Sustainable Living: Taitung Slow Food Festival’s Slow Economy Moving Towards A Sustainable Slow Living City
In Taitung, the Slow Food Festival isn’t just an annual extravaganza; it’s a manifestation of a way of life. Through this festival, Taitung showcases its commitment to sustainable living and has successfully earned ISO 20121 international certification. This recognition signifies its international acknowledgment for ongoing management in environmental, social, and economic sustainable development—a significant milestone for the Slow Food Festival. (Photo credit IG@fox_eathwithdog)
Taitung’s Slow Economy and Slow Living
Taitung’s slow economy strategy has successfully supported the development of small-scale and sustainable agriculture, encouraging farmers to adopt organic farming methods and reduce reliance on chemical fertilizers and pesticides. This not only protects the natural environment but also enhances consumer confidence in food safety. The success of these efforts owes much to the Taitung Slow Food Festival.
While Taitung covers a vast area, organic farmers often face challenges in sales and brand reputation due to limited and scattered farmland. High prices, restricted sales channels, and a lack of low-temperature storage facilities make it difficult to preserve agricultural products, impacting farmers’ income and their willingness to continue farming. However, the Taitung Slow Food Festival brings together three major communities: “Slow Farmers” with a focus on direct sales from their origin, “Slow Chefs” who carefully select ingredients, and “Slow Foodies” who embrace this concept as consumers. This gathering intertwines these communities, forming a sustainable life chain from cultivation to the dining table.
This “Happy Slow Economy” not only increases income but also encourages local residents to place greater emphasis on their quality of life. Taitung has also risen to become the second most livable city in the country, with its slow economy becoming a prominent model, continuing to exert its influence.
The Practical Application of Organic Sustainable Agriculture
In Taitung, organic sustainable agriculture isn’t just a theoretical concept but a new paradigm that balances production with ecology. Over the past few years, the principles of sustainable management within the slow economy have blossomed in this region, drawing more and more local small farmers into the sustainable agriculture movement. They’ve abandoned traditional farming methods reliant on chemical fertilizers and pesticides, opting instead for natural farming practices. This shift has not only revitalized the land but also preserved biodiversity, showcasing their love for their home and responsibility towards the environment.
Taitung’s organic agriculture has achieved remarkable success under the banner of the slow economy. Since 2017, the verified organic farming area has expanded from 867 hectares to 1,320 hectares in 2023, ranking third in Taiwan. This growth has even surpassed traditional agricultural powerhouses like Yunlin and Changhua. Particularly in organic rice cultivation, Taitung holds the second-largest area nationwide, solidifying its position as a leader in sustainable farming practices.
Taitung’s organic farmlands aren’t just places for production and cultivation; they’ve also been transformed into natural classrooms to promote knowledge and life education. Local farmers have converted their farms into educational hubs, welcoming many students to experience and deeply understand the essence of sustainable living firsthand. Food and agriculture education isn’t just about conveying the importance of sustainable farming to the next generation; it’s about nurturing children’s taste and awareness of quality food from a young age. This empowers them to consciously choose food sources in the future, carrying forward the spirit of slow food.
In 2021, the Taitung County Agricultural Department organized 50 organic rice farming education sessions in numerous junior high and elementary schools. Additionally, organic rice was used in 48 school lunch menus, allowing students to not only learn about the cultivation and growth process of organic ingredients but also practice a healthy diet and environmentally friendly lifestyle.
Leading the Sustainable Society Movement
The Taitung Slow Food Festival isn’t just about enjoying good food; it’s a catalyst for a larger social movement centered on the idea of “slow.” This movement aims to transform our ecological habits and promote a sustainable way of life. Through a diverse range of workshops, talks, and interactive activities, the festival is reshaping public perceptions about sustainable eating and raising awareness of its significance.
Attendees don’t just leave with culinary skills; they also gain a deeper understanding of how their daily choices can positively impact the environment. The festival is more than a one-time event—it’s a journey towards a greener, more mindful lifestyle, and each participant plays a part in this movement for change.
Furthermore, the influence of the Taitung Slow Food Festival has extended beyond the Central Mountain Range, making its debut in Taipei’s Huashan 1914 Creative Park in 2021 with resounding success, prompting a repeat event in 2023. This event not only focuses on promoting Taitung’s organic agricultural products but also allows urban residents to experience the farm-to-table philosophy through a series of slow food seminars, effectively alleviating the stress brought on by fast-paced living.
Given the enthusiastic response to this event, the Taitung Slow Food Festival may potentially expand into more cities in the future, allowing residents to experience Taitung’s slow economy and unique rhythm without the need for long journeys. Through this series of activities, urban residents can not only align with sustainability in their diet but also deeply appreciate the value of agriculture and environmental care in their daily lives. This, in turn, can spark positive ecological and economic cycles within Taiwanese society.
The Taitung Slow Food Festival embodies a lifestyle rhythm that harmonizes with nature, cherishes resources, and preserves local culture and traditions. It reshapes urban and rural development in line with global environmental and sustainability trends. This celebration is not just an annual event but also a catalyst for cultural progress, driving ecological changes across Taiwan and showcasing Taiwan’s commitment and creativity in sustainable development to the world.
