for the 21st century; Production of value-added products from by-products and low-value aquaculture products; and Managing waste from aquaculture industry. Eight site visits were made to Tungkang Biotechnology Research Center, Lukang Freshwater Aquaculture Research Center, Lukang Eel Farm, Changhua Fishery Association, Pingtung Agricultural Biotechnology Park (Advanced Green Biotechnology Inc., and Taikong Corp Company), National Museum of Marine Biology and Aquarium, Long Diann Marine Bio Technology Co. Ltd. (Fangliau Shiang), and Fu- Hai Tilapia Farm (Shinbei Shiang). Controlled-environment Agricultural Production Systems The challenges of limited land available for food production, growing scarcity of irrigation water supply, precarious weather and changing climatic patterns, and a need to restrict chemical use are paving the way for more environmentally controlled agricultural production systems to produce a safe, abundant food supply in an efficient, sustainable manner. Such production systems also reduce the risks of diseases and pest infestations and the corollary labor required to address such problems in conventional production systems. The APO organized a multicountry observational study mission on Controlled-environment Agricultural Production Systems, 30 November–4 December, in Taichung, Republic of China. The study mission investigated the principles of controlled-environment agricultural production systems and identified strategies for the promotion of such systems in participating countries. Twenty-four participants from 10 countries and three international and two local experts attended. Participants examining orchid plants under controlled-environment culture, ROC Program coverage: Advanced greenhouse production technology in The Netherlands: Trends and future scenario; Trends in greenhouse structures and production systems in Korea; The plant factory in Japan: Concept, principles, and requirements for sustainable operation; Greenhouse production technology for ornamentals in the ROC: Opportunities and challenges; Principles of environment control in the greenhouse; Development of a greenhouse system for tropical countries: Basic considerations, principles, and challenges; and Current R&D and future directions in environment-controlled agricultural production systems. Participants visited several areas showcasing different models of greenhouse farming including: the Farmers’ Association in Yuanlin, Changhua county; Private Vegetable and Cut Flower Nursery in Yuan Lin; Fruit and Vegetable Production Center in Yuanlin, Miaoli county; Agricultural Research Institute, Council of Agriculture, Executive Yuan in Wufong, Taichung county; Taiwan Sugar Corporation in Houbi, Tainan county; and Oncidiums Production in Dalin, Tainan county. Development of Commercial Organic Farming The demand for organic products is increasing worldwide including Asia and the Pacific. As income levels rise, consumers’ concerns about safe, high-quality food also increases. However, organic food items are still higher-priced niche products. Their marketability at such premium prices depends on consumer confidence in reliability and value. The promotion of commercial organic farming requires the establishment of a credible system of standards, inspection, certification, and traceability, with efficient supply chain management. To review recent developments in organic farming and formulate workable recommendations, the APO organized a workshop on the Development of Commercial Organic Farming in collaboration with the NPC, India, in New Delhi, 9–15 December. Twentytwo participants from 11 member countries attended, along with two resource persons and three local experts. In India, organic farming has become very popular and the country has accumulated a wealth of experience in promoting organics which other countries can benchmark against. The workshop was also a reflection of the APO’s continuing interest in promoting Green <strong>Productivity</strong> and sustainable development of the agriculture sector, especially through the development of more efficient, sustainable production and distribution systems. Program coverage: Overview of organic farming: Principles and practices; Organic farming for sustainable agriculture: Experiences in <strong>Asian</strong> countries; Commercialization of organic produce: Prospects and challenges; Markets, marketing, and public relations of organic products: Direct marketing versus wholesale marketing; Development of reliable, safe organic food supply chains; and Policies and institutional set- APO ANNUAL REPORT <strong>2009</strong> 53 AGRICULTURE SECTOR
AGRICULTURE SECTOR 54 tings for the commercialization of organics: Organic food standards and certification programs. Site visits were made to the National Center of Organic Farming, Ghaziabad, Uttar Pradesh; and a demonstration organic farm, Village Behta, in the Bulandshahr district. Happiness in the work Thai Thien Vinh Vietnam AGRICULTURE SECTOR
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