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Taiwan and EU Join Forces — TaiwanICDF Supports Smart Agriculture in Tuvalu
The Taiwan Technical Mission (TTM) in Tuvalu, under the International Cooperation and Development Fund (TaiwanICDF), has successfully secured funding from the European Union (EU) for the first time to promote a Taiwan–Tuvalu agricultural cooperation project. The TTM and Tuvalu’s Ministry of Natural Resources held a signing ceremony at the Happy Friendship Farm for a memorandum of understanding (MOU) on joint utilization of A$300,000 in funding from the EU. The MOU was signed by TTM leader Chin-Chien Kuo and ministry senior official Scott Pelesala. The event was witnessed by Amb. Andrew Tung-heng Lin of the Republic of China (Taiwan) to Tuvalu, Minister of Natural Resources Sa'aga Talu Teafa, Director of Agriculture Matio Lonalona, and Tuvalu Coconut Rehabilitation Program financial advisor Mr. Niuatui.
This collaboration was made possible following a visit by the EU Delegation for the Pacific to Tuvalu in February, during which representatives toured the Friendship Farm. They were impressed by the farm’s environment, cultivation practices, pest control, organic composting techniques, and the overall management system. The delegation also expressed appreciation for Taiwan’s longstanding contributions to improving Tuvalu’s agricultural productivity and food security. Discussions then began on the possibility of integrating smart irrigation, hydroponics, and vertical farming technologies into Tuvalu’s agricultural sector.
To deepen cooperation, the TTM proposed a “Smart Agriculture Technology Implementation Project.” With the support of EU funds allocated to the Tuvaluan government, a vertical farming demonstration zone will be established at the Friendship Farm. Four key components will be introduced from Taiwan: a smart precision irrigation control system, vertical pipe cultivation facilities, organic agricultural inputs, and a simple poultry house. The project aims to produce fast-growing, fresh-consumable vegetables like lettuce and rocket (arugula), supplementing existing crops to meet the rising food demand of Funafuti’s growing population.
During the event, Pelesala acknowledged the significant and longstanding contributions of the TTM in supporting Tuvalu’s agricultural development. He expressed anticipation of the plans to integrate Taiwanese agricultural technologies with EU funding to expand vegetable production, promote local consumption of fruits and vegetables, and improve public health. Ambassador Lin expressed hope that the Taiwanese agricultural equipment procured through EU funding would further enhance the efforts of the TTM, and expand the development of the Friendship Farm.
To close the ceremony on a warm note, Ambassador Lin and Minister Sa'aga presented a token of appreciation to Mr. Tikitiki, a senior staff member at the Friendship Farm who is about to retire. Having served since the TTM’s establishment in 2004, he has witnessed and contributed to the growth and impact of the mission in Tuvalu.
The TaiwanICDF Deputy Secretary General Peifen Hsieh noted that in recent years, Tuvalu has attracted international attention due to climate change, and the demonstration farm often receives visits from foreign media. She further emphasized that establishing a Taiwanese agricultural technology demonstration site in the South Pacific would represent a significant milestone in showcasing Taiwan’s smart solutions to the world. It would also embody the spirit of Taiwanese Minister of Foreign Affairs Lin Chia-lung’s Diplomatic Allies Prosperity Project, by promoting mutual prosperity and fulfilling the shared goal of ensuring daily access to nutritious food for the people of Tuvalu.
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- Update: 2025/06/13
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