Vouchers worth at least NT$250 (US$7.71) to buy agricultural products from Hualien County are likely to be distributed from July 1, the Ministry of Agriculture said on Friday.
Following the magnitude 7.2 earthquake that struck off the east coast on April 3, the Cabinet has allocated NT$28.55 billion to relief efforts. Of that, NT$183 million has been earmarked for agricultural tourism and revival.
A voucher to purchase agricultural goods or engage in agritourism has already been approved, Agency of Rural Development and Soil and Water Conservation Deputy Director-General Lin Chang-li (林長立) said on Friday.
Photo: Yang Yuan-ting, Taipei Times
The face value would be at least NT$250, but might increase further, Lin added.
If the value stays at NT$250, an estimated 700,000 vouchers would be issued, he said, adding that it would be compatible with the voucher app previously released by the ministry.
The vouchers could be distributed either through a drawing or pre-registration, to be decided soon, he said.
Consultations with participating businesses are also in progress, but the vouchers could in principle be used to purchase agricultural products from Hualien or participate in agricultural tourism in the county, he added.
More discussions with other government agencies are also needed to confirm timing, but the ministry estimates they could be distributed starting on July 1, Lin added.
In related news, the agency is collaborating with Taipei SOGO department stores to promote local Taiwanese products from May 14 to 21, agency section head Chen Ling-tsen (陳玲岑) said.
Already entering its ninth year, the promotion last year helped sell products worth more than NT$8 million, she said.
This year, 393 products will be on sale originating from around Taiwan, she added.
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