Organic veggies are so delicious, and the Formosan serow comes on a pilgrimage.

Liu Yichuan, a young farmer, grows organic vegetables at Xin Xin Organic Farm in Xindian District, New Taipei City. His produce is not only loved by consumers but also frequently “visited” by Formosan serows and pangolins. (Photo by Ye Shuhong)

Liu Yichuan, a young farmer, grows organic vegetables at Xin Xin Organic Farm in Xindian District, New Taipei City. His produce is not only loved by consumers but also frequently “visited” by Formosan serows and pangolins. (Photo by Ye Shuhong)

Liu Yichuan, a young farmer, grows organic vegetables at Xin Xin Organic Farm in Xindian District, New Taipei City. His produce is not only loved by consumers but also frequently “visited” by Formosan serows and pangolins. (Photo by Ye Shuhong)

Liu Yichuan, a young farmer, grows organic vegetables at Xin Xin Organic Farm in Xindian District, New Taipei City. His produce is not only loved by consumers but also frequently “visited” by Formosan serows and pangolins.

Liu Yichuan, 41, used to work in finance and had taken up weekend farming on the side to relieve stress from his job. After the sudden passing of his parents, he realized life is limited and decided to quit his job in mainland China, return to his hometown, and start organic farming with his wife. Since last year, he has partnered with Xin Xin Organic Farm, purchased part of its farmland, obtained organic certification, and—with help and guidance from farm owner Zhang Qingxiang as well as support from the Agriculture Bureau—started managing his own organic fields.

Recently, Liu’s organic vegetables have been selling increasingly well, attracting unexpected “guests” from the nearby forest. Formosan serows have been visiting the farm and feasting on crops such as sweet potato leaves and beans, even munching on spiky pumpkin leaves. Liu and other farmers have had to set up nets and create homemade “lion’s roar” alarms to try to prevent the animals from eating all their produce.

Pangolins are another mysterious frequent visitor to the fields, often leaving behind large holes in the soil where they’ve searched for insects—but never sticking around to be seen. The farm grows a variety of vegetables, with recent main crops including napa cabbage, crown daisy, mountain celery, and mustard greens. Liu especially recommends his self-grown organic mustard greens, which have finer fibers and a softer texture, making them ideal for stir-frying. He says that although becoming a young farmer has brought many new challenges to overcome and learn, the lifestyle of being close to the land and the healthier ideal of eating organic vegetables have made him happier and more fulfilled than before.

The Agriculture Bureau stated that to encourage farmers, young farmers, and new farmers to engage in organic production, subsidies are provided for land rental, certification, organic fertilizer, machinery, and greenhouse facilities. Farmers can report their next year’s needs to their local farmers’ association by the end of the year, and the association will consolidate the plan and apply to the bureau. The bureau encourages everyone to support organic agriculture together and protect the land through organic practices. To taste seasonal organic vegetables, please contact the Xindian District Farmers’ Association at 02-29106666.