Taiwan shortens afforestation subsidy period from 20 to 6 years

Taipei, Aug. 18 (CNA) Taiwan's Forestry and Nature Conservation Agency (FANCA) on Monday announced major reforms to its afforestation program, shortening subsidy periods from 20 years to six years and introducing new bonus categories.

The agency said the changes also establish clear goals for both commercial and non-commercial forests, designed to promote a "comprehensive upgrade" in forest management.

At a press conference in Taipei, FANCA launched "Afforestation Subsidies 2.0" and said these revised afforestation subsidy measures will take effect immediately.

Speaking at the event, Agriculture Minister Chen Junne-jih (陳駿季) described forests a "strategic asset."

"Commercial forests can be jointly managed with forestry management cooperatives, while for non-commercial forests we will promote payments for ecosystem services to highlight the value of forest conservation," he said.

FANCA Director-General Lin Hua-ching (林華慶) said the incentive program, first enacted in 2008, had undergone a sweeping revision.

"The new regulations represent a major reform of afforestation policy, adjusting goals, tree species selection, incentive periods, bonuses and the location of afforestation areas," he said.

Lin added that FANCA "invites forest farmers, public and private associations, and unincorporated associations to join afforestation and forest management."

Lin said more than 5,700 hectares of hillside terrain have already been afforested, contributing to national land conservation and greening.

He criticized the previous system, saying the 20-year period was "too long" and that "bonuses were based only on survival rates, and the goals were unclear."

"At NT$600,000 per hectare over 20 years, almost half of it was for merit," Lin said.

Under the new program, subsidy recipients can obtain NT$500,000 in the sixth year if requirements are met, with an additional NT$50,000 per hectare as either a reforestation subsidy or a structural lumber subsidy.

A maximum of NT$600,000 per hectare can be received in six years, Lin said, adding that the reforms also broaden the goals of afforestation.

"The value of forests will be made more diverse, with incentives for lumber production, environmental and ecological functions, developing an under-forest economy, and forest therapy," he said.

Independent lawmaker Kao Chin Su-mei (高金素梅) and Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) lawmakers Wu Li-hua (伍麗華), Chen Ying (陳瑩) and Chuang Jui-hsiung (莊瑞雄) attended the press conference and expressed support for the reforms.

Chuang urged the Ministry of Agriculture (MOA) to expand the range of forest-based commercial activities.

"It should not only be beekeeping and log-grown shiitake mushrooms," he said, adding that "Chinese medicinal ingredients can also be an option."