The Agriculture Bureau of Taichung City Government (hereinafter as "the Agriculture Bureau") has been providing farmers’ groups with guidance on promoting exports of agricultural products. On the 3rd, there's the Taichung Premium Ponkan Export to Canada Shipping Ceremony at the Dongshi Fruit and Vegetable Market. This year, the export of Ponkan to North America surpassed 82 metric tons, showing slight growth from last year. This effort aids farmers in expanding into new markets, stabilizes domestic prices, and increases their earnings.
The Agriculture Bureau noted that, in partnership with the Dongshi Farmers' Association, they successfully reopened the Canadian market last year, introducing Taichung’s sweet-and-tangy Ponkan to North America. This year, they have continued exporting the finest Ponkan to countries like Japan, Singapore, Malaysia, and Brunei, reaching a total of about 442 metric tons.
Taichung’s Ponkan season runs from November to February each year, with a cultivation area of 1,388 hectares and an annual output of approximately 25,045 metric tons. The primary cultivation regions include Dongshi, Shigang, Fengyuan, Houli, Xinshe, and Beitun, making it Taiwan’s second-largest Ponkan-producing area. The local climate, with ample rainfall and soil conditions ideal for citrus trees, contributes to the fruit’s bright, smooth skin, plump and bouncy fruit, and sweet, juicy flesh with a balanced sweet and sour taste. Its rich nutritional value makes it a favorite among consumers both domestically and abroad.
Secretary-General Tien Shih-hsin of the Dongshi Farmers' Association noted that the Agriculture Bureau has been consistently promoting the domestic and international marketing of fruits, actively seeking new foreign markets. Southeast Asia has become a key international outlet for Taichung’s Ponkan. Over the past two years, following several negotiations with trade partners, they have successfully reopened the Canadian market. However, the heavy rainfall this year resulted in a higher proportion of larger Ponkan fruits, which do not meet the size preferences of foreign markets. Nevertheless, the Agriculture Bureau, together with farmers’ groups, is ensuring that premium Ponkan is exported before the Chinese New Year to offer the best option for quality Taiwanese holiday gift sets.
According to the Agriculture Bureau, due to changes in food trends, exports have recently expanded to include more than just fresh fruit for direct consumption. Last year, through collaborations with other industries, they paired Ponkan with local ingredients, such as shrimp, and developed limited-edition desserts like Ponkan cheesecake, pound cake, and panna cotta, offering a variety of ways for the public to enjoy the fruit. Domestically, consumers can find Ponkan at retail outlets like Costco, Carrefour, PX Mart, and the Taiwan Farmers Mall online marketplace. Welcome everyone to purchase and bring home the large tangerines that symbolize great fortune.
At today’s shipping ceremony, Deputy Director Tsai Yung-sheng of the Agriculture Bureau, Minister Chiang Chun-lung of the Hakka Affairs Council, city council member Wu Chen-chia, Chairman Liu Chin-yeh of the Dongshi Farmers' Association, General-Secretary Tien Shih-hsin, Managing Supervisor Lai Yu-ming, General-Secretary Chang Tung-hai of the Shigang Farmers' Association, Director Liao Ting-chien of the Supply and Sales Division, Director Fu Yu-chin of the Promotion Division, Director Wu Hsuan-tung of the Supply, Sales and Promotion Division of the Fengyuan Farmers' Association, and Manager Chen Shu-chuan of the Taichung Branch of the Taiwan Provincial Fruit Marketing Cooperative were all present to celebrate the event. Vice President Chiang Chi-chen of the Legislative Yuan and city council member Tsai Cheng-kuei also sent representatives to attend. The event aims to expand the export channels for Ponkan and stabilize domestic prices, rewarding the hard work of fruit farmers throughout the year.
Contact person: Officer Yu, Marketing and Processing Division, Agriculture Bureau, Taichung City Government; Contact number: 04-22289111, ext. 56520