44 Agricultural, Fisheries, and Water Conservancy Groups Form United Support Association to Back Lai Jui-long, Chanting 'Protect Agriculture & Fisheries, Secure Income' for Kaohsiung's Golden Decade

Kaohsiung mayoral candidate and legislator Lai Jui-long officially launched the 'Agricultural, Fisheries, and Water Conservancy Support General Association' today (2nd), uniting 27 farmers' associations, 7 fishermen's associations, and representatives from water conservancy groups, fruit and vegetable markets, model farmers, and young farmers—totaling 44 agricultural, fisheries, and water conservancy organizations. All 34 agricultural and fisheries associations attended in full force, demonstrating strong grassroots unity and support. Former Council of Agriculture Chairperson Tsao Chi-hung, former Minister of Agriculture Chen Chi-chung, and Ministerial Senior Executive Huang Chao-chin also attended to express their support for Lai.

The association is led by Yang Jung-nan, Chairman of the Kaohsiung City Farmers' Association, as the head of the agricultural support wing, and Yang Ching-fu, Chairman of the Siaogang District Fishermen's Association, as the head of the fisheries support wing. Thousands of agricultural, fisheries, and water conservancy stakeholders gathered at the event, showcasing a fully mobilized grassroots network determined to support Lai Jui-long in taking over Kaohsiung's administration.

Lai emphasized that the agricultural, fisheries, and water conservancy sectors are not only vital to Kaohsiung's economic development but also directly impact countless families' livelihoods. Facing challenges such as extreme weather, labor shortages, rising costs, and international competition, the government must establish a more comprehensive support system to implement the vision of 'protecting agriculture and fisheries, securing income' and ensure frontline producers can work with confidence.

Having previously served as Director of Kaohsiung's Ocean Affairs Bureau, Lai stated he deeply understands the importance of Kaohsiung's offshore and aquaculture fisheries. As a legislator, he has consistently advocated for agricultural and fisheries infrastructure, successfully securing 8.1 billion NTD in funding alongside central authorities, the city government, and Kaohsiung legislators to carry out the largest-scale renovation of Cianjhen Fishing Port in half a century—significantly enhancing Kaohsiung's competitiveness as a major international offshore fishing hub.

Looking ahead, Lai unveiled his three-pillar strategy: 'Strong Agriculture, Revitalized Fisheries, Resilient Water Conservancy.' In agriculture, he plans to promote smart sensing, AI applications, cold-chain logistics, and climate-resilient cultivation, while deepening the 'Kaohsiung First' brand and expanding overseas markets. For fisheries, he aims to upgrade smart aquaculture, improve fishing vessels and pond facilities, enhance port functionality and international marketing, and strengthen offshore medical services and operational safety. In water conservancy, he will collaborate with central authorities to reinforce irrigation systems, aquaculture zone water supply and drainage, regional drainage, and drought-resilience infrastructure, improving adaptation to extreme climate events.

Lai expressed gratitude for the trust and support from the agricultural and fisheries communities, pledging to transform this support into responsibility. Leveraging his administrative experience in city government and legislative expertise, he vowed to continuously enhance industrial competitiveness, safeguard farmers' and fishermen's incomes and workplace safety, and jointly build the next golden decade for Kaohsiung's agricultural and fisheries sectors.

Ministerial Senior Executive Huang Chao-chin stated that Lai, having held multiple key municipal positions and participated in Kaohsiung's major development projects, is the right candidate to lead the city's continued progress.

Former Council of Agriculture Chairperson Tsao Chi-hung emphasized the need for continuity in urban development, urging Lai to carry forward Kaohsiung's momentum. He presented a symbolic 'Golden Diamond Pineapple' to bless the city with prosperity.

Legislator Chiu I-ying highlighted that while Kaohsiung's high-quality agricultural and fisheries products stem from hardworking producers, they remain vulnerable to natural disasters. She called for sustained collaboration between central and local governments to stabilize incomes, expand markets, and promote Kaohsiung's products internationally.

Kaohsiung City Council Speaker Kang Yu-cheng pledged that the council will serve as Lai's strongest ally, supporting policy implementation while fulfilling its oversight role to build a city citizens can be proud of.

Attendees included former Council of Agriculture Chairperson Tsao Chi-hung, former Minister of Agriculture Chen Chi-chung, Ministerial Senior Executive Huang Chao-chin, Legislators Lee Po-i and Chiu I-ying, Council Speaker Kang Yu-cheng, multiple city councilors, councilor candidates, and representatives from agricultural, fisheries, and water conservancy sectors—demonstrating strong grassroots integration and election readiness.