1. 19^th Agricultural Finance Awards Honor Farmers' and Fishers' Associations

Taiwan's 19^th Agricultural Finance Awards, the highest honor in the sector, drew a record 667 entries from 311 farmers’ and fishers’ associations, with 69 ultimately recognized for outstanding performance in operations, fraud prevention, and agricultural insurance. Yilan’s Su’ao Fishermen’s Association won top honors in both operations and financial services. Vice President Hsiao Bi-khim, attending the ceremony on August 29^th, praised the associations’ contributions to protecting farmers and fishers, while urging support for younger generations to bring new vitality into agriculture. The Ministry of Agriculture said the awards aim to inspire continued innovation and strengthen the role of associations in advancing national agricultural policy and safeguarding livelihoods.

2. Legislature Approves Special Budget for Typhoon Danas and Heavy Rain Recovery

Taiwan’s Legislature on August 29 approved a special budget for post-disaster recovery following Typhoon Danas and the late July torrential rains, which caused severe damage across central and southern regions. The plan includes relief measures for the agricultural sector, covering compensation for crop losses, increased subsidies for damaged facilities such as greenhouses, fishing vessels, and livestock shelters, as well as loan extensions and interest waivers for farmers and fishers holding disaster certificates. It also provides funds for repairing irrigation systems, drainage facilities, and mountain forest roads, while strengthening soil and water conservation works to improve resilience against extreme weather. In addition, the budget enhances monitoring and prevention at Hualien’s Matai’an Creek barrier lake to ensure public safety. The Ministry of Agriculture said that although the road to recovery will be long, it will stand by farmers and fishers to gradually restore production and rebuild affected communities.