Agriculture and Food Agency Launches Creative Baking Competition to Develop Potential Products from Domestic Grains

(Central News Agency, reporter Wang Shufen, Taipei, 4th) The Agriculture and Food Agency (AFA) of the Ministry of Agriculture announced today that registration for the "2026 Domestic Grain Creative Baking Competition" is now open, encouraging baking industry professionals to use domestic grain ingredients to develop products that combine distinctiveness, quality, and market potential.

The AFA has been organizing the "Domestic Grain Creative Baking Competition" since 2017, and this year marks the seventh edition.

In a press release, the AFA stated that the "2026 Domestic Grain Creative Baking Competition" is now accepting registrations, with all relevant documents to be submitted by June 24. Bakers and food manufacturers across Taiwan are invited to use their creativity to explore the diverse flavors of Taiwan's domestic grains.

The AFA noted that domestic grains offer advantages such as local production, clear sources, and distinct flavors. When combined with the ingenuity of baking professionals, they can transcend traditional culinary frameworks and transform into aromatic breads, exquisite pastries, and unique souvenirs.

This competition features domestic red beans, peanuts, sesame, and buckwheat as the primary ingredients, inviting industry professionals to creatively turn Taiwan's grains into refreshing baked goods.

According to the competition rules announced by the AFA, the event is divided into two main categories: "Bread" and "Pastry & Gift." Five outstanding businesses will be selected from each category. Participants can choose one category based on their expertise and propose two specialty products made with domestic grains. The proportion of domestic grain ingredients or fillings in the entries must account for at least 25% of the product's total weight, and relevant source certification must be provided to ensure every bite contains authentic local Taiwanese ingredients.

The AFA stated that a panel of experts in food, baking, and distribution will judge the entries based on commercialization and mass production feasibility, product appearance, flavor and texture, and food hygiene and safety. Entries must not only look good and taste good but also have the potential to enter the market and win consumer favor. Each winning product will receive a prize of NT$20,000, a trophy, and a certificate. The AFA will also arrange a three-month sales promotion for the winning products. (Editor: Li Xizhang) 1150604