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Government celebrates model farming villages

Eighteen farming communities were commended yesterday for their outstanding transformation into farm villages of the 21st century, bringing better employment opportunities and profit conditions thanks to training and support from the Soil and Water Conservation Bureau.

The bureau introduced the "Charming Farms, Happy Roots" program in 2004, rural division section chief Ko Yung-chuan (柯勇全) told the Taipei Times.

At an award ceremony in Taipei yesterday, representatives of these communities brought the cream of their crops and displayed photographs of their rejuvenated neighborhoods.

The program provides training at four levels: beginner, intermediate, advanced and specialized.

Courses are from six to 24 hours in length and are customized to fully address the needs of the farming communities. Computer training, how to improve produce quality, soil and water conservation and domestic and international marketing strategies are among the courses offered, Ko said.

So far, 203 classes in 184 farm communities have been held throughout the nation, he said, adding that 399 students had obtained a "specialist" certification.

The program also encourages a shift from farmers' traditional roles as "followers of governmental policies," Ko said.

"It is important that farmers identify with their community, remain aware of the resources and limitations and have a sense of direction as to how the community can develop in view of social changes and new demands," he said.

Several concepts that reflect contemporary trends were introduced to the farmers, Ko said, including "eco-tourism, which gives people a chance to experience nature and organic farming."

Fifty-year-old Lin Hsiu-chun (林秀春) from Kuohsing Township's (國姓) Nangang community (南港) in Nantou County told the Taipei Times that although her community was badly affected by the 1999 earthquake, the training program had brought new hope and a sense of direction to the village. Lin was among the more than 80 community members who obtained computer training and advice on soil conservation techniques.

"Given how the village looks now ... and with our newfound knowledge and skills, we feel we can make a new start," she said.

"Community members now have a broader vision and know what is going on in the outside world. Our next goal is to develop orange-orchard tourism," she said.

In Yunlin County's (雲林) Gukeng Township (古坑), where coffee is a staple of the economy, Hopao (荷苞) community secretary-general Wang Tien-chao (王添超) said employment opportunities and the value of their coffee had increased.

"The program advisors worked with us to develop coffee pies, meals and other secondary products. Our herbal eco-garden should open its doors at the end of this year, which we expect will bring more tourism revenue," he said.
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