The saying "Food is the paramount necessity of the people" underscores the importance of ensuring that agricultural products and ingredients are safe and hygienic at every stage from "farm to table," and that they cause minimal environmental impact. This is a critical social issue. The lecture invites Wu Yu-Ren, the director of Genyuan Farm and one of the 2023 National Top 100 Young Farmers, as well as Zhang Zhi-Yuan, the Executive Director of the Taiwan Association of Food Suppliers, to present a lecture on "Food Safety and Food and Agriculture Education" at the university. Director Wu Yu-Ren discussed the topic from the production side, highlighting five key points: 1.The Connection Between Agricultural Production and Public Policy: Wu introduced how public policies influence food safety and food and agriculture education, including the concept of cross-domain governance involving various government agencies such as the Ministry of Agriculture, Ministry of Economic Affairs, and the Ministry of Health and Welfare. 2.The Legislative Spirit of Food and Agriculture Education: Wu discussed the background and guidelines for national food and agriculture education, emphasizing local agricultural support, balanced dietary concepts, food conservation, and the sustainable agricultural concept of "eat local." 3.Analysis of Agricultural Market Structure: He described the agricultural market structure, including small-scale farming, price fluctuations, and network theories, stressing the dilemma of farmers as price takers. 4.Promotion of Food Safety at the Production End: Wu talked about how food safety is ensured through rational pesticide use, joint marketing, and third-party certification, mentioning the roles of farmers, production and marketing groups, and cooperatives in promoting safety management and education. 5.Integration of the Four Health Associations and Food and Agriculture Education: He introduced the history of the Four Health Associations in Taiwan and their role in educating rural youth, highlighting their contribution to promoting healthy lifestyles and sustainable development among young people. Finally, Director Wu emphasized that the key to food safety lies in the management at the production level, calling for joint efforts between the government and the private sector to promote food and agriculture education and ensure food safety and sustainable agricultural development. Executive Director Zhang Zhi-Yuan discussed the agricultural food supply chain driven by modern retail channels and dining services, stressing that "without management, there is no food safety." The key points included: 1.Taiwan’s Dining and Takeout Trends: Based on surveys, Zhang discussed the eating-out habits of office workers aged 25 to 35 in Taiwan and how the demand for takeout affects the food supply chain. 2.The Role and Challenges of Food Suppliers: He emphasized that the food supply chain is not just "from point A to point B," but requires effective supply chain management, strict quality standards, and smooth coordination. 3.Operation of the Food Supply Chain: Zhang discussed the sources and operations of the food supply chain, emphasizing the importance of maintaining freshness, traceability, and information transparency throughout, while strengthening regulatory needs to alleviate the government's food safety management pressures. 4.Food Safety Management: He explored food safety issues in the agricultural food supply chain, covering production, processing, storage, transportation, and distribution. He proposed that multi-departmental collaboration is necessary to ensure food safety. In conclusion, Executive Director Zhang emphasized the critical role of food supply chain management in food safety and called for the industry to strengthen self-regulation and cooperation to ensure consumer food safety.

Implemented by Center for Teaching and Learning Development
Date: 2024/10/16