TAIPEI (Taiwan News) — Chiayi County Magistrate Weng Chang-liang (翁章梁) on Wednesday welcomed a delegation from Japan’s Yamaguchi Prefecture for a three-day visit focused on farming techniques and heat management.

The county government said the group was led by Yamaguchi agriculture and fisheries chief Okamoto Akio. The delegation toured a greenhouse in Taibao City and sampled cherry tomatoes, praising their flavor.

Five Yamaguchi farmers were also part of the group. They previously joined a Taiwan-Japan agricultural forum last year and came to see how Taiwan handles high temperatures while keeping crop quality stable.

CNA reported that the delegation also visited Youwo Farm, an Alishan lily production site, and a smart farm. The visits focused on different growing systems and the use of agricultural technology.

The county agriculture department said all four sites were operated by graduates of a local farmer training program. Officials said the program helps young farmers build skills and shows farming can be a modern career.

Weng said Chiayi and Yamaguchi share close ties, with about 700 tonnes of Chiayi pineapples shipped through Yamaguchi each year. He said both sides aim to move beyond trade and expand technical exchange and official cooperation.