President Lai: When Elections Come, Rumors Emerge, Manufacturing Center Comes From Across the Strait
President Lai Ching-te stated that as elections approach, rumors from mainland China spread, causing anxiety among farmers regarding agricultural product imports. He emphasized the safety of potato and peanut imports, countering misinformation, and promised government support for farmers.
📋 Article Processing Timeline
- 📰 Published: May 1, 2026 at 17:51
- 🔍 Collected: May 1, 2026 at 18:02 (10 min after Published)
- 🤖 AI Analyzed: May 1, 2026 at 21:50 (3h 48m after Collected)
Central News Agency (CNA) reporter Chiang Yi-ching, Yunlin County, 1st – President Lai Ching-te said today that what farmers worry about most is not the weather or international competition, but "rumors." When elections come, rumors start, and according to national security investigations, the "source is from across the strait," indicating that the rumor manufacturing center "comes from the other side!"
Accompanied by Minister of Agriculture Chen Junne-jih and Democratic Progressive Party Legislator Liu Chien-kuo, President Lai attended the "2024 'Warm May, Full of Gratitude' Exemplary Mother Commendation and Achievement Exhibition Series Activities" in Douliu Township, Yunlin County. He expressed gratitude for the dedication and contributions of rural women and affirmed the various agricultural promotion achievements of the Douliu Township Farmers' Association.
President Lai stated that during the Taiwan-US reciprocal tariff negotiations, the principles of national interest, industrial interest, food security, and public health were upheld, without abandoning any industry and caring for farmers. The results of the agricultural product negotiations were better than those of Japan, South Korea, and "the country next door." However, as elections approach, rumors begin to circulate, and some people, not understanding the situation, are intentionally misled, making farmers very nervous, which is unnecessary.
Taking potatoes as an example, President Lai said that the claim "sprouted potatoes can be imported" is incorrect. Taiwan's inspections are very strict, such as individual inspection of imported potatoes; any sprouted ones are completely returned. National health will never be sacrificed, and only whole potatoes can enter the Taiwanese market.
Regarding the issue of American peanuts, President Lai said that everyone need not worry. Imported peanuts are shelled and, after freezing and storage, their taste is inferior to Taiwanese peanuts. Although the price is lower, business owners who want to retain customers will still choose higher-quality domestic peanuts. Currently, Taiwanese peanuts still account for about 75% of the domestic market.
President Lai said that the government will continue to monitor market changes, and if agricultural products are affected, assistance will be provided in a timely manner, such as contract farming systems and price guarantee mechanisms. A NT$30 billion "Agricultural Security Fund" has also been established to support and assist affected agricultural products, so everyone should have confidence in Taiwanese agricultural products.
Regarding the claim that foreign agricultural product imports would "destroy agriculture," Minister Chen Junne-jih stated that during tariff negotiations, important crops produced in Yunlin, such as rice, garlic, and chicken, were not given up. The Ministry of Agriculture is committed to protecting Yunlin's crops and farmers. The Ministry of Agriculture will stand with farmers, drive the industry forward, and will hold many briefing sessions to report to farmers. The Ministry of Agriculture is determined to support farmers and Taiwanese agriculture. (Editor: Li Ming-tsung) 1150501
Choose to stand with the facts, every sponsorship you make is a force to protect press freedom.
Download the Central News Agency 'First-hand News' APP to instantly grasp the latest news.
The text, images, and videos on this website may not be reproduced, broadcast, transmitted, or used without authorization.
Accompanied by Minister of Agriculture Chen Junne-jih and Democratic Progressive Party Legislator Liu Chien-kuo, President Lai attended the "2024 'Warm May, Full of Gratitude' Exemplary Mother Commendation and Achievement Exhibition Series Activities" in Douliu Township, Yunlin County. He expressed gratitude for the dedication and contributions of rural women and affirmed the various agricultural promotion achievements of the Douliu Township Farmers' Association.
President Lai stated that during the Taiwan-US reciprocal tariff negotiations, the principles of national interest, industrial interest, food security, and public health were upheld, without abandoning any industry and caring for farmers. The results of the agricultural product negotiations were better than those of Japan, South Korea, and "the country next door." However, as elections approach, rumors begin to circulate, and some people, not understanding the situation, are intentionally misled, making farmers very nervous, which is unnecessary.
Taking potatoes as an example, President Lai said that the claim "sprouted potatoes can be imported" is incorrect. Taiwan's inspections are very strict, such as individual inspection of imported potatoes; any sprouted ones are completely returned. National health will never be sacrificed, and only whole potatoes can enter the Taiwanese market.
Regarding the issue of American peanuts, President Lai said that everyone need not worry. Imported peanuts are shelled and, after freezing and storage, their taste is inferior to Taiwanese peanuts. Although the price is lower, business owners who want to retain customers will still choose higher-quality domestic peanuts. Currently, Taiwanese peanuts still account for about 75% of the domestic market.
President Lai said that the government will continue to monitor market changes, and if agricultural products are affected, assistance will be provided in a timely manner, such as contract farming systems and price guarantee mechanisms. A NT$30 billion "Agricultural Security Fund" has also been established to support and assist affected agricultural products, so everyone should have confidence in Taiwanese agricultural products.
Regarding the claim that foreign agricultural product imports would "destroy agriculture," Minister Chen Junne-jih stated that during tariff negotiations, important crops produced in Yunlin, such as rice, garlic, and chicken, were not given up. The Ministry of Agriculture is committed to protecting Yunlin's crops and farmers. The Ministry of Agriculture will stand with farmers, drive the industry forward, and will hold many briefing sessions to report to farmers. The Ministry of Agriculture is determined to support farmers and Taiwanese agriculture. (Editor: Li Ming-tsung) 1150501
Choose to stand with the facts, every sponsorship you make is a force to protect press freedom.
Download the Central News Agency 'First-hand News' APP to instantly grasp the latest news.
The text, images, and videos on this website may not be reproduced, broadcast, transmitted, or used without authorization.