| Summary: | 碩士 === 國立臺灣大學 === 地理環境資源學研究所 === 95 === Taiwan has been a member of World Trade Organization (WTO) since 2002. According to the “Agreement on Agriculture” of WTO, Taiwan has to cut the tariff duty of farm product, and to increase the import quota. The Agreement has made a tremendous impact on farmers’ income seriously. Both the government and farmers are trying to find solutions to fight against the negative impacts. There is a general belief that “high quality, high value” farm products can promote Taiwan’s agriculture level. Since people today make more money and try to promote their quality of life, and then hope to have healthy diet. Thus, because of the pressure of WTO and the demand from domestic market, organic farming regarded as “clean, safety, no pesticides” comes with the tide of fashion. Rice is the staple food of Taiwanese people and also the main farm product in Taiwan, so organic rice farming has become more popular than ever before. This research is an attempt to study the shaping of Yin-Chuan organic rice production space in the case study area of Fu-Li Township, Hua-Lian County while Yin-Chuan organic rice is the largest organic rice brand in Taiwan.
Quite a few studies had been discussed in terms of the impact of WTO on the organic rice on Taiwan’s agriculture economy, while there are few studies in the domain of the process of spatial construction and more researches need to be done. This case study has adopted an approach of behavioral geography to analyze the shaping of production space of Yin-Chuan organic rice. Through the in-depth interviews and literature-analysis, the research has derived three preliminary results and conclusion on Fu-Li Township’s farmers: 1. There are several factors may influence the farmers to grow organic rice: (1) organic farming is good for healthy; (2) organic farming is good for ecosystem. “Organic farming duration” and “farm area” may affect farmers’ perception. Because of personal experiences or other farmers’ persuasion, thry broaden their farming area gradually. 2. Both of government and local farmers believe that organic rice is flourishing and may achieve sustainable development in Fu-Li Township. 3. WTO doesn’t make notable impacts. It is suggested that the most important work now is to attract more young people to do organic farming, increase farmers’ income, and reinforce the cooperation of related public and private sectors. It may achieve sustainable agriculture in Fu-Li Township.
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