The Council of Agriculture yesterday said it hoped to raise about NT$55.8 million (US$1.7 million) to benefit areas devastated by Typhoon Morakot by letting people adopt fruit trees.
The promotion aims to rehabilitate the ravaged farming industry in Kaohsiung and Pingtung counties.
The trees are to be made available for adoption on ibon machines at branches of 7-Eleven nationwide and cost between NT$2,500 and NT$3,000. The council said in three months time, adopters would be able to reap the benefit of between 3kg and 6kg of fruit, ranging from mangoes to lychees from their adopted fruit trees.
VICE PRESIDENT
Speaking at the event, Vice President Vincent Siew (蕭萬長) said he hoped society could come together to help support the promotion and consequently the farming communities in the areas worst hit by Typhoon Morakot in August.
The council estimated total farming losses from the typhoon at NT$19.4 billion. Around a quarter of that amount was directly related to crop losses. More than 218,000 farming households have already applied for government aid.
WORKING TOGETHER
“We hope that the public can work together with the government in the reconstruction of these communities,” Siew said.
He added that the promotion was not only about providing financial help to the communities, but also understanding more about them. Along with host Pai Ping-ping (白冰冰), Siew later chose to adopt a bell fruit tree.
HAPPY FARM
Around 9,150 fruit trees split into 18,600 lots would be put up for adoption, the council said. Interested parties can learn more at www.lovetree88.com.
The sponsors said that if the enthusiasm shown for popular Facebook game Happy Farm was any indication, the campaign was sure to be a success.
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