Agriculture Ministry Considering Paid Parental Leave for Farmers
By Jake Chung / Staff writer, with CNA
The Ministry of Agriculture is exploring the implementation of paid parental leave for young farmers, as stated by Minister Chen Junne-jih at a ceremony celebrating 100 Outstanding Young Farmers. Chen expressed the government's goal to introduce this benefit in the coming year.
Key Points:
- The ministry aims to provide benefits similar to those available to other workers, focusing on young farmers due to Taiwan's changing agricultural workforce and declining birthrate.
- Chen emphasized that farming should be a respected profession, and farmers deserve welfare benefits comparable to other sectors.
- Currently, most farmers lack conventional employers, preventing them from utilizing the labor system's unpaid parental leave scheme. The ministry plans to create a separate system tailored for farmers.
- Details such as leave duration, subsidy amounts, and payment methods are still under discussion. The minimum wage may serve as a basis for calculating subsidies, with flexibility considered for leave length and payment periods.
Young Farmers Recognized:
The ministry honored 106 young farmers as agricultural role models, with an average age of 34, and 27% being female. These awardees excel in various areas:
- Crop Production: 68 winners
- Fisheries: 8 winners
- Livestock Farming: 12 winners
- Beekeeping: 4 winners
- Specialty Crops: 6 winners
This year, the ministry expanded its recognition to include young farmers who have developed local industries and contributed to their communities. Some achievements highlight the use of technology in greenhouse farming, aquaculture, production, and sales, as well as the development of processed products, brands, and new marketing channels.
Minister Chen pledged continued support for young farmers through funding, technology access, marketing assistance, and welfare benefits, while ensuring the profession offers stable livelihoods and opportunities.