Yunlin beansprout farmer reinvents the traditional crop of his hometown

A beansprout farmer in Yunlin is reinventing the traditional crop of his hometown. Haoshou Village in Beigang Township was once known as “Bean Town” for its reliable bean sprout harvest. But sales have gotten harder for small local farmers. Now young farmers like Hung Cheng-hsin are bringing attention back to the value of eating local, traditional crops, and staying in touch with the land you live on.

Fresh beansprouts have poked out their tiny, yellow heads. Pull one up gently to see the delicate white stalk.

Haoshou Village in Beigang Township has historically been known for its great beansprout crop, is sometimes referred to as “Bean Town.” But in recent years, sales avenues have dried up. Third-generation farmer Hung Cheng-hsin left his job at an international company five years ago, to return to Beigang, take on the family business, and try to turn it around.

Hung Cheng-hsin
National Farming Champion prizewinner
We use organic growing methods. In terms of growing, we’re facing completely new challenges, and we’ve spent quite a long time on it.

Agriculture faces a labor shortage. Hung has invested in developing smart production, to rapidly increase production output.

Hung Cheng-hsin
National Farming Champion prizewinner
We’ve brought smart production in, and also we’ve changed production times.

Hung’s producing the first traceable bean sprouts in Taiwan. He’s been honored with a “National Farming Champion” award, but he’s not interested in hogging the laurels. He wants the whole production stream to share the credit.

Hung Cheng-hsin
National Farming Champion prizewinner
We use Taiwanese seeds. We can create a space to sell the products that have been grown by local farmers.

Hung is also committed to agricultural education. He wants local and traditional crops to put down deeper roots. When you eat the food that comes from your hometown, you become part of a living tradition.