Putting “Care” in Agriculture – How CoAsia Helps Small Farmers 

In a society with advanced industry and commerce, agriculture may feel slightly strange and distant. However, we all love Taiwanese farmers and have confidence in Taiwan's agricultural products. The individual farmers whose families are engaged in traditional agriculture are one of the most vulnerable groups in the agricultural supply chain, due to the small production scale, lack of marketing concepts, and lack of resource channels. CoAsia cares about them and actively contributes, and is especially interested in helping small farmers in remote villages and participating in their work.

Coincidentally, CoAsia learned that the hometown of a certain colleague was planting sugar-apples in Beinan, Taitung. With the consent of the colleague, the company contacted his parents: Jun-de Li, and his wife, Yu-zhu Lai. CoAsia cares for these small farmers, and decided on a purchase price higher than the average wholesale price. After confirming the production date and quantity of agricultural products, the company summoned colleagues and the Welfare Committee to purchase 50 boxes (about 500 kilograms) of Daimu sugar-apples through direct purchase and direct delivery from the place of origin, accounting for about half of the current season's yield. By supporting small farmers and buying products with a higher-than-average wholesale price, CoAsia has obtained the support of small farmers, and colleagues have therefore obtained high-quality agricultural products at a lower-than-average market price, creating a win-win situation for both the farmers and consumers.

Adhering to the concepts of corporate social responsibility and supporting disadvantaged small farmers, CoAsia continues to cooperate with farmers, for instance, purchasing and donating Xizhou Shangshui's rice, and purchasing agricultural products from small farmers. In the future, CoAsia is considering guaranteed-purchase contracts, ensuring farmers will at least earn some minimum amount, and CoAsia hopes its care for farmers will continue to make the world a more caring place.