Fourth Gold Medal Rural Community National Competition Officially Launched: Diversified Judging Methods Expand Public Participation

The Council of Agriculture's Rural Development and Soil and Water Conservation Agency held the 'Kick-off Press Conference for the Fourth Gold Medal Rural Community Competition' on the 22nd at the first-floor hall of the Council of Agriculture. Deputy Minister Huang Chao-Chin attended and delivered a speech. The event invited Daniel Blum, Acting Director of the German Institute Taipei, representatives from the Gold Medal Rural Competition judging panel, the convener of the Gold Medal Rural Alliance, and representatives from local governments across the country, jointly announcing the official launch of the fourth competition.

Deputy Minister Huang stated that since launching the Gold Medal Rural Competition in 2017, the Council of Agriculture has aimed to promote mutual observation, learning, and growth among rural communities nationwide through a competitive framework. He emphasized transforming the innovative energy brought by youth returning to rural areas into driving forces for community development, fostering local consensus and action. He noted that past competitions have not only encouraged active community engagement in public affairs but also enabled rural areas to preserve and pass on local culture, ecological characteristics, and industrial value.

The Gold Medal Rural selection places strong emphasis not only on production and livelihood aspects but particularly on ecology and future potential. The goal is to build sustainable rural communities with development potential and competitiveness while maintaining rural uniqueness and environmental value. This initiative aims to attract more people to visit, understand, and engage with rural areas, collectively shaping a brighter future for rural communities. The 'Gold Medal Rural Competition' is Taiwan's most significant triennial rural event, selecting model rural communities through a two-stage process: 'municipal preliminary rounds' and 'national finals'.

Past competitions have been personally honored by the President and Vice President, highlighting the highest level of national recognition. This year’s competition will continue to uphold high prestige, broad vision, and substantial prize money. Winning communities will receive up to NT$500,000 in prize money and NT$1 million in project subsidies, along with international exchange opportunities to connect with global rural communities, enhancing Taiwan’s international rural perspective.

This year’s competition centers on the theme 'Our Rural Communities Have a Future.' While maintaining evaluation criteria across livelihood, production, ecology, and future potential, adjustments have been made to the livelihood and ecology assessment items to align with the Satoyama Initiative's strategic goals. Additionally, the 'curatorial judging' method will continue to be implemented in the first stage of the national finals, aiming to expand public participation through diversified judging formats. It is expected that in 2027, the public nationwide will be able to visit exhibitions during the final judging period, exploring representative rural communities from all counties and cities, experiencing the vitality and cultural beauty of Taiwan’s rural areas.

The Gold Medal Rural Competition has continuously received support from rural partners in Germany. The German Institute Taipei representative expressed that exchanges and friendship between Taiwan and Germany in rural development should be further deepened. Both sides will work together under the consensus of the 'Joint Declaration of Intent on Taiwan-German Rural Development Cooperation (JDI)' toward sustainable rural development.

Vice Director Su Mao-Hsiang of the Rural Development and Soil and Water Conservation Agency concluded by stating that winning communities will be prioritized for key guidance and support. By integrating resources such as brand marketing, youth empowerment, and industry promotion, the exemplary impact of Gold Medal Rural communities will be amplified, driving more rural communities toward sustainable development and collectively building a more resilient and competitive rural Taiwan.