Taiwan backs blueberry cultivation to cut reliance on imports
台灣支持藍莓種植以減少對進口的依賴
| TAIPEI (Taiwan News) — The government has supported local farmers with technology and greenhouse cultivation to grow blueberries, aiming to reduce reliance on imports, CNA reported.
The Miaoli County Government has partnered with the Ministry of Agriculture to boost domestic blueberry cultivation, promote corporate management, and support smart production practices. The initiative also aims to attract young people back to the county to engage in blueberry farming. The county government said Taiwan imports about 3,000 tonnes of blueberries annually from the US, Japan, and Chile. It added the long-distance transportation and preservation processes required for imported fruit may compromise flavor and texture. Blueberry fields in Miaoli span about five hectares, the county government said. Farmers there use greenhouses, smart systems, and cooling technology to optimize growing conditions. It said the approach can reduce the impact of extreme weather and the risk of pests and diseases. The method also allows locally grown blueberries to fully ripen on the bush before harvest, helping preserve their natural bloom and texture. Peng Yen-hao (彭彥豪), a blueberry farmer in Miaoli, said the county’s blueberry season runs from March to July. He added the first batch of blueberries this year has begun flowering and is expected to be harvested in March. Peng said using precision farming techniques allows farmers to monitor temperature, humidity, irrigation, and nutrient levels, helping boost yields and improve fruit quality. In addition, the Chiayi County Government has cooperated with a team from National Taiwan University to establish around 30 hectares of blueberry farms in Alishan. The two agencies have optimized soil composition, managed growing conditions, and automated irrigation to cultivate the fruit. |
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| Carol Yang Taiwan News, Staff Writer | |
| 2026-02-23 |
