Second-generation farmers in Taitung County have founded an association in the hope that cooperation and group partnership might help inject new vitality into the region’s agricultural industry.
According to the association, there are about 50,000 farmers countywide, most of whom are middle-aged or older, but more young people are returning home and taking up farming.
“There are more young people entering the agricultural industry in Taitung,” association director Shih Pao-lang (施保朗) said, adding that the trend has caused some familial strife.
“Younger people have their own ideals and methods, but these often clash with the standards of older generations,” Shih said, adding that young people not only like to grow their own produce, but sell it themselves.
“However, older generations are more accustomed to simply having the government-run farmers’ associations or intermediaries to sell crops or produce for them,” Shih said.
The 45 members that established the association — aged between 18 and 48 — have been educated in farming, have practical experience and have attended events and visited other farms in order to learn about farming, Shih said.
“Times are changing and marketing crops and produce is not a solitary effort any more. It is a group effort, which is why we established the association,” Shih said.
The group’s marketing and public relations division director, Luo Yung-chang (羅永昌), said farmers in Taitung County are often limited by a lack of funds or the necessary equipment.
Other factors, such as the small size of farms and insufficient economic returns from the sale of crops are also issues, he said.
The association’s members come from various backgrounds, he said, adding that, “if we can work together, perhaps we can use our collective knowledge and help Taitung’s agricultural industry take off.”
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