1. Strengthening international cooperation to combat illegal distant-water fishing

　　In order to strengthen cooperation with the international community in combating illegal, unreported, and unregulated (IUU) fishing, the COA has adopted a variety of improvement measures under the four aspects of “legal framework,” “monitoring, control, and surveillance” (MCS),  traceability,” and “international cooperation.”

　　In terms of legal framework, the COA finalized the Act for Distant-Water Fisheries, and made corresponding amendments to some provisions of (i) the Act to Govern Investment in the Operation of Foreign Flag Fishing Vessels and also (ii) the Fisheries Act. On January 20, 2017, 15 implementing regulations and five notices entered into force, which were authorized by (a) the Act for Distant-Water Fisheries and (b) the Act to Govern Investmentin the Operation of Foreign Flag Fishing Vessels.

　　In February of 2017 the COA established a 24-hour Fisheries Monitoring Center, and reached a 100% installation rate of e-logbooks on distant-water fishing vessels. We also continued to promote the declaration system for landing of catch, and also promoted measures for transshipping catch or landing catch in designated domestic and foreign ports. We announced a total of 32 foreign ports where there will be inspections conducted by fisheries inspectors from Taiwan or by a designated and suitable independent third party of the landing of fish in the port or the transshipment of catch. In addition, the COA began to implement “port state measures,” including review of the licensing documents for foreign flag fishing vessels that have applied to enter a port in Taiwan and inspections. In July of 2017, the COA received notification from Thailand’s Department of Fisheries, and we cooperated with the Coast Guard Administration of the Executive Yuan to undertake an at-sea inspection, and successfully blocked the Honduran-flagged carrier vessel “Wisdom Sea Reefer,” which was carried IUU catch, from entering ports in Taiwan for landing of catch.

　　In terms of traceability, the COA has implemented a strategic program for auditing trading companies or agents of catch and of fisheries products, guiding trading companies or agents to establish a code of conduct and operating procedures for the purchase or sale of catch or fisheries products, to ensure that the catch they purchase from domestic or foreign fishing vessels does not involve IUU fishing. Moreover, in 2017, based on the newly adopted Regulations for the Approval and Management of the Exporters of Catches or Fisheries Products of Distant Water Fisheries, 206 exporters were authorized. At the same time, in order to complete the legal framework for a traceability system, we constructed an integrated system for automated crosschecking, which was completed in June of 2017 and hooked up to the Internet. This will strengthen the cross - ministerial inspection and approval mechanism for documents for fisheries products.

　　The COA signed the “Memorandum of Understanding between the Taipei Mission in Korea and the Korean Mission in Taipei on Fisheries Cooperation” to strengthen bilateral cooperation between Taiwan and Korea in the field of fisheries. As of the end of 2017 Taiwan had established fisheries cooperation with 21 nations, including Papua New Guinea, the Solomon Islands, the Falkland Islands, Madagascar, and Thailand. These countries not only supply Taiwan with data on the entry and departure made by Taiwan-flagged fishing vessels, they have also agreed to allow Taiwan to assign inspectors to their fishing ports to inspect Taiwan-flagged fishing vessels.

　　In addition, the COA has strengthened compliance with the rules of regional fisheries management organizations (RFMOs), using education to guide fishing vessels to be sure to improve compliance with the rules of RFMOs. We have also recruited an additional 75 at-sea observers (so that we now have a total of 130), in order to reach the observer coverage rate of 5% requested by international organizations.

2. Response to the H5N6 subtype highly pathogenic avian influenza, and return to normal

　　A highly pathogenic avian influenza A (H5N6) virus of clade 2.3.4.4 was detected in a domestic duck found dead on a country road near the Xiuguluan River in Hualien County during routine proactive wild bird and habitat surveillance for avian influenza on February 5, 2017. Phylogenetic analyses suggested that the Dk/Tw/17 virus belongs to clade 2.3.4.4C genotype C5 that was found in China, South Korea, and Japan during 2016-2017. The COA immediately expanded the radius of control and monitoring around where the duck was found, and on February 8 we activated the Animal Disease

　　Emergency Response Team. Then on the 12th there was a confirmed case at a turkey farm in the Liujia District of Tainan City, after which we immediately informed the Executive Yuan to activate the Central Emergency Operation Center Avian Influenza, launching a cross-ministerial cooperative mechanism to jointly prevent the spread of the H5N6 virus.

　　Following measures such as increasing the compensation for culling in self-reported cases to 80%, the COA implemented a seven-day ban on transport or slaughtering of poultry and required that ducks going on the market must be accompanied by a testing report. As of March 12, 12 farms were identified as infected with H5N6, with 41,000 poultry culled. On May 5, with the completion of the duties of the Central Emergency Operation Center Avian Influenza, its chairman (and former premier) Lin Chuan announced its disbandment.

　　By July 24, more than three months had gone by without a case of N5H6, and the COA formally informed the World Organisation for Animal Health (OIE) that the outbreak was over. During the time period in which measures to prevent the spread of the virus were in place, the COA paid compensation in eight cases of culling after self-reporting, totaling about NT$6.84 million, and paid compensation in 136 cases affected by the ban on the transporting and slaughtering of poultry, totaling about NT$144.8 million. The COA also discovered that when it implemented the ban on transporting and slaughtering of poultry (excluding broilers and day-old chicks), given that at that time a total of about 1.8 million native chickens went to market each week, if there were a one-week ban on transport and slaughtering, this would definitely affect production and sales order and affect the balance of native chickens produced and sold. Thereafter, we implemented a plan to harmonize production and sales through freezing of slaughtered chickens. Under the plan, in cases of mass slaughtering of chickens where there was an inability to market chicken in an orderly fashion, the chicken would be frozen, lowering the supply of native chicken on the market, in order to stabilize production and sales of native chicken and stabilize market prices, thereby assisting the industry to accelerate its response to the outbreak and return to stability.

　　In November, both Korea and Japan reported cases of H5N6 subtype highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI), and an H5N6 highly pathogenic avian influenza virus (HPAIV) was detected in a black-faced spoonbill found dead in Taiwan during December 2017. Genome sequencing and phylogenetic analyses suggest the hemagglutinin gene belongs to H5 clade 2.3.4.4 Group B. After launching of culling and strengthening of avian influenza early warning, monitoring, and disease prevention measures, no new cases of H5N6 HPAI were discovered. This indicated that the disease had been effectively prevented from spreading in Taiwan.

　　In order to prevent the H5 viruses from further spreading and reassorting, not only poultry within the infected farms were culled, but also the environment and facilities of the farms had to be cleaned and disinfected thoroughly. The COA also encouraged farmers to strengthen biosecurity management of their farms, and when the infected farms intended to repopulate, according to regulations their poultry should be raised in non-open chicken buildings. The COA also assigned animal disease prevention agencies in every locality, on the basis of the “measures for prevention of H5 and H7 subtype highly pathogenic avian influenza” announced by their relevant city or county, to strengthen inspections to reduce the risk of the spread of the avian influenza virus.

　　In 2017 there were a total of 1,079 inspections, and in cases where the farms did not meet standards, the COA asked local animal disease prevention agencies to punish the offenders under relevant regulations.

3. Taiwan is declared to be a zone that is “foot-and-mouth disease-free where vaccination is practised” by the World Organisation for Animal Health

　　In 1997 there was an epidemic of foot-and-mouth disease (FMD) in Taiwan, and the government spent a huge amount of money on disease prevention, while industries related to animal husbandry suffered enormous losses. This was a blow to the nation’s economy, and it for this reason that eradicating FMD became a common goal for both government and industry. Under the regulations of the World Organisation for Animal Health (OIE), areas that apply to be recognized as “FMD-free where vaccination is practised” must have had no cases of FMD in the last two years, and no evidence of the transmission of the FMD virus within the last 12 months. Since the occurrence of the last case of FMD (Type O) in Taiwan in May of 2013, there had been no cases of FMD in Taiwan proper, Penghu County, and Lienchiang County (Matsu) for more than three years. The COA’s Bureau of Animal and Plant Health Inspection and Quarantine (BAPHIQ) applied to the OIE in October of 2015 for Taiwan proper, the Penghu area, and the Matsu area to be recognized as a zone that is “FMD-free where vaccination is practised.”

　　Because there was approval for meat products from cloven-hoofed animals to be sold from Kinmen to Taiwan proper, OIE experts determined that relevant control measures would have to be implemented for two more years before a re-evaluation could be conducted. At the 84th General Session of the OIE held in May of 2016, a delegation led by Taiwan’s permanent delegate to the OIE and BAPHIQ Deputy Director-General Shih Tai-hwa discussed matters with the experts of the Scientific Commission, and the OIE agreed that Taiwan’s application could be reviewed again. On August 26, October 7, October 16, and October 18 of 2016, the COA responded to questions raised by the Scientific Commission during their review. After providing supplementary data, at the 85th General Session of the OIE in May of 2017 the OIE officially recognized a zone covering Taiwan proper, the Penghu area, and Lienchiang County (Matsu) as “FMD-free where vaccination is practised.”

　　In 2015 there was an outbreak of FMD (Type A) in Kinmen, and after two years in which there were no additional cases, in September of 2017 the COA applied to the OIE for Kinmen to be recognized as a zone that is “FMD-free where vaccination is practised.” We have actively responded to questions raised by the Scientific Commission during the period of the review of this application, in order to make it possible for Kinmen County to receive recognition from the OIE in May of 2018.

　　The COA has planned to completely cease FMD vaccinations in Taiwan proper, Penghu County, and Lienchiang County (Matsu) starting from July 1, 2018. If there is no outbreak of FMD for one year after the cessation of vaccination, we plan to apply to the OIE in September of 2019 for recognition of Taiwan proper, Penghu County, and Matsu as a zone which is “FMD-free where vaccination is not practised.” The aim is to reduce costs for livestock farmers, increase opportunities for the export of pork products, and provide an additional bargaining chip in negotiations for imports of foreign meat products, while at the same time this can raise Taiwan’s international status in terms of the capability to control animal diseases.

4.    The handling of the incident in which eggs tested over the limit for dioxin and fipronil residues, and steps taken to improve the situation

　　In April, an incident occurred in which tested chicken eggs exceeded the limit for dioxin residue. Through the egg traceability label, the COA quickly discovered the responsible egg farm, and immediately handled the situation at the source, in order to ensure food safety for consumers.

　　In August, the world’s first confirmed case of fipronil in tested chicken eggs occurred in Europe. Taiwan immediately took the initiative to do comprehensive testing that found 45 egg farms where chicken eggs contained fipronil (with 3% of tested farms not being up to standard). Then health agencies demanded that their eggs be immediately removed from store shelves. At the same time the COA set up a special area on its website announcing all the official test results, for the benefit of egg dealers and consumers. With respect to farms that were in violation of standards, the COA undertook movement controls, guidance, and penalties in accordance with the law.

 　　In order to eliminate the risk that chicken eggs would test over the limits for residues of dioxin and fipronil, the COA proposed the following steps for improvement:

1. Adding dioxin to the items to be tested for in order to receive Certified Agricultural Standards (CAS) certification and strengthening sample testing of eggs on the market: On October 30, 2017, the COA announced amendments to the Regulations Governing the Certification of Premium Agricultural Produce, adding dioxin to the list of items to be tested for in order to receive CAS certification for eggs. We also strengthened sample testing of egg products on the market. In terms of testing technology, the COA’s Taiwan Agricultural Chemicals and Toxic Substances Research Institute received authorization from overseas to employ the bioassay DR. CALUX to do rapid screening of eggs for dioxin, in order to accelerate the testing process.
    
2. Banning the use of 4.95% fipronil suspension concentrate and strengthening pesticide management: On September 6, 2017, the COA announced that 4.95% fipronil suspension concentrate was a banned pesticide, and prohibited its processing, importing, repackaging, sale, and use. We also invalidated its pesticide permit,  and ordered businesses to recall product already on the market within a certain time limit. At the same time the COA: (a) strengthened search and seizure of pesticide on the market; (b) continued to strengthen guidance and management of pesticide sellers; (c) promoted regular reporting measures for production and sales data; and (d) steadily built up a pesticide flow management mechanism. We also reassessed the situation of pesticide use in Taiwan and activated the mechanism for removing high-risk pesticides from the market. The COA will also research and discuss an implementation strategy and complementary measures for the agricultural use of pesticides.
    
3. Amending animal feed management laws and regulations, and strengthening sample testing of feed to ensure it is safe and sanitary: On July 27, 2017, the COA announced the amendment of Article 1-1 of the Enforcement Rules of Feed Control Act to add standards for limits on the amount of dioxin and dioxin-like polychlorinated biphenyls in animal feed or feed additives in Taiwan. In addition, we gathered information about relevant laws and regulations in various countries, took samples of feed to check background levels, and studied amendments to pesticide residue standards for domestic animal feed. In addition, the COA strengthened routine sample testing and monitoring of feed, and items which are to be tested for now include veterinary drugs, pesticides, and so forth, to ensure the health and sanitation of animal feed.
    
4. Strengthening responsibility for food safety at animal husbandry farms: The COA studied and amended relevant provisions of the Animal Industry Act, including the following: If testing discovers a livestock farm for which there are concerns that it is harming food safety, the livestock and poultry raised thereon, products made from that livestock and poultry, the facilities, or the animal-raising environment must be taken care of, and livestock farms in violation of regulations can suffer penalties including being forced to cease operations or having their licenses withdrawn. The COA uses multiple approaches to prevent farmers from using illegal or unsuitable substances which would affect the health and sanitation of livestock and poultry products.
    
5. Writing the “handbook for biosecurity and operational management on layer (egg-laying hen) farms,” guiding correct concepts in the use of veterinary drugs: The contents of the handbook cover a variety of topics including biosecurity, veterinary drugs, animal-rearing management, plans for layer houses, handling of waste, registration and management of livestock farms, and harmonization of production and sales. This information is provided to the layer industry to build comprehensive rearing-management knowledge, put into practice management at the source, and upgrade the autonomous management capabilities in the safe use of veterinary drugs by the layer industry. Moreover, the COA works with local governments to undertake guidance and education on current laws and regulations relating to management of veterinary drugs, to ensure that farmers use veterinary drugs according to the methods and scope stated on the labels on drugs, to reduce the occurrence of illegal use of veterinary drugs and to ensure the safety of agricultural food products.

5.    Guiding tobacco farmers to give up tobacco and switch to other crops 

　　In the mid-1920s in the Taiwan area, the Monopoly Bureau of the Japanese Governor-General’s Office in Taiwan began approving the cultivation of tobacco leaf by farmers on a case-by-case basis. After Taiwan came under the rule of the ROC in 1945, the government continued the monopoly system for alcohol and tobacco of the Japanese era. In 1946 the government announced “regulations governing the Taiwan Province monopoly on tobacco.” From 1993 through 2002, the COA undertook abolition of cultivation rights for tobacco and withdrawal of cultivation permits, and twice implemented compensation measures for termination of tobacco cultivation.

　　On July 11, 2007, amendments were promulgated to Article 4 of the Tobacco Hazards Prevention Act, regarding the use of the “Tobacco Health and Welfare Surcharge.” Based on the provisions of Article 3 and Article 4 of the Regulations of the Tobacco Health and Welfare Surcharge Distribution and Utilization, the Tobacco Health and Welfare Surcharge can be used for guidance and care of tobacco farmers and laborers working in related industries, with the amount available not to exceed 1% of the Tobacco Health and Welfare Surcharge collected in the previous year. From 2010 to 2013 the Ministry of Health and Welfare, based on the Regulations of the Tobacco Health and Welfare Surcharge Distribution and Utilization, distributed part of the tobacco surcharge to the COA to undertake assistance in getting tobacco farmers to transition to different crops. However, at the 10th full meeting of the Finance Committee of the first session of the 8th Legislative Yuan, on May 14, 2012, it was decided: “There will be continued purchasing of tobacco from domestic tobacco farmers, though the principle will be to steadily reduce the land area cultivated with tobacco.” Because the Taiwan Tobacco and Liquor Corporation continued to purchase tobacco, and farmers’ incomes were higher than if they grew other crops, there was little willingness to transition to other crops, so the effect was limited.

　　The COA, in coordination with the policy to get farmers to give up tobacco farming, announced, on February 16, 2017, the Directions for Assisting Tobacco Farmers’ Declaration of Giving up Tobacco Production Voluntarily. This is the basis for guiding tobacco farmers to give up tobacco farming and transition to other crops. The subjects of implementation are tobacco farmers on the 2016/2017 list of tobacco farmers who sold tobacco to the Taiwan Tobacco and Liquor Corporation. Once farmers declare that they will no longer cultivate and sell tobacco, they can choose between (i) measures for giving up tobacco and (ii) transitioning to other crops. If they choose to be paid from the guidance fund for giving up tobacco cultivation, they receive NT$600,000 per hectare, to do with as they wish. If they apply for transitioning to other crops, they can receive subsidies needed for the transition, such as subsidies for sprouts/seedlings, plowing, production and marketing facilities, collective prevention of disease and pests, organic fertilizer, and so on.

　　In 2017 we guided 99.9% of tobacco farmers (a total of 1,529 households, farming 624.81 hectares of tobacco) to apply for a one-time declaration that they would give up tobacco production and transition to other crops. In order to (a) put into practice the guidance of farmers to give up tobacco farming and transition to other crops, and (b) afterwards guide farmers in the technology and techniques they will need for transitioning to other crops and follow-up marketing of their agriproducts, the COA will continue to hold training in cultivation technologies and techniques. We will also strengthen the preservation of tobacco industry culture, guide tobacco farmer agriproduct markets, and guide farmers’ organizations to purchase relevant facilities (equipment) needed for production, processing, warehousing, and marketing, depending on the crops to which tobacco farmers transition.