A digital stimulus voucher program was launched by the Cabinet-level Council of Agriculture July 9, spotlighting the government’s commitment to revitalizing Taiwan’s agriculture, forestry, fishery and animal husbandry industries in the post-pandemic new life.
To take part in the voucher lottery, Taiwan nationals and foreign spouses of Taiwan citizens with residency must first register online July 9-18. Two respective rounds of 2.5 million recipients will be selected July 14 and 19 to receive the one-time benefit worth NT$250 (US$8.5) for use within 60 days of the draw.
According to the COA, each applicant is allowed to register and collect an additional two vouchers on behalf of children, the elderly and those without smartphones. The vouchers can go toward admission at forestry recreation areas as well as select event tickets and purchases at approved shops, the council said, adding that more than 2,000 business have applied to be included on the list of authorized locations.
Among the 1136 places greenlighted by the COA to date are Dawen Aquaculture Leisure Area in northeastern Taiwan’s Yilan County, Flying Cow Ranch in northern Taiwan’s Miaoli County, Futian Village Eco-educational Farm in Taipei City and Mountain-side Leisure Farming Area in southern Taiwan’s Pingtung County.
Citizens are welcome to use COA’s vouchers and the Cabinet-issued Triple Stimulus Vouchers in tandem, the COA said, with designated farmers’ associations, tea gardens and restaurants offering greater discounts when the benefits are combined. Together the stimulus programs are expected to generate revenue of more than NT$20 billion for agriculture-related sectors, the council added.
Since the coronavirus outbreak started in late 2019, the government has launched a raft of economic measures which have benefited more than 10 million individuals hard hit by the pandemic. (YCH-E)
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