Fujian fosters cross-Strait agricultural cooperation

Fujian province, with its geographical proximity and similar climate to Taiwan, has become a magnet for individuals from the island seeking opportunities in the agriculture and forestry sectors. The region's progressive policies and expansive market further enhance its appeal.

Under policies promoting cross-Strait integration, Fujian Agriculture and Forestry University has taken a pioneering step by opening full-time faculty positions to Taiwan professionals. Among those who have embraced this opportunity is Chang Wei-yin, who moved from Taiwan to the provincial capital of Fuzhou in 2018. He now serves as an associate professor and the director of the Cross-Strait Research Center for Forest Therapy and Environmental Education at the university.

Chang has introduced Taiwan's well-developed forest therapy concepts to the university in Fujian, integrating forestry, psychology, health and physical education into the curriculum. This initiative led to the creation of the mainland's first undergraduate class in forest therapy. Additionally, he has established research and teaching practice bases in the province's grassroots areas of Fuzhou and Sanming.

Chang said that his initial attraction to the job was not only its proximity to Taiwan; more importantly, the mainland's supportive policies for natural education industries offered promising prospects.

"As the living standards of mainland residents improve, they yearn for a higher quality of life and a closer connection to nature," he said. "Natural education guides people to adopt lifestyles and concepts that are more environmentally friendly and ecologically sustainable."

Chen Xuanyang, director of the Cross-Strait Agricultural Technology Cooperation Center in FAFU, said the university plays a pioneering role in cross-Strait agricultural cooperation, and the center has become a crucial platform for early exchanges since its establishment in 2008.

The center has hosted nearly 100 experts from 32 Taiwan institutions. It has introduced more than 40 high-quality new varieties of grains and vegetables, as well as five breakthrough technologies, fostering cross-Strait agricultural industry integration.

"Popular fruits such as mangoes, wax apples and guavas now available on the market are mainly varieties introduced from Taiwan and adapted to thrive in Fujian," Chen said. "Taiwan's head start in new variety research, combined with the similar ecological environments across the Strait, allows these seeds to take root in Fujian's soil."

Cross-Strait cooperation in agricultural and forestry academic exchanges and talent cultivation remains robust, including conferences and publications, he said.

"With the mainland's vast market in mind, Fujian has become a frontier for Taiwan farmers venturing into entrepreneurship," Chen added.

In Fujian, various Taiwan farmer entrepreneurship parks are flourishing, introducing Taiwan specialty agricultural products and processing management techniques in areas including orchids, tea and fruits.

In December, Fujian was approved to establish eight additional entrepreneurship parks, further solidifying its role as a hub for cross-Strait agricultural collaboration.