Image reproduced from TVBS 新聞網

Taiwan's fruit industry has once again celebrated a significant milestone! After undergoing strict hot water treatment and quarantine procedures, Taiwanese mangoes and guavas have received certification from the Bureau of Animal and Plant Health Inspection and Quarantine, allowing them to be exported to EU member states. As a major production area, Tainan's mayor, Huang Wei-che, shared the difficulties involved in the negotiations.

In Kaohsiung, guava growers discussed methods to prevent fruit flies and successfully navigated the EU's import restrictions. Additionally, the Jiou-Ru Farmers' Association in Pingtung is promoting a new variety called "Mango Pineapple," which combines the taste of mango with pineapple, gaining popularity among consumers and selling out in just ten days.

This exceptional "Mango Pineapple" has a vibrant golden flesh and releases a delightful mango aroma, delighting those who have tried it. Local farmers have produced around 5,000 of these mango pineapples, with the association assisting in marketing efforts. Taiwanese fruits continue to shine on the international stage.

Premier Su Tseng-chang expressed pride in the ability of mangoes and guavas to reach the European market, having passed the high safety standards set by the EU.

In recent years, Tainan has advanced its agriculture by developing various quarantine technologies and upgrading the Yu-Jing hot water treatment plant with an investment of over NT$50 million, achieving the highest hot water treatment capacity in the country. Starting from June 13, under the supervision of the Bureau of Animal and Plant Health Inspection and Quarantine, the facility conducted hot water treatment at 46.5 degrees Celsius for 30 minutes, which paved the way for exports to the EU.

Mayor Huang recalled the example of promoting agricultural products in the Netherlands last year, sharing the challenges encountered during the process, including issues with samples that had quarantine concerns. Effective communication with relevant parties was crucial, leading to the successful breaking through of EU import barriers.

Chen Yu-liang, head of the supply and marketing department of the Yan-chao Farmers' Association, noted, "This is a great help for all fruit farmers and promotes the soft power of Taiwan." Guava producers in Kaohsiung also shared methods to effectively eliminate the Oriental fruit fly.

As an area affected by the Oriental fruit fly and melon fly, Taiwan can now export fruits to the EU after maintaining a temperature below 1 degree Celsius for 17 days. Taiwanese mangoes and guavas are now set to reach European tables, writing a new chapter in the story of Taiwan’s fruits.