Kaohsiung Agriculture Bureau Supports Young Farmers and Beekeepers with Industry Exchange and Cash Relief for Hive Losses

The Kaohsiung City Government Agriculture Bureau is actively promoting sustainable agricultural development by simultaneously supporting young farmers and assisting beekeepers impacted by natural disasters. On one front, it is facilitating industry exchange to help young farmers expand cooperation and marketing channels; on the other, it has opened applications for cash relief due to severe nectar shortages caused by droughts in early 2024, aiming to enhance farmers' operational resilience through a dual-pronged approach.

To promote resource sharing in the sixth industrialization of agriculture, the bureau has planned three 'Stylish Farmer Industry Exchange Gatherings' this year. The first event was successfully held on July 29 at the Sugar Warehouse Exhibition Center in Qiaotou Sugar Factory. Designed as a relaxed networking platform, it enabled young farmers to build collaborative relationships and reduce the sense of isolation often experienced in farming.

The event focused on key concerns for small-scale farmers—agricultural product processing and sales channels. Local Kaohsiung processors and department store retail representatives were invited to share practical experiences on contract manufacturing and product shelf placement, and provided follow-up consultation channels. Additionally, experienced 'stylish farmers' shared their journeys in product development and market expansion, fostering peer-to-peer collaboration and exploring new possibilities for product innovation and market positioning.

Local agricultural cooperatives from across Kaohsiung also participated, offering consultations on farmer health insurance, agricultural support programs, and product marketing resources, helping young farmers access policy benefits and market intelligence.

Agriculture Bureau Director Yao Ji-Wang stated, 'We aim to strengthen collaboration among government agencies, farmers, and industry players through these exchange platforms. By encouraging young farmers to grow as teams and integrating upstream and downstream resources, we can enhance Kaohsiung's agricultural competitiveness and lay the foundation for sustainable rural development.'

On another front, due to consecutive droughts in January and February 2024, major nectar sources such as lychee and longan trees bloomed but produced little to no nectar—resulting in severe hive losses. In response, the Council of Agriculture has announced a cash relief program for 'Hive Losses (Nectar Shortage) due to 2024 January–February Drought (Delayed Impact).'

The Kaohsiung Agriculture Bureau will accept applications from July 31 to August 13, 2024. The relief covers bee colonies, with a subsidy of NT$550 per hive. Beekeepers who have completed the official beekeeping registration and declaration process and suffered a loss rate of over 20% are eligible. Applicants must bring their ID, bankbook, and beekeeping registration documents to their local district office where they originally registered.

The bureau emphasized that since registered beekeeping data serves as objective proof, on-site inspections will be waived. District offices will compile and submit applications for review. Eligible beekeepers are urged to apply before the August 13 deadline to safeguard their rights.

With initiatives spanning industry development and disaster relief, the Agriculture Bureau is strengthening farmers' resilience through comprehensive support. (Photo: Kaohsiung Agriculture Bureau)