Satoyama Initiative
- ◆ An Overview on the Satoyama Initiative
- ◆ International Partnership
- ◆ Satoyama Initiative in Taiwan
Taiwan Ecological Network
Taiwan Ecological Network
◆ Tse-Xin Organic Agriculture Foundation
During the 1980s and early 1990s, Taiwan's agriculture prioritized yield over sustainability, leading to the widespread application of chemical fertilizers, pesticides, and herbicides. Unfortunately, this practice caused toxins to spread throughout the farmland. Unfortunately, this has led to the accumulation of toxic chemicals in the farmland, which can harm both plants and animals. However, in 1995, an elderly monk proposed a new approach to farming, emphasizing the importance of organic practices. Two years later, the Tse-Xin Organic Agriculture Foundation, a non-profit organization, was established to promote this philosophy.
The foundation is called “Tse-Xin,” which means having a compassionate heart. The Buddhist monk chose this name, and he stated that the foundation would focus on organic agriculture. To promote this goal, the name was selected to let people know the foundation's objectives and direction. Therefore, Tse-Xin Organic Agriculture Foundation was chosen. From the name, people can understand that engaging in organic agriculture is also a way to develop compassionate hearts, which can be used to practice organic farming.
Initially, the foundation faced challenges in finding farmers willing to participate in their initiative, particularly those in remote mountainous and rural areas. However, the foundation learned to transform mainstream capitalist marketing into a non-mainstream socialist market of good deeds. This helped them implement a sustainable business model with balanced development in the economic, environmental, and social aspects. Currently, the foundation manages small-scale farmers with single households, as well as enterprise subsidiary farms with hundreds of employees in Beitou, New Taipei City, Zhuzihu, Jinshan, Wanli, and other areas of Taipei City. The foundation expects that enterprises can take practical actions to bring all relevant stakeholders together in pursuit of cooperation and sustainable development of the environment. They aim to work together as guardians of the earth.