1.U.S. proposes cooperative agricultural, environmental initiatives with Taiwan

The United States is looking to expand cooperation with Taiwan in the field of agriculture, among other areas, with the aim of improving food security and sustainability, according to a summary of the ongoing negotiations under the Taiwan-U.S. 21^st Century Trade Initiative. The proposed provisions　are aimed at increasing transparency and regulatory certainty for agricultural exporters and importers, as well as at encouraging collaboration and innovation in areas such as sustainability and food security.

2. MOA updates agricultural losses from quake

The Ministry of Agriculture (MOA) updated its assessment of the agricultural losses sustained in Taiwan as a result of a devastating earthquake, estimating the figure at NT$76.04 million (US$2.37 million), all confined to the eastern county of Hualien near the quake's epicenter. The agricultural damage in the eastern county was spread over 0.3 hectares, the ministry said, adding that 30 percent of the crops, which covered 0.09 hectares, was totally destroyed. In addition, the temblor destroyed private agricultural facilities in Hualien, with the damage estimated at NT$42 million, including NT$40.95 million due to broken fishing nets and other fishery equipment, the ministry said.

3.Suao wins “First Tuna Catch of the Season" title

April to June, also known as bluefin tuna season for fisherfolk, is underway. As the north and south vie to win the title “First Tuna Catch of the Season” a report on Monday announced that a fishing boat from Suao, Yilan may have snagged the honor. Captain Li Chia-hao (李家豪) of fishing vessel 668 shares that he’s very happy but at the time he didn’t realize they had caught a bluefin tuna until it was pulled up. As workers quickly remove the crushed ice, the scale weighs the enormous fish at nearly 270 kilograms, marking this as not only Suao's first tuna of the year but also Taiwan's.