Guanshan Township Farmers' Association in Taitung Wins Top National Environmental Education Award for Sustainable Land Practices

Central News Agency Report

(CNA reporter Lu Tai-cheng, Taitung County, June 13) The Guanshan Township Farmers' Association in Taitung County has been awarded the 'Outstanding' prize in this year's National Environmental Education Award, recognized for promoting rural experiential programs and integrating sustainable, land-friendly farming practices into daily life.

The Ministry of Environment held the award ceremony for the '10th National Environmental Education Award' on June 12. The Guanshan Township Farmers' Association received the top honor, with Peng Yan-fang, head of the association's extension department and principal of the 'Rice Kingdom School,' accepting the award on behalf of the organization.

In a statement released today, the Guanshan Township Farmers' Association emphasized its long-term commitment to the local community, including agricultural extension, rice culture education, sustainability advocacy, and unique rural experience activities. These achievements, the association noted, were not accomplished overnight but are the result of years of dedicated teamwork, continuous investment, and persistent effort.

The association stated that environmental education is not merely classroom-based knowledge transfer, but the practical implementation of 'land-friendly practices, resource conservation, and sustainable living' in everyday actions. By building on local agricultural culture and integrating the Rice Kingdom School, food and agricultural education, and environmental outreach, the association has successfully highlighted the value of rural communities and rooted sustainability principles locally.

Peng Yan-fang told CNA reporters that 23 years ago, the association renovated an old rice mill and unused traditional granaries into the 'Rice Kingdom School' to promote rice culture and encourage appreciation for food and resources. Last year, the school expanded to include diverse parent-child experiential courses. The Rice Kingdom School serves as an ideal platform for sharing farmers' lives and agricultural knowledge. Through farmers' explanations and engaging content, visitors gain a more accurate understanding of food and agriculture education as well as ecological systems. (Editor: Li Hsi-chang) 1150613