Taiwan's overall vegetable supply has fallen by 30–40%, according to the Ministry of Agriculture. The decline follows crop losses from Typhoon Danas in early July, compounded by heavy rainfall since 28 July that has further disrupted harvesting and replanting, CNA reported. Production in high-altitude areas and northern greenhouse facilities has been less affected.
With Typhoon Podul approaching, authorities are implementing measures to stabilise the market and maintain supply. The Agriculture and Food Agency stated on Tuesday that it is working with farmer groups to release refrigerated vegetables to major supermarket chains and the Taipei fruit and vegetable wholesale market.
At the Taipei wholesale market, the average cabbage price remains between NT$20 (US$0.67) and NT$35 (US$1.17) per kilogram, while retail prices at chain supermarkets have seen little change. Support is also being provided for processing frozen vegetables from domestic crops, including beefsteak tomatoes, green zucchini, potatoes, carrots, pumpkins, broccoli, and edamame.
Certain vegetables, such as leafy greens in Taoyuan, kale, sprouts, root vegetables, and mushrooms, remain in normal supply. Import channels are operating normally, allowing international shipments to supplement domestic demand.
The agency expects that, unless Typhoon Podul causes severe damage, leafy vegetable supplies will gradually return to normal from early September.
Source: Taiwan News
