Taiwan's MOA to Restrict Peanut Seed Exports to Prevent Loss of Superior Varieties
On June 4, 2025, Taiwan's Ministry of Agriculture (MOA) announced a draft amendment to restrict the export of peanut seeds, both in-shell and shelled, to prevent the outflow of superior local varieties and protect the interests of domestic peanut farmers. The public comment period ends on August 5.
📋 Article Processing Timeline
- 📰 Published: June 4, 2026 at 13:19
- 🔍 Collected: June 4, 2026 at 13:32 (13 min after Published)
- 🤖 AI Analyzed: June 6, 2026 at 16:04 (50h 31m after Collected)
(Central News Agency, Taipei, June 4) The Ministry of Agriculture (MOA) today announced a draft amendment to the "Items of Plant Seedlings Restricted for Export," aiming to control the export of peanut seeds and prevent the outflow of superior varieties, thereby safeguarding the interests of Taiwan's local peanut farmers.
Based on the "Plant Variety and Seed Act," the MOA is amending the "Items of Plant Seedlings Restricted for Export." The public comment period will last until August 5. In the future, the export of "peanuts in shell, seeds" and "shelled peanuts, seeds" will be legally restricted.
The MOA stated that Taiwan's research capabilities in peanuts provide a significant advantage in the coarse grains market. In recent years, the Taiwan Agricultural Research Institute and local agricultural improvement stations have successfully cultivated several popular star varieties. These include "Tainan No. 14," known for its high yield and rich flavor; "Black Diamond Peanut," a special variety rich in anthocyanins with a unique taste; and the high-oleic acid star varieties "Tainung No. 11" and "Tainan No. 20," which represent a major technological breakthrough with excellent antioxidant properties and storage durability.
The MOA emphasized that these high-quality peanut varieties with excellent flavor and traits are the core brand asset of domestic peanuts. To prevent the improper outflow of Taiwan's long-accumulated core cultivation techniques and superior varieties, which could weaken the competitiveness of the local peanut industry, the government is establishing a variety protection network. By substantially restricting the export of peanut seeds, the MOA aims to effectively protect the uniqueness of domestic peanuts and ensure that the benefits of valuable research results remain with Taiwan's local peanut farmers.
Peanut cultivation in Taiwan is concentrated in Yunlin and Changhua counties. According to MOA statistics, the cultivation area was approximately 19,000 hectares in 2020. Due to labor shortages, it decreased to 17,000 hectares in 2024 and further to 15,000 hectares in 2025. Seventy percent of the harvest is used for processing. (Editor: Li Xizhang) 1150604
Based on the "Plant Variety and Seed Act," the MOA is amending the "Items of Plant Seedlings Restricted for Export." The public comment period will last until August 5. In the future, the export of "peanuts in shell, seeds" and "shelled peanuts, seeds" will be legally restricted.
The MOA stated that Taiwan's research capabilities in peanuts provide a significant advantage in the coarse grains market. In recent years, the Taiwan Agricultural Research Institute and local agricultural improvement stations have successfully cultivated several popular star varieties. These include "Tainan No. 14," known for its high yield and rich flavor; "Black Diamond Peanut," a special variety rich in anthocyanins with a unique taste; and the high-oleic acid star varieties "Tainung No. 11" and "Tainan No. 20," which represent a major technological breakthrough with excellent antioxidant properties and storage durability.
The MOA emphasized that these high-quality peanut varieties with excellent flavor and traits are the core brand asset of domestic peanuts. To prevent the improper outflow of Taiwan's long-accumulated core cultivation techniques and superior varieties, which could weaken the competitiveness of the local peanut industry, the government is establishing a variety protection network. By substantially restricting the export of peanut seeds, the MOA aims to effectively protect the uniqueness of domestic peanuts and ensure that the benefits of valuable research results remain with Taiwan's local peanut farmers.
Peanut cultivation in Taiwan is concentrated in Yunlin and Changhua counties. According to MOA statistics, the cultivation area was approximately 19,000 hectares in 2020. Due to labor shortages, it decreased to 17,000 hectares in 2024 and further to 15,000 hectares in 2025. Seventy percent of the harvest is used for processing. (Editor: Li Xizhang) 1150604