Wheat and Soybean Recultivation Recharge Journey: Good Farmer Grand Tour Episode 1

Lead image / On the Good Farmer Grand Tour, participants learn from the land and from scholars alike, opening up a dialogue of participatory research. In the front row, third from right, Professor Guo Huanren; second from right, Director-General Shi Minghuang. Braving the cold wind, the "Good Farmer Grand Tour" group organized by Xi Yuan Xing, made up of more than 20 farmers who are reviving the cultivation of wheat and soybeans, completed a 3-day round-island observation trip. On the 23rd they arrived at their final stop, visiting the Department of Agronomy at National Taiwan University. The farmers presented framed cards signed in their own handwriting to the scholars they respect, Professor Guo Huanren and Professor Lu Husheng. The farmers hugged the two scholars tightly, thanking them for thinking of Taiwan's agriculture and farmers and for continually providing valuable resources and knowledge, so that the cultivation of coarse grains could be passed on.

Xi Yuan Xing Director-General Shi Minghuang said emotionally that these two framed certificates are the "Iron Ox Transformers" of the Xi Yuan wheat and soybean special task force, a metaphor for the two teachers who give their all to support farmers. This gesture from the farmers lies not in its cost or beauty, but in its sincere gratitude.

Speaking at the event, National Taiwan University Department of Agronomy Professor Guo Huanren said that rice, coarse grains, fruits and vegetables are all necessary and equally important, yet the government has let coarse grains go and relies on imports. In 10-20 years, when oil becomes scarce, Taiwan will also be unable to afford coarse grains. If we do not revive cultivation now, it will be too late in the future. He described this coarse grain farming team led by Shi Minghuang as "great," and said that in addition to civil society's efforts, the government should also support them.

Guo Huanren also praised the farmers' eagerness to learn. He said scholars also need to learn from farmers the traditional knowledge embedded in cultivation, and to research agriculture with farmers in a "participatory" model. These words drew applause from the farmers present.

The eager-to-learn farmers did not miss the chance to ask questions about wheat cultivation. (Image source: Xi Yuan Wheat Facebook fan page)