A six-day exchange event titled “New Taipei City x Sustainable Agricultural Cooperative x Hannan University – Young Farmers’ Power Exchange” brought together students and faculty from Hannan University and young farmers from New Taipei City. The event took place in Pinglin, a renowned tea-producing district in New Taipei City, marking the beginning of a promising collaboration. Witnessed by New Taipei City Government Agriculture Bureau Commissioner Mr. Chen Shi-Hui, both parties signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) on March 28, officially designating farms in New Taipei City as international learning hubs for Hannan University students. This initiative aims to cultivate a new era of exchange between young farmers from Taiwan and Japan under the banner of “晴 (Chinese character for sunshine, which is composed of “日” and “青”) Agriculture Power.”
To commemorate “Youth Day” on March 29, the Sustainable Agricultural Cooperative in New Taipei City joined hands with the Department of International Tourism of Hannan University to launch the six-day program from March 25 to 30. During their visit to Pinlin, the Japanese delegation explored the organic village, visited the tea farm of young farmer Mr. Chen Yi-Tai, and participated in tea-making workshops. Leveraging their tourism expertise, the students also shared insights on brand-building and attracting tourists, fostering a valuable dialogue with local young farmers.
The MOU not only paves the way for ongoing international exchanges, beginning in Pinglin but also solidifies plans to choose farms in New Taipei City as key destinations for academic and cultural learning. As part of the initiative, the Cooperative is producing a series of promotional videos featuring model farmers such as Mr. Tsai Hsu-Chih, Mr. Lee Chang-Chun, and Mr. Hung Po-Jung. These videos will showcase their farming journeys and help promote the outstanding agricultural products of New Taipei City and the dynamic spirit of young farmers.
Associate Professor Watanabe Kazuyuki from Hannan University remarked that the exchange deepened their understanding of local agriculture in New Taipei City, particularly the growing efforts in agri-food education and agritourism. He also shared a successful case study from Wakayama Prefecture, Japan, on reviving the Yuasa eggplant. The initiative included establishing a revitalization research group, providing cultivation guidance, and integrating the crop with the Kinzanji miso, ultimately turning it into a model of agritourism development. He hoped that the Taiwan-Japan collaboration would serve as a foundation for mutual growth and friendship.
Chairman of the Cooperative, Mr. Chu Shui-Yuan, emphasized that sustainable agriculture is not only about environmental protection but also aligns with corporate ESG and SDGs. He welcomed the engagement of Hannan University and underscored the importance of merging agriculture with tourism to create a sustainable ecosystem that balances economy, environment, and culture. He was grateful to New Taipei City Government for supporting and empowering young farmers through brand-building, agritourism, and ESG-linked corporate partnerships.
Commissioner Chen Shi-Hui of New Taipei City Government Agriculture Bureau praised young farmers as the backbone of agricultural development in New Taipei City, injecting innovation and vitality into the sector. He affirmed that this exchange offered valuable mutual learning opportunities in youth farming and agritourism, and laid the groundwork for deeper agricultural cooperation between Taiwan and Japan. Commissioner Chen encouraged the public to visit local farms operated by young farmers and support the premium agricultural specialties of New Taipei City.
New Taipei City Government Agriculture Bureau Chief Mr. Chang, Chia-Wei
Phone：+886-2-2960-3456 ext 2902, +886-937-579-659
