Named after his son! New Taipei City's new organic force - Mili Farm

Hong Fu-quan runs an organic farm in Linkou District and named it Mili Farm after his son. This year it passed organic certification, becoming a new force in organic agriculture. Residents near Linkou District can simply use Mili Farm's phone number to order fresh organic vegetables for home delivery.

Hong Fu-quan, born in 1970, grew up in a farming family. The family farmland originally grew rice, and was later lent to nearby farming friends to grow vegetables. Two years ago, Zhou Ye-jian, an organic farmer in Linkou District and owner of Zhou Hao Xiao Farm, paid a visit, wanting to rent the land to expand his organic farming area. It happened that Hong's work as a construction site supervisor had also come to an end, so he resolutely returned to his hometown and went back to the agriculture he had known since childhood, joining Zhou Hao Xiao Farm. Under the guidance of his senior, he converted the family farmland to organic farming. After a two-year organic transition period, this year it was converted to organic and the farm became independent. Naming it after his son Hong Mi-li, he called the farm Mili Farm, caring for it as his second son.

Mili Farm covers 0.47 hectares and has 22 simple greenhouse/net houses in total. Besides growing less common leafy vegetables on the market such as radish leaves and sweet choy sum, cucumber cultivation is also one of his proud achievements. Each greenhouse/net house is planted in rotation. During fallow periods, chickens are put inside to eat insects, preventing pests from affecting the next crop, making them truly the best assistants in organic production. Beside the farm, a small ecological pond with fish monitors the stream water source to ensure the water quality is clean and safe. In summer, fireflies can often be seen moving among the farm, which further represents clean water and no pesticide use. Through home delivery channels, Mili Farm has gradually gained many loyal customers. Hong Fu-quan said, "Everyone who has tried my organic vegetables says how can they be so delicious. Everyone must give them a try!"

The New Taipei City Government encourages young people to return to their hometowns and join organic production, revitalizing organic productivity, and provides subsidies including for land rental, certification, organic fertilizer, machinery and greenhouse facilities. Applications can be made to the farmers' association to reduce the burden on farmers. Everyone is encouraged to support organic agriculture together and protect the land through organic farming. To taste local seasonal vegetables, contact the Linkou District Farmers' Association, phone: (02)2601-1226; Mili Farm owner Hong Fu-quan, phone: 0966-560-369, Mili Farm website: http://mi-li.strikingly.com/.