The recent farmers' and fishermen's demonstration, which saw more than 100,000 protesters march on Taipei, was prompted by the government's half-baked reform measures for farmers' and fishermen's associations' credit units. But the fundamental cause was the long-term neglect of the agricultural sector by both the government and society.
Former president Lee Teng-hui (李登輝) stepped forward to speak up for the associations, stoking a desire to unite and fight for their survival. The outspoken former chairman of the Council of Agriculture Fan Chen-tsung (范振宗) said, "Someone in the Executive Yuan looks down on agriculture," further egging on the farmers.
The demonstration, initially aimed at protesting the government's handling of the credit units, broadened into a general venting of dissatisfaction with the situation and of anxiety about the future.
To be fair, both Lee and Fan know the agricultural sector well. and recognized the helplessness of the farmers. The public has no deep understanding of agriculture and government officials do not attach enough importance to it. The sector itself has been in the doldrums for some time.
Agricultural production accounts for less than 2 percent of GDP. This is being used as a factor in the debate over issues such as how much water and land resources should be allocated to agriculture, how much money should be put into the agricultural budget, whether Taiwan should continue to have an agricultural finance system and whether the agricultural authorities should be dispersed among other government agencies.
Developed countries abandoned their traditional thinking long ago. They have clearly recognized the function and the value of agriculture. They have expanded the scope of agriculture to incorporate food security, food hygiene, environmental protection, resource conservation, revitalization of the countryside, urban and rural development, cultural heritage and rural education. These countries no longer view agriculture as an industry that merely provides them with produce and fish. Instead, they understand that agriculture concerns every citizen, now and in the future.
In July, the EU conducted a midterm review of a four-year project under its Common Agriculture Policy. They reaffirmed the direction toward sustainable development of agriculture in an international environment of liberalized agricultural trade. They resolved to put more effort into developing high-quality agriculture that incorporates environmental protection, food security and hygiene, animal rights and rural development.
Japan has spared no effort in protecting its agricultural sector. Even the US, a champion of free trade, passed an agricultural law in May, which will massively increase the country's agricultural budget. The US government is preparing to put almost US$20 billion into the agricultural sector to subsidize its development.
These examples are not meant to emphasize that the agricultural sector needs government protection or subsidies. On the contrary, I hope to awaken the government and society to an understanding of agriculture so that it may receive the attention and respect it deserves.
Furthermore, I hope the agricultural sector can stand on its own feet and take advantage of the turning point of Taiwan's WTO entry to transform itself.
On the one hand, the sector should identify key industries and work to develop export markets by training farmers, setting up strategic alliances, improving produce strains, controlling quality and safety, building brand recognition and getting a grasp on market data.
On the other hand, it should work to develop the domestic functions of agriculture by undertaking projects to safeguard public health, protect the environment and landscape, help to conserve biological and natural resources and revitalize the countryside and traditional culture. Then agriculture will be able to develop into a high-quality industry that is close to the people and improves quality of life.
Any industry compatible with the times has room for development. As long as we give it attention and effort, I believe the agricultural sector will be competitive and capable of creating a niche for itself. To be weak is not the destiny of agriculture and Tai-wan's agriculture certainly has a future.
Woo Rhung-jieh is a professor in the department of agricultural economics at National Taiwan University.
TRANSLATED BY FRANCIS HUANG
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