Page 92 - 2019 Annual Report Council of Agriculture, Executive Yuan

Pleasurable Banquet: Distilling beautiful fragrances Unit Four: Upgrading the Competitiveness of Rural Industries
The "2nd Forum on Asian Industrial Heritage Conservation." Cherry blossom scenery as seen from the Alishan Forest Railway.
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10. Strengthening Communication about Rural Policies
(1) Diversified communications channels for major policies
A. In order to improve citizens’ understanding and acceptance of agricultural policies, the COA prepares different media campaigns for each agricultural policy. In 2019 we made three commercial films (CF advertisements) for television on the themes of the image of agriculture, safe dining, and disease prevention, which were broadcast on television stations and through outdoor media. The COA also produced guidance spots for radio broadcast on national radio networks, offshore island radio stations, and local radio stations in central and southern Taiwan, providing guidance to farmers on subjects like occupational-injury insurance, agricultural insurance, disease prevention, and the removal of the EU "Yellow Card" for Taiwan’s distant water fishing operations. We also produced 44 special videos on major agricultural policies and the results of policy implementation, and broadcast these on TV, the Internet, the COA’s Facebook fans page, and the electronic bulletin boards at farmers’ and fishermen’s associations. The goal of these measures was to increase citizens’ understanding of rural policies and their participation in relevant activities, better inform citizens about COA policies, and enhance the distribution of relevant information.
B. In 2019, the COA strengthened policy exposure through diversified channels to increase the connection citizens feel with agriculture. These channels included 182 policy seminars to allow citizens to participate in and discuss agricultural issues. Also, through National Geographic magazine, we promoted policies like the under-forest economy, eco-friendly farming, organic agriculture, circular agriculture, and the "Taiwan Ecological Network." The COA also created more practical opportunities for citizens to participate through photography competitions and exhibitions.
(2) "New media" diversified communications platforms
The COA provides a rich variety of agriculture-related information on its Facebook fans page, Youtube channel, themed webpages set up through the Yam portal, and Line@ group. There is not only information on agricultural policy, but also on technology R&D, press conferences, presentations of policy results, soft knowledge, agricultural weather reports, and agricultural information, which are shown through diversified and lively means such as video, picture cards, and direct feeds. Also, each month the COA holds interactive activities for Facebook fans, effectively informing people about policies and other matters. We also rapidly reply to questions from citizens, providing immediate services. In 2019 the number of people on the COA’s Facebook fans page increased by over 50,000, a growth rate of about 125%, and the number of Line@ friends increased by 12,432, while there were 101 live feeds of events on Facebook.