Support local pig farmers! Chen Ju urges fellow villagers to eat more healthy pork

In order to support domestic livestock farmers, Kaohsiung Mayor Chen Ju led DPP officials, accompanied by Yunlin County Magistrate Su Chi-fen, to visit Sanyuan Livestock Farm in Linnei Township on the morning of the 21st. At noon, the group enjoyed a Lin Happy Pork Meal with four dishes and one soup, taking practical action to support local pig farmers. Chen Ju said that she saw the professionalism of the pig farmers and their confidence in future development. While the pig farming industry is facing difficulties at this time, the central government must propose more favorable policies. She also called on fellow villagers across the country to have confidence in the local animal husbandry industry, support local pig farmers, and eat more local healthy pork.

Kaohsiung Mayor Chen Ju (third from right) and Yunlin County Magistrate Su Chi-fen (second from right) jointly called on the public to support local pig farmers and eat more local healthy pork. (Photo provided by Taiwan Good News)

Mayor Chen Ju and County Magistrate Su put on isolation suits and entered Sanyuan Livestock Pig Farm to learn about the process of high-tech pig farming. Sanyuan Livestock Farm is the most advanced pig breeding facility in the country. The people in charge are Dr. Chen Yongxiong and his wife Lin Shuling. The pig farm is equipped with water curtain negative pressure pig houses to isolate pathogens, and adopts computer system management. It also uses water curtains for cooling and negative pressure to prevent the spread of the epidemic. Chen Ju affirmed the process of high-tech pig farming, proving that Taiwan's animal husbandry has improved its world-class competitiveness.

At noon, Chen Ju and her entourage arranged to have lunch at the Douliu Xingqi Memorial Hall, and held a discussion with representatives of pig farmers from Chiayi, Tainan, Kaohsiung, Pingtung and other counties and cities. Pig farmers frequently complained, and everyone reflected that the recent drop in pork prices has caused them to lose 1,500 yuan for each pig sold. They were dissatisfied with the government's failure to properly handle the issue of American beef and ractopamine, which directly affected pig farmers and harmed the livestock industry. They threatened to take to the streets to protest again.

County magistrate Su Chi-fen said that pig farmers are now begging for help but have nowhere to turn. The Ma government, constrained by diplomatic factors, is harming pig farmers, which is tantamount to burying pig farmers. She demanded that the administrative agencies take clear actions to solve the problem of clenbuterol. The Lin County government should adopt the most stringent control. Every pig entering the meat market for auction must be shaved and inspected. At the same time, clenbuterol "drug heads" must also be caught. The administrative agencies must be divided into different levels and have different powers and responsibilities and take positive actions. Deputy County Magistrate Shi Kehe briefed the DPP Central Standing Committee on the "Impact of the Clenbuterol Storm on the Livestock Industry" later.

Chen Ju also emphasized the DPP's determination to support local livestock policies in her capacity as the party's acting chairperson. She said that she grew up with pigs and was very familiar with the environment. Taiwan's livestock industry is suffering harm and a blow at this time, and the government and the people need to support Taiwan's livestock industry and eat more Taiwanese pork. If any pig farmers want to request state compensation, the DPP will have no choice but to ask the legal team for assistance. If the people must take to the streets to fight for their rights, as a rational and democratic political party, they will absolutely respect that. They also hope to help pig farmers through consultation and dialogue.