The island nation of Taiwan has seen heavy rains, that damaged this year’s pineapple crop. With prices falling, farmers throughout the country are facing difficulties. This means that this year’s harvest may not be as sweet as farmers hoped. Taiwan is experiencing one of its wettest years on record. This has caused a large portion of the crop to rot.
Farmers have no choice but to harvest whatever is left. But because it’s damaged, it can only be used in processed foods. Wholesale prices have fallen from NT$40 to NT$30 per kilogram.
This is just the latest hit in the last couple of years. In 2021 China banned the import of Taiwanese pineapples, while this year the pandemic has also hurt the industry.
Agriculture official Cheng Chin-ch'iang says last year’s exports were better because friendly countries placed orders and the government provided subsidies. This year, the industry is focused on exporting to Japan. But with stricter regulations and less help from the government, farmers are suffering. Agriculture officials throughout the country hope that the government helps farmers find new markets to not waste the fruits of their labor.
[ NT$1 = €0,032 ]
Source: en.rti.org.tw