authorization" for certain agro-pesticides for certain crops. The Taiwan Agricultural Chemicals and Toxic Substances Research Institute (TACTSRI) provides expert consultations on "extensions of authorization" of use of agro-pesticides and on "crop grouping," while the Bureau of Animal and Plant Health Inspection and Quarantine (BAPHIQ) provides policy and regulatory perspectives. The assessment process for an extension of authorization of the use of a given agro-pesticide is shown in the figure below.

　　As of the end of 2014, the COA had announced 2,365 extensions for various types of fruits and vegetables. As a result, there are now protective agro-pesticides available for many unusual local products cultivated on a small scale, or products being cultivated in Taiwan for the first time. Areas benefited by these extensions include Nantou, Changhua, Taidong, Kaohsiung, and Pingtung, growing crops such as Chinese plums (ume), bell peppers, jasmine, millet, coffee beans, cocoa beans, onions, and the medicinal herb Glossogyne tenuifolia. In coordination with the extension program, we have asked the Ministry of Health and Welfare to amend or set the maximum residual level (MRL) for 1,471 items. These measures have proven effective in solving the previous lack of safe agro-pesticides for a number of crops.

Monitoring, early warning, and prevention and control of pests

　　In 2014, the COA conducted 9,104 monitoring surveys of plant pests and announced warnings and alerts a total of 71 times. At the same time, through the “Field Hand” (Tianbian Hao Bangshou) system and village broadcast systems we reminded relevant agencies and farmers to pay special attention to prevention of these pests. We conducted surveys targeting 27 types of high-risk pests, including 18 types of fruit flies and apple worms (Cydia pomonella) at 640 locations; peach fruit borers (Carposina sasakii Matsumura) at 100 locations; and six types of nematoda and western flower thrips (Frankliniella occidentalis) at various locations. None of the aforementioned pests were discovered at any of the investigated locations.

　　The COA has earned global attention for the development of an "intelligent monitoring system" for the population density of the Oriental fruit fly (Bactrocera dorsalis). Both the BBC and the Discovery Network reported on, and conducted interviews about, the system, and many countries have inquired about the applications of the system in the field and about procurement of the equipment.

　　In addition, in 2014 the COA also: (a) took steps to block invasive red imported fire ant (Solenopsis invicta) on 25,000 hectares and eradicated over 1,000 anthills, while also implementing emergency-response measures in Kinmen and at Songshan Airport (where some red fire ants were found), and conducting follow-up monitoring; (b) issued 19 certifications that five types of sprouts (including oranges and potatoes) had been inspected and were up to standard; (c) held 210 lecture classes on subjects that included (i) monitoring, testing for, and prevention of rice blast disease; (ii) integrated management of disease and insect pests for major fruits and vegetables; and (iii) safe use of agro-pesticides.

Strict precautions against invasive diseases and pests

　　In our continuing efforts to uphold and enforce appropriate protective standards in our country, in 2014 the COA did inspection and quarantine (I&Q) work on 141,551 batches of animals and animal products, and I&Q work on 164,470 batches of plants and plant products. We also made amendments to relevant regulations when necessary, including: (a) 11 amendments to the I&Q criteria for animals and animal products, (b) one amendment to the I&Q criteria for animal products imported by way of three- way trade, (c) five amendments to the I&Q regulations for imports of plant and plant products into the ROC, and (d) additions of I&Q criteria for imports of lily bulbs from both the Netherlands and Chile. We also monitored significant animal epidemic situations and collected information about other countries on 19 occasions, and sent inspectors to Japan, Sweden, New Zealand, and the US to do meat inspections.

　　In 2014, the COA also posted 42 detector-dog teams at international airports and harbors to inspect passenger luggage, as well as at the international- mail handling center to inspect packages. There were over 51,000 cases of violations totaling 58 metric tons. We also actively participated in the "Ankang Special Project" program, and in 2014 destroyed 213,464.3 kg of smuggled farm products, 82,800 kg of smuggled fisheries products, 115 live animals, and 4,394.8 kg of livestock and poultry products.

　　In addition, given that Taiwan is on the migration path of migratory birds, the COA has also been continually testing feces of migratory birds for highly-pathogenic avian influenza. In 2014, 3,853 samples were tested. In November and December we discovered H7N9 virus in two locations—Sicao in Tainan and the Shichao Wetlands in Yilan County— and immediately took steps to intensify monitoring of nearby poultry farms for a period of three months to ensure that there was no transmission of the disease.