Taiwan's Strawberry Crisis: Is Air Pollution to Blame?

The "Strawberry Kingdom" of Taiwan faces a crisis as farmers suspect air pollution from nearby power plants are affecting their crop.

In the heart of Taiwan, the "Strawberry Kingdom" of Dahuhu (大湖), Miaoli County (苗栗縣), faces a troubling situation. For the past few years, the area's famed strawberries have been experiencing severe crop failures, leaving farmers struggling to stay afloat.

At a recent county meeting, the township mayor, Huang Huiqin (黃惠琴), voiced concerns over the issue. She proposed that the county government commission an impartial investigation to determine the cause of the problems. Many local farmers suspect that air pollution from sources like the Taichung Power Plant (台中火力發電廠) is a major contributing factor.

Huang Huiqin (黃惠琴) highlighted the economic importance of strawberries to Dahuhu, with over 500 hectares dedicated to their cultivation. The area's production accounts for more than 80% of the nation's strawberry output, supporting nearly 6,000 agricultural workers. However, in the last three years, the strawberry industry has encountered significant challenges. Reports indicate that after just 50 days of planting, the mortality rate of the strawberry plants ranges from 30% to 60%, and has remained unresolved.