Taiwan gets new government backed pineapple farm
At the moment the region is very successfully exporting mangoes and, it is hoped, the pineapples will prove to be equally popular.
At present, 6,800 hectares of land in Tainan are dedicated to growing mangoes, and the region exports about 900 metric tons of the fruit to Japan and 600 metric tons to South Korea every year.
Tainan already grows pineapples on around 1,400 ha, but the new farm will be developed to a high standard aimed at exports and will receive government support.
The growers involved in cultivation on the farm will not be allowed to use growth hormone in their production,a move further aimed at attracting foreign buyers.
Many Taiwanese farmers use the substance to increase the weight of their pineapples, but it also shortens the fruit's storage period from three weeks to one. Exporters have been reluctant to buy pineapples because they often rot by the time they arrive at their destination.
Tainan Mayor Lai Ching-te, who hosted the ceremony Tuesday to mark the zone's establishment, said his government will do its best to help market the pineapples grown in the special zone in countries such as Japan and Singapore.
Source: focustaiwan.tw
