A Forgotten Paradise: South Australian Farmers Return to Nature and Grow "Pastor’s Rice"

▲ Returning to the way rice was planted in their youth, the farmers have also rediscovered their most genuine smiles.

Reported and photographed by Chen Ziying, Yilan South Australia

“Elderly farmers in their 60s yearn for a pesticide-free organic village and ask a passionate pastor for help, rolling up their sleeves once again to plant natural rice seedlings!” This is the introduction on the official blog of “Pastor’s Rice,” explaining its origin. But the deeper meaning and story behind the words can only be truly understood by visiting South Australia in person.

In South Australia Township, Yilan, there are vast tracts of farmland that had not been cultivated for as long as 10 years. Farmers with over 60 years of farming experience, unable to export their rice, found they couldn’t sell their crop and couldn’t balance profits and losses—eventually choosing to leave the land fallow. But some farmers were unwilling to simply give up this forgotten paradise. Wanting to cherish their hometown in their own way, they decided to return to the methods of their younger years, using the most natural farming techniques to grow the purest rice. They would no longer use pesticides or harm the ecological environment, but instead use organic fertilizer to grow organically certified rice unique to South Australia Township.

The first year of growing natural organic rice wasn’t smooth; the farmers weren’t used to the new methods and were emotionally worried and downcast. Mr. Zhang Lin, chairman of the South Australia Community Development Association, brought in Pastor Chang Hsing-jen, who did his utmost to encourage the farmers. After continuous communication and trials, the transition was successful in 2011 with the variety “Tainan No. 11”! The crystal-clear grains offered an excellent taste and became the pride of the farmers. To show gratitude for the pastor’s selfless assistance, the rice was named “Pastor’s Rice.”

▲ Named “Pastor’s Rice,” this organic rice from South Australia is a token of thanks to the pastor’s help—knowing gratitude is a traditional virtue in Taiwan.


▲ The “Pastor” in the name “Pastor’s Rice” refers to Pastor Chang Hsing-jen.

Pastor’s Rice is irrigated with water from the North Stream of South Australia, which originates from Cui Peak Lake in Taiping Mountain. The pure, unpolluted water allows South Australia’s farmers to grow high-quality rice. When you have the chance to visit South Australia, you’ll see how the farmers’ commitment to natural farming has rejuvenated the fields and revived local ecosystems. Their sincere and warm smiles are truly touching.


▲ Mountains reflected in the fields, farmers transplanting rice seedlings—welcome to “South Australia Happy Fields.”

For ordering, please clickPastor’s Rice website