TAIPEI (Taiwan News) — Taiwan’s Ministry of Agriculture reported Wednesday that by the end of 2025, 27,109 new farmers had completed training, approaching the 10-year goal of 30,000 set in 2017 to address long-standing labor shortages in agriculture.

The initiative supports new farmers through programs that connect educational institutions with workplaces. It is designed to help young agricultural workers develop and pursue farming careers, according to CNA.

Labor shortages in the sector have eased in recent years. By 2023, regular workforce gaps fell from 100,000 person-days in 2018 to 5,000, while seasonal gaps decreased by 50% to 100,000 person-days, according to Tcloud.

Despite these improvements, the sector still faces a generational challenge, with relatively few younger farmers entering the field. To encourage youth participation, the ministry launched an agricultural preparation fund in 2020.

By the end of 2025, 942 new farmers had joined the program, with a total of NT$295 million (US$9.33 million) disbursed. The fund provides financial support to farmers aged 18 to 45 who have worked in agriculture for less than two years.

It offers NT$360,000 or NT$720,000 over the first two years. Following an expansion in August, an additional NT$120,000 is available in the third year.