Supporting chemical-free farming to create a healthier Taiwan

Known as the home of pomelos, Madou is a place where countless pomelo farmers rely on fruit cultivation for their livelihood. In response to customer demands and to increase income, many farmers choose to spray chemicals that enhance the sweetness and appearance of the fruit. Sadly, this is an unsustainable practice that reduces the lifespan of the plants and the land. It also causes public anxiety over food-safety issues.

Fortunately, a group of people is quietly working to sustain the health of the land in Madou and insisting on cultivating pomelo through non-chemical means. Although it takes more time for enzymes to replace pesticides and fertilizers, chemical-free farming allows farmers to live in harmony with the land and produce tastier, higher quality fruit. Farmers believe consumer education is the first step in ensuring a gradual shift towards chemical-free farming methods, which protect both food quality and the environment.

以下為中文對照

麻豆作為文旦之鄉，有許多柚農都是靠著種植文旦維生，為了因應消費者口味與提高收益，有些農民會選擇噴灑化學藥劑來增加果實的甜美與美觀，卻因此降低植物與土地壽命，也讓人類吃了不安心。

然而有一群人正默默為麻豆的土地健康努力著，堅持培育無毒文旦，雖然要花費更多時間讓酵素取代農藥、化肥而作用，但無毒農作與土地共存共榮，產育出來的果實更加香甜回甘，農民更呼籲應該從消費者的觀念建立起，讓無毒農作、無毒文旦這種能夠顧全品質與環境的種植方式逐漸受到重視。

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