A discussion of organic agricultural and the verification system in Taiwan

• Main Authors: Ming-jong Shiau, 蕭明忠
• Other Authors: Yi-ren Dzeng
• Format: Others
• Language: zh-TW
• Published: 2012
• Online Access: http://ndltd.ncl.edu.tw/handle/02307939029635907023

碩士 === 國立中山大學 === 政治學研究所 === 100 === Taiwan, as one of the Far East Asian countries, has been founded on agriculture since ancient times. Historically, farming has always played a pivotal role in the economic development of Taiwan. However, there have problems since the implementation of “customary line of farming”, which has been excessively adapted to the traditional farming method. For instance, the widespread use of pesticides and chemical fertilizer has not only severely damaged farmlands but has also threatened the quality of life for those involved in them. As well as the humanitarian issue of inorganic farming effecting workers within the industry, there is also a strong need to revise production from a growing change in demand in Taiwan’s markets. It has been found that consumers are becoming more aware about issues regarding the quality, or lack of quality, in food available to them. This can be explained in relation to improvements in technology and increased living standards, where people are now able to be more selective about what they eat. This has lead to a general increase in the demand for organic produce in an attempt to achieve a healthier diet. From a growing awareness about where their food comes from, consumers are more cautious about buying from producers whose products fail to meet the required standards expected from organic produce. As well as a shift in demand within Taiwan’s agricultural industry, the growing popularity of organic products in other counties has also affected Taiwan export markets. If the agricultural industry wishes to maintain the levels of prosperity it has enjoyed historically, it must yield to the growing demands of the market. But despite the growing appreciation for organic produce, there is a problem of how to verify authentically organic products from the inorganic. Whether or not organic products sold in the market are the genuine has been a growing dispute. It can be seen that more needs to be done encourage the verification system. This is if consumers peace of mind is to be properly addressed as to what can be safely regarded as genuinely organic. Also, further investigation into differences between organic and inorganic need to be continued if the implications to health are to be properly understood. With the increasingly recognized and trusted stamp of organic approval, advantages are available to both the consumer and producer. For consumers, it grantees quality of produce and assures consumers not to worry about and health and security issues. For producers, benefits from this system include an increase to their competitive advantages by way of offering higher quality produce. As a result, it can be argued to be beneficial to help farmers attain a verified stamp of approval for their produce.