A Brief Discussion on Food and Agricultural Education Issues

1. Introduction

In the Book of Han, Volume 43, Biography of Li Yiji: The king regards the people as his foundation, while the people regard food as their heaven" In modern society, people often overlook their daily diet because of busy work schedules. Taiwan's society has been built on agriculture since ancient times, and the most common greeting in rural communities is "Have you eaten yet?", which demonstrates the importance of food to the human society.

What comes to your mind first when you hear the word "cuisine", and why? Diet is inseparable from our lives. The choices we make in our daily diet are often influenced by our background, cultural customs, nutritional knowledge, media exposure, and many other factors.

Using myself as an example, clam and mushroom chicken soup is the most memorable dish. Ever since I can remember, whenever there was a sudden change in weather or I felt a bit under the weather, my mother always nourished me with this warm soup. Even now, when I am out on my own, a bowl of this chicken soup fills me with renewed strength to continue striving. This soup, with its simple preparation and delicious taste, has left a deep impression on me. If you were to ask me for my most recommended dish, it would undoubtedly be this clam and mushroom chicken soup.

With the advent of the internet, a multitude of technologies has quietly yet profoundly altered our lives. Even the origins of our daily meals are undergoing fundamental shifts. The traditional image of a mother bustling in the kitchen to prepare meals for the entire family and everyone dining together is increasingly uncommon. Instead, driven by hectic lifestyles, more people are turning to ready-to-eat meals from convenience stores or supermarkets, and relying on food delivery services via mobile apps, scarcely satiating their hunger before plunging back into their bustling work routines.

As society and family structures evolve, traditional extended families in rural communities are becoming increasingly rare nowadays. While the internet and smart technology seemingly provide more channels for accessing food on a daily basis, the true origins of the ingredients of our meals often remain unknown. The connection between people, land, and food sources has gradually been submerged in the busy routines of everyday life.

2. The Origin and Development Context of Food and Agricultural Education

As the old saying goes, advice from others may help one to overcome one's short. The development of food and agricultural education in Taiwan has been deeply influenced by neighboring Japan. In contrast to the term commonly used in Taiwan, “food and agricultural education”, Japan uses the term “Shokuiku (food and nutrition education)”. In the past, Japan also faced issues such as nutritional imbalances, increasing obesity rates, diseases of civilization, excessive dieting, and the gradual disappearance of local culinary cultures. To address these problems, Japan established the "Basic Law on Shokuiku" in 2005.

The "Basic Plan for the Promotion of Shokuiku" is formulated by the Cabinet Office of the Government of Japan every five years from its inception. As of the completion of this document in 2023, the Basic Plan for the Promotion of Shokuiku has entered its fourth phase (2021-2025). In addition to continuing to promote Shokuiku related content, it also integrates relevant initiatives such as societal changes due to the pandemic and lifestyle innovations brought about by 3C digital technology.

With the advancement of technology in Taiwanese society, there are many dietary choices available to the public. However, the food industry in Taiwan has long been overshadowed by a dark cloud—the "food safety incidents." The history of food safety incidents in Taiwan can be traced back to the toxic rice-bran oil (PCB poisoning) incident in 1979. Over the years, notable incidents include the cadmium-contaminated rice and malachite green fish incident in 2005, the plasticizer incident in 2011, the tainted starch incident in 2013, and the fipronil-contaminated egg incident in 2017.

The poisoning from food safety issues has yet to be eradicated. Over the span of 44 years since 1979, a newborn baby could have grown into a vital member of society. Concerned individuals from all walks of life have been loudly advocating for an end to Taiwan's long-standing worries about food safety. They have also been pushing for an environment conducive to the healthy growth of children. These endeavors have gradually spurred the development of food and agricultural education in Taiwan.

While Taiwan lagged behind Japan by nearly 20 years, through years of advocacy, meetings, and efforts from various sectors, the Food and Agricultural Education Act finally passed its third reading in the Legislation Yuan on April 19, 2022. The legislative purpose and the definition of food and agricultural education in this bill are quite clear. The first article explicitly states that: "This Act is enacted in order to promote food and agricultural education as well as to strengthen linkages between diet, environment, and agriculture in order to enhance citizens’ health; to pass along and draw attention to dietary and agricultural culture; to promote the sustainable development of agricultural and fishing communities, agriculture, and the environment; and to improve the national food and agricultural education system and training of relevant personnel”.

The official definition of food and agricultural education now has clear documentation. “This terms refers to the process wherein educational methods are used to instruct citizens to understand basic agricultural production; processing of agricultural products; eco-friendly farming; animal-friendly breeding, nurturing, and animal husbandry; animal welfare; food choices; competency and implementation of food and beverage preparation; and handling of food waste; as well as to enhance linkages between diet, environment, and agriculture; and to prompt citizens to devote attention to personal health and the sustainable development of agricultural and fishing communities, agriculture, and the environment and to take appropriate actions.” The scope of the food and agricultural education is quite extensive, encompassing content related to dietary habits, agricultural environments, traditional cultures, and practical learning.

Thanks to this legislation, various food and agricultural education-related programs, experiential activities, farm visits, workshops, seminars, and more have solid legal foundations and bases in Taiwan. Over the years, the Ministry of Agriculture has organized numerous activities, workshops, curriculum program selections, and public recognitions for outstanding contributions to food and agricultural education to promote its development. From individuals to the entire national community, the Food and Agricultural Education Act enables the Ministry of Agriculture to integrate resources from all sectors at the central level to promote the development of food and agricultural education in Taiwan. The future prospects for food and agricultural education in Taiwan are indeed promising.

3. Exploring Food and Agricultural Education from an Educator's Perspective

John Dewey, the renowned American educational psychologist and considered the founding father of modern educational theory, once said, "Education is not preparation for life; education is life itself." He advocated that educational content should not be detached from the everyday matters of life, and what is learned in school should be directly applicable to real life.

American scholar Marc Prensky (2001) introduced a groundbreaking concept called "Digital Natives," referring to individuals who have grown up in the digital age and are inherently adept at using 3C networks and digital products. Scholars believe that the ability of modern children to use the internet and digital tools is innate, akin to breathing, and they possess an instinctive capability to learn and fulfill their needs through online platforms and digital devices. Consequently, traditional didactic teaching methods are no longer adequate to meet the demands of the modern society. In modern society, students need to possess the skills and abilities to recognize and solve cognitive problems.

Similarly, the Ministry of Education, in charge of Taiwan's educational policies, has also addressed the challenges posed by globalization and internationalization in the "Curriculum Guidelines for 12-Year Basic Education." It emphasizes the need for schools to adapt to societal demands and contemporary trends and the implementation of competency-based curriculum and teaching methods to foster adaptive and talented individuals, cultivate lifelong learning abilities, social empathy, and a global perspective among modern citizens.

The author believes that the food and agricultural education aligns well with Dewey's educational philosophy and the curriculum guidelines set forth by the Ministry of Education. The food and agricultural education emphasizes connecting food, its origins, daily life, culture, and more through educational methods. Experiences in life become direct nutrients for the growth of every student. It is worth mentioning that the food and agricultural education in Taiwan flourishes particularly at the elementary school level. By integrating with the Curriculum Guidelines for 12-Year Basic Education, the food and agricultural education can help students establish healthy dietary concepts and develop their ability to make food choices during their school years. This approach allows students to autonomously explore and acquire knowledge, understand life through experiences, and thus cultivate outstanding and wholesome characters and minds.

4. Conclusion

Throughout its history, Taiwan has been deeply rooted in agriculture, serving as a foundation for its society. However, with the passage of time, technological advancements, and the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic, family structures have undergone changes, with individualized and smaller family units becoming increasingly prevalent in society. The traditional agricultural lifestyle of planting and harvesting has become rare. In modern society, people have access to a variety of food sources compared to the past. However, the incessant occurrence of food safety incidents each year represents the harm inflicted upon the kind-hearted people of Taiwan. This also highlights the gradual disconnection and disappearance of people's understanding and connection to food amidst rapid societal changes. The uncertainty surrounding the food people consume is truly alarming, contributing to the emergence of food and agricultural education as a crucial issue.

Education is the corner stone of a nation, and the importance and uniqueness of "food and agricultural education" lie in its ability to "restore the connection between people, food, and land." Therefore, this article explores the issue of food and agricultural education from an educational perspective, particularly focusing on the "Digital Native generation," which has entirely different learning styles from previous generations. Through innovative educational methods, this new generation of students can be nurtured with the ability to make dietary choices and possess food and agricultural literacy.

While the field of food and agricultural education covers a wide range of areas, the author believes that it is not a new discipline or field, but rather a return of education to life. It is about revering nature and abiding by its laws. It starts with each individual, learning knowledge, taking action, and then influencing every person, event, and thing around us that we care about.

Certainly, compared to neighboring countries like Japan and South Korea, Taiwan's development in this field is still in its early stages, with many challenges and issues yet to be resolved. However, the author believes that through legislation, implementation of promotional programs, and collaborative efforts involving central and local governments, schools, organizations, civil societies, and enthusiastic individuals, many of these challenges can be overcome. The future development of the food and agricultural education in Taiwan holds great promise and is worthy of anticipation.