TAIPEI (Taiwan News) — Agriculture Minister Chen Junne-jih (陳駿季) on Wednesday said there is a comprehensive plan to ensure food supplies in Taiwan if there is a Chinese blockade.
During a legislative session, KMT lawmaker Weng Hsiao-ling (翁曉玲) cited a report by the Center for Strategic and International Studies on Taiwan's food security, which claims that if China chooses, it could blockade and isolate Taiwan, per CNA. The report says that a military blockade could involve severing trade and preventing merchant and cargo ships from approaching.
Given that Taiwan imports 96% of its energy and 70% of its food, Weng asked how Taiwan would ensure food security if the PLA imposed a blockade.
Chen responded that the government currently holds 5.5 months' worth of public grain reserves, which could increase to around eight to nine months if there is a good harvest this year. Chen said Taiwan's state-run reserves typically last eight to twelve months.
Weng then asked what the ideal food reserve standard should be in light of the Center for Strategic and International Studies' claim that Taiwan could be blockaded at any time. She asked, "Is 5.5 months enough?" and argued, "We cannot wait until the rice harvest."
Chen explained that in addition to public grain reserves, private sector stocks bring the total supply to about one year.
Weng then asked whether the locations of distribution stations had been publicly announced. Chen responded that both public grain storage sites and distribution stations are well accounted for, with local governments serving as the primary distribution hubs.
The minister said that distribution is not solely managed by the central government.
Chen said there are 143 food distribution stations, and not every county or city needs one. The setup is based on the locations of public grain reserves, with operations extending beyond administrative boundaries, said Chen.
Chen said there is a “comprehensive plan” in place for the entire food supply chain from public grain storage to distribution stations and final delivery.
