President Lai: Building a Nation on Agriculture, Establishing Systems to Attract Youth to Farming

According to a report by Central News Agency, President Lai Qingde visited the Taian Citizen Farm Leasing Center in Keelung on the 14th, where he personally experienced harvesting bamboo shoots. President Lai stated that the government has a responsibility to establish systems that encourage youth to enter agriculture, advocating for a nation built on farming. He emphasized the need to build a social security system for farmers, promoting policies such as farmer health insurance, occupational injury insurance, retirement savings, elderly farmer allowances, and agricultural insurance, ensuring farmers are protected during their working years and after retirement, as well as receiving support in the event of natural disasters like typhoons.

The Presidential Office reported that President Lai, accompanied by Keelung City Farmers' Association Chairman Huang Li-jin, visited a bamboo shoot field, participated in harvesting, and then toured the citizen farm to understand its operations.

In his speech, President Lai noted that Keelung City Council Speaker Tong Zi-wei mentioned the city has limited flat land, mostly hilly terrain, yet produces high-quality agricultural products. He personally tasted bamboo shoot dishes from Qidu District, praising their fresh sweetness and memorable flavor, and expressed willingness to allow Keelung City to set up a sales booth at the Presidential Office to promote delicious local produce like Qidu bamboo shoots.

President Lai emphasized that whether serving as Premier or President, he has always prioritized farmers' rights. During his tenure as Tainan City Mayor, he observed that young people were reluctant to enter agriculture, resulting in many farmers continuing to work into their 80s. He believes the government must create institutional incentives for youth to join agriculture.

He further stated that agriculture is crucial to food security and national development, and the government has a duty to support farmers. In addition to institutional reforms, the Executive Yuan has increased National Pension and Elderly Farmer Allowance since July this year, raising monthly payments to NT$5,000 and NT$10,000 respectively.

President Lai stressed that as Taiwan's economy advances, increased tax revenues should be used to care for the people, especially farmers who have long contributed to food security and supported industrial and commercial development. After achievements in technology and industry, he called for a return to supporting traditional sectors like agriculture to sustain economic growth and ensure better care for farmers.