1.Taiwan Advances Mataian Creek Farm Recovery with Reforestation, Subsidies to Boost Resilience

Taiwan’s Ministry of Agriculture is advancing recovery efforts after the 2025 Mataian Creek disaster, focusing on reforestation, farmland restoration and income support. As of May 4, 2026, more than NT$150 million has been disbursed across 2,009 approved aid cases. Severely buried farmland is being converted to forest through land purchases or subsidies, while less-affected areas are undergoing soil improvement, with a two-year goal to restore 300 hectares. Pilot sites have already produced successful harvests. To sustain farmers, authorities offer fallow payments, subsidies for relocating cultivation and access to public land. Officials said long-term, cross-agency efforts will continue to balance recovery, resilience and livelihoods.

2. Taiwan’s Taitung Launches Bluefin Season as First Catch Exceeds NT$240,000

Taitung's April–June bluefin tuna season opened with the auction of the first catch, drawing strong interest and underscoring the region’s premium seafood quality. The vessel Sheng Tai Feng landed a 193-kg Pacific bluefin that sold for NT$1,280 per kg, fetching over NT$240,000 at a May 4 auction hosted by the Singang District Fishermen’s Association. Local restaurant Qi Yu Hai Wei won the bid, with Magistrate Yao Ching-ling leading the auction. Deputy Agriculture Minister Huang Chao-chin said the government will maintain fuel tax exemptions and subsidies to offset rising oil costs, while urging proper bleeding and gill removal to preserve quality. Officials said the bluefin festival will link fisheries with tourism through markets, tours and food events to boost local revenue. The association added that the “first tuna” auction signals the start of the season and enhances product value. New rules require video proof of live catch, with added prizes to encourage better practices.