Background and Goals
The Chishang Pastoral Farm Resort in Taitung County boasts a large expanse of rich grasslands and various farm animals, including cattle, sheep, and chickens. Inspired by the resource management approach of Polyface Farm in Virginia, USA, the resort aims to establish itself as a sustainable circular farm.
Implementation Progress
- Grass and Biological Cycle: The farm implements rotational grazing for cattle management. Cattle manure is easily concentrated and distributed in each small pasture area, returning to the soil to enhance grass fertility. The grown grass is then fed back to the cattle, creating a complete cycle between grass and animals, utilizing the natural characteristics of both.
- Misplaced Resource Recycling: The resort utilizes on-site materials to produce compost, transforming farm "waste" (animal manure, food scraps, dead branches, leaf litter, and weeds) into "fertilizer" for farm land. This compost is then used for landscape plants, flowers, and crops, reducing the need for purchasing external fertilizer.
- Local Partnerships: The sustainable farm plan leverages the farm's animal resources to develop life education programs and promote environmentally friendly practices. By collaborating with the WildOne Wildlife Conservation Association and integrating local resources, the resort is becoming a partner for the local community in Chishang.
Future Development
- Combining existing accommodation, dining, and circular agriculture plans, the resort will enhance its soft and hard-ware guiding services. By integrating local forest resources, the resort aims to develop in-depth, authentic local experiences for visitors.
- Through fixed-point farmers' markets and other initiatives, the resort will provide a platform for local farmers to sell their produce. Utilizing local ingredients for unique dishes, the resort will cultivate a local "Good Trip" experience for visitors.
Expected Benefits
- Circular Utilization of Agricultural Resources, Reducing Ecological Burden: Waste materials from the resort, such as animal manure, food scraps, leaf litter, and weeds, are returned to the land. This improves soil properties, increases soil productivity, assists in addressing waste pollution problems, and lightens the ecological burden.
- Continuing to Promote Circular Economy, Deepening the Goal of Zero-Waste Agricultural Cycles in Eastern Taiwan: The Chishang Pastoral Sustainable Farm will expand on its tangible achievements in agricultural cycling. The resort will assist in planning related agricultural infrastructure, implementing circular agriculture, developing sustainable business models, and creating a space with educational value.
Collaboration Partners and Opportunities
- The resort aims to partner with local educational institutions, utilizing its space as a platform for circular agriculture exchange and promotion. Regular courses themed around circular agriculture will be organized.
- The resort can provide a location for local returning young farmers to set up market platforms, connecting local producers and consumers, fostering a friendly agricultural distribution channel and relationships.