Pineapple-Shirks Have Global Potential Beyond China, Legislator Argues

Legislator Chen Ying has strongly defended Taiwanese farmers, particularly those growing pineapple-shirks, against claims that the fruit has no market beyond China. She stated that such assertions not only hurt the feelings of Taitung farmers but also underestimate Taiwan's agricultural capabilities.

Chen emphasized that Taitung pineapple-shirks are of world-class quality with significant market potential both domestically and internationally. She pointed out that China currently imposes a high tariff of 29% on the fruit, while simultaneously expanding its cultivation area and improving its techniques. Chen warned that a sole reliance on the Chinese market, despite any efforts to engage with it, leaves farmers' futures highly uncertain.

“

Someone claiming 'pineapple-shirks have nowhere to go except China' not only severely hurts the feelings of Taitung farmers but is truly underestimating Taiwan's agricultural strength.

"Taiwan's agricultural strength is absolutely capable of going global!" Chen declared, advocating for practical efforts to find international markets for Taiwanese fruit rather than engaging in political debates. If given the opportunity to lead Taitung County's government, she outlined a three-pronged strategy to unlock global potential.

“

Taiwan's agricultural strength is absolutely capable of going global!

This strategy includes actively developing diverse markets in Japan, the United States, Singapore, and Malaysia to mitigate single-market risks. It also involves establishing a production-sales early warning and total quantity management mechanism using data to precisely regulate output, ensuring farmers' incomes are not dictated by luck. Finally, Chen proposed comprehensive guidance for innovation and upgrading, strengthening cold chain logistics, processing, value-added products, brand marketing, and e-commerce channels to transform raw materials into high-value, refined products.

Chen reiterated that grassroots farmers need tangible orders, not political rhetoric, and stable income, not political performances. She stressed that politicians should prove Taiwan's agriculture is not, and will not be, tied to any single market, and that leading Taitung's agriculture to a more diverse and broader international stage is the true way to be responsible to farmers.

“

Grassroots farmers want tangible orders, not empty talk, and stable income, not political performances.