Taipei, Aug. 15 (CNA) President Chen Shui-bian said Friday Taiwan must develop knowledge-based agriculture to survive ever-growing foreign competition.
Addressing the opening of the 2003 Taiwan Food Carnival, Chen said his administration has devoted much energy to promoting the modernization of local agriculture over the past few years.
Following Taiwan's accession to the World Trade Organization, Chen said, local farmers have faced strong competition from their foreign counterparts as the domestic food market has been opened wider to foreign products.
Against this backdrop, Chen said, local governments should cooperate with research institutions as well as farmers' and fishery associations in upgrading production technology, marketing, warehousing and distribution systems.
Noting that crop types, quality and brand are key to enhancing added value of agricultural products, Chen said Taiwan must step up development of biotechnology and environment-friendly agricultural technology. "Namely, we must develop knowledge-based agriculture to sharpen our competitive edge," he said, adding that local farmers should not be afraid of market liberalization and competition.
Chen further said his administration is determined to invest more in modernizing agricultural production and developing ecotourism in rural areas to increase farmers' income.
The president also said he hopes the current international food fair can help local farmers tap into overseas markets and expand domestic sales.