Latest Agriculture Oscar Awards announced! Flowers and miscellaneous grains shine internationally, free-range chickens and ducks strong in exports, fruits and vegetables, honey and oil tea impress

The Shennong Award, known as the "Oscar" of Taiwan's agricultural sector, held the grand 31st "National Top Ten Shennong and Model Farmers Award Ceremony" today (the 30th) at the Council of Agriculture! Premier Su Tseng-chang of the Executive Yuan personally attended to present the awards, issuing certificates, plaques and a prize of 200,000 yuan to each of the 10 Shennong Award winners, and also presenting certificates and prizes of 100,000 yuan to each of the 12 Model Farmer winners, affirming farmers' efforts and contributions to agriculture.

"If there were no farmers, we would have nothing to eat; every day when we eat, we should thank farmers." Su Tseng-chang said that although Taiwan is small in area, it is rich in species and resources, and the fruits available at the same time are numerous and cheaper than those in neighboring countries, showing that Taiwan's agriculture is highly competitive. He stressed that these are the results of years of research and innovation invested by farmers, improvement stations and experts from all sides. Su Tseng-chang promised that the government will provide more resources to support research institutions in developing agricultural technology, and looks forward to farmers growing more agricultural products with a "Taiwanese flavor."

News glossary: The "Shennong Award" is held every two years and requires three levels of selection: township (town, city, district), county (city) government, and national level. A committee of judges selects the top 10 as Shennong winners; those who do not receive the Top Ten Shennong title are awarded as Model Farmers.