Taipei: The Ministry of Agriculture (MOA) on Tuesday introduced the "Taiwan Peanut" label and elemental analysis as measures to support locally grown peanuts in competing against imported varieties.

According to Focus Taiwan, this initiative arises from local peanut farmers' concerns over the impending tariff-free import of U.S. peanuts under the Taiwan-U.S. Agreement on Reciprocal Trade (ART), which has not yet been implemented. Agriculture Minister Chen Junne-jih emphasized the unique qualities of locally grown peanuts, which presently make up about 75 percent of Taiwan's domestic market. These peanuts are noted for their distinctive flavor, local characteristics, and comparatively low carbon footprint.

Chen explained that the primary goal of the "Taiwan Peanut" label is to effectively differentiate domestic peanuts from imported ones. He stated that consumers should be able to easily recognize fully locally grown products by their packaging. Initially, the label will focus on products where the peanut origin can be clearly identified, such as shelled peanuts and peanut candy.

In a subsequent phase, more processed peanut products will be considered for the label, with Chen highlighting the importance of thorough auditing to ensure the label's credibility. The MOA plans to submit the required documents for public recognition of its peanut testing methods by the Taiwan Food and Drug Administration (FDA) by the year's end.

The elemental analysis and the "Taiwan Peanut" labeling are intended to help consumers differentiate between peanuts grown in Taiwan and those imported from countries like the United States, Brazil, and Argentina. The MOA stated that products with the label will undergo regular or random inspections by authorities. Any violations, such as mixing imported peanuts with domestic ones, using peanuts of unknown origin, or failing to maintain traceability records, could lead to the label being revoked.