Amid extreme weather conditions and constraints on production resources, balancing a stable food supply, environmental protection, and farmers' livelihoods has become a critical challenge in agricultural sustainability transitions. The Taiwan Institute for Sustainable Energy (TAISE) hosted the 2026 2nd Taiwan Agricultural Sustainability Forum and Awards Ceremony at the Taipei Nangang Exhibition Center, attracting more than 100 participants in person and online. The event focused on low-carbon rice, agricultural resource circularity, Indigenous community industries, and responsible consumption. Through policy discussions and practical case studies, the forum demonstrated how sustainability principles can be integrated into field management, product development, and market distribution channels, while recognizing individuals and organizations committed to advancing sustainable agriculture.

Preserving the Long-Term Value of Land Through Technology and a Just Transition

In his opening remarks, Ambassador Chien, Chairman of TAISE, proposed five key directions for sustainable agricultural development. First, enhance the long-term value of agricultural land by protecting soil health and water resources. Second, promote low-carbon circular agriculture and establish carbon management systems. Third, apply technologies such as artificial intelligence and smart irrigation while enabling smallholder farmers to participate in a just transition. Fourth, establish sustainable agricultural production chains by engaging stakeholders across upstream and downstream sectors. Fifth, integrate high-value agriculture, technological innovation, and collaboration with Indigenous peoples to expand the diverse economic, environmental, and cultural value of agriculture.

Director-General Huang of the Department of Resource Sustainability, Ministry of Agriculture, emphasized that the impacts of extreme weather on agricultural production underscore the importance of sustainable development. Transforming agricultural waste into valuable resources, including applications such as biochar, represents an important direction for advancing the circular economy. Echoing Ambassador Chien's expectations, he stated, "We are not merely pioneers; we are also practitioners." At the policy level, the Ministry of Agriculture is advancing four strategic priorities: emissions reduction, carbon sequestration enhancement, circularity, and green development. By integrating low-carbon production, resource reuse, and corporate participation, the Ministry aims to strengthen climate adaptation and decarbonization efforts across the agricultural sector.

Commercializing Low-Carbon Rice Through Field Data and Sustainable Innovation

Reducing emissions from rice cultivation requires improvements in crop varieties, irrigation practices, and cultivation management, supported by monitoring to assess actual outcomes. Professor Huang of the Department of Agronomy at National Chiayi University presented low-carbon rice as a practical example. His research team collaborated with the Ministry of Agriculture's Tainan District Agricultural Research and Extension Station to develop drought-tolerant, water-efficient rice varieties. By integrating field moisture monitoring, greenhouse gas measurements, and carbon footprint assessments, the team has promoted rice and processed food product development through technology transfer and partnerships with distribution channels, gradually bringing research outcomes into commercial markets.

Smart agricultural management has also been implemented directly in farming areas. Secretary-General Huang of the Wufeng District Farmers' Association in Taichung City shared that the association has installed 45 smart field monitoring stations. Through field monitoring and irrigation management, the system has improved agricultural productivity while achieving an average annual methane emissions reduction of 34%, according to measured results. The association also integrates environmentally friendly and organic farming, farmland biodiversity conservation, and corporate rice field adoption programs. These initiatives translate corporate participation into tangible support for farmers and habitat protection, expanding the collaborative foundation for sustainable agriculture.

Connecting Indigenous Communities and Consumers to Support Responsible Agricultural Production

Agricultural sustainability also encompasses local employment, talent development, and cultural continuity. Founder and Director Su of Pangcah Farm shared experiences from Indigenous communities, explaining how connections among smallholder farmers, seed conservation, and food and agricultural education can establish agriculture as a foundation linking land, people, and communities. Through food, consumers can gain a deeper understanding of Indigenous cultures, while traditional knowledge continues to be passed down through agricultural and industrial development. These efforts demonstrate the value of Indigenous community agriculture in supporting both livelihoods and cultural preservation.

The continued development of responsible agricultural production also depends on consumer understanding and support. Chief Sustainability Officer Su of Kunda Shengtong Lifestyle Enterprise Co., Ltd. delivered a presentation titled "Retail Stores Are the Largest Classrooms for Sustainability," explaining how retail channels can promote cage-free eggs and agricultural products that support biodiversity. By integrating product information with food and agricultural education, retailers can help consumers understand the production practices reflected in product prices. Farm visits and local agricultural food activities further strengthen connections between producers and consumers, making everyday purchasing decisions a practical way to support sustainable agriculture.

Recognizing Agricultural Sustainability Achievements and Expanding Cross-Sector Collaboration

The event also featured the Taiwan Agricultural Sustainability Awards Ceremony, recognizing individuals and organizations committed to sustainable agricultural research, production, management, and promotion. This year, two individuals received the Outstanding Individual in Sustainable Agriculture Award: Secretary-General Chang of the Fuli Township Farmers' Association in Hualien County and Founder and Director Su of Pangcah Farm. In the Agricultural ESG Comprehensive Performance Award category, the Wufeng District Farmers' Association in Taichung City received the Exemplary Award, the Taichung Branch of the Forestry and Nature Conservation Agency under the Ministry of Agriculture received the Model Award, and Dawushan Farm Technology Co., Ltd. received the Excellence Award.

Through the awards ceremony and forum discussions, the event brought together diverse experiences from government agencies, academic and research institutions, farmers' associations, Indigenous communities, and distribution channels. These exchanges highlighted the comprehensive support required for agricultural transformation: improving production through technology, measuring outcomes through effective management systems, and sustaining farmers' participation through market partnerships. Together, these approaches can establish a mutually reinforcing, long-term relationship between land conservation and sustainable agricultural operations.