Orchid farmers seek to regain their lead in global production

Orchid in Nantou County had a busy holiday season this year, because in addition to meeting demand for the Lunar New Year holidays and Valentine's Day tomorrow, they have been preparing for an international orchid show next month.

Farmers also urging the government to help Taiwan regain the title of "Phalaenopsis Kingdom" from Holland.

The 2008 Taiwan International Orchid Show, will be held in Houbi Township (後壁), Tainan County, from March 8 to March 17.

WINNING BACK

Orchid farmers in Tsaotun Township (草屯), Nantou County, have worked nonstop through the holiday season on their Phalaenopsis, or moth orchids, to win back the nation's lead in the orchid industry.

Hung Chih-chung (洪志忠), general manager of the Hsu Tung Orchid Farm (旭東蘭園) said that Holland had seized the title "Phalaenopsis Kingdom" thanks to support from the Dutch government, which contributed to the export of more than 1 million pots of orchids in a single order.

HELP

Hung said Taiwan's orchid breeding capacity was superior to Holland's and that if the government took the initiative to integrate small farms and assist them with exports, they could provide orchids not only of good quality but also in greater quantities.

Hung's won the championship at last year's show and received a best breeding award in the US.

This year's event is hosted by the Tainan County Government, the Taiwan External Trade Development Council (中華民國對外貿易發展協會) and the Taiwan Orchid Growers Association (台灣蘭花產銷發展協會).

More is available on the event's official Web site at www.tios.com.tw.