The 2017 Agricultural Product Innovative Marketing Activity, which featured “the home of mandarin oranges,” was held from January 21 to 22 in the square in front of Hsinchu County Government. This year, in addition to an agricultural product exhibition and sale event, there were still the display of camellia artworks, a quiz contest, family competitions, a stamp collection activity, and free orange cupcakes and chicken dishes provided for participants. At the entrance was the interactive art installation “Citrus Corridor,” at which visitors could have their photo taken and give a “Like” on the Facebook fan page to receive a small gift. All activities were fun and informative.
Hsinchu County is blessed with a suitable climate, soil and water. This, in turn, facilitates the harvest of various high quality mandarin oranges. The juicy and sweet flavor makes mandarin oranges a must-eat fruit in autumn and winter. At the end of 2016, Hsinchu County had approximately 2,457 hectares of land producing a total of 42,913 tons of mandarin oranges. Among all the kinds, the “tankan,” which is mainly grown in Qionglin, Xinpu, Guanxi, Hengshan, Baoshan and Emei townships, has the largest scale, with 1,393 hectares of land producing 24,240 tons. Emei Township, in particular, has the greatest harvest of tankan in Taiwan. In terms of quality, color and sweetness, Emei’s tankan is superior and makes an ideal gift during Chinese New Year.
Just before Chinese New Year, Magistrate Chiu Ching-chun invited everyone to savor the great natural tastes of Hsinchu County. He stated that the county has been dedicated to developing quality agriculture, and the result is fruitful. Moreover, all the farmers’ associations are working together for the sustainable development of agriculture, hoping to increase farmers’ incomes and enhance their living standard.