Taiwan announces subsidy for flood-damaged farm machinery, covering up to 80%

Taiwan's Ministry of Agriculture is providing crucial financial assistance to farmers impacted by recent heavy rains and subsequent flooding in the southern regions. The special subsidy program aims to help farmers replace farm machinery that was damaged or destroyed by the inundation.

The initiative, launched by the Food and Agriculture Administration (FAA), will cover up to 80% of the cost for farmers to repurchase new machinery. This support is critical for those whose livelihoods depend on these essential tools, which were submerged and rendered unusable by the severe weather.

To be eligible, farmers must reside in, own, or lease farmland within areas officially designated by the Ministry of Agriculture as affected by the late August heavy rains. The farm machinery must have been damaged by flooding. The application period for this special program runs until September 30.

Farmers seeking to apply must submit a completed application form, proof of identity, a declaration of machinery damage, land registry information, and proof of cancellation of the old machinery's usage permit. Smaller machinery applications can be processed through local farmers' associations, while larger machinery applications should be submitted to the regional branch offices of the FAA. Application forms and details are available on a dedicated online portal.