| dc.description.abstract | Taiwan′s agricultural and rural development is advancing toward integrating local development, economic revitalization, and cultural creation. This direction is guided by policy priorities that prioritize enhancing the value of agricultural products, preserving rural culture, improving rural living environments, maintaining the development of agriculture and ecological balance, and ensuring sustainable resource utilization. Consequently, the strategy of ＂developing locally distinctive agricultural products and expanding market demand＂ has become a vital approach for Taiwan′s new agricultural development.
This study selects the Maoli black tea industry, which demonstrates significant growth potential, as a case for a comprehensive study. Employing social network analysis and utilizing actor-network theory as a framework, the study conducts in-depth interviews with key actors to examine the formative dimensions of the Maoli black tea industry′s development process.
The research uncovers that the name ＂Maoli＂ for Maoli black tea originates from an old place name in Miaoli County. Various local symbols, such as the county mascot and park, have adopted the name ＂Maoli.＂ Over time, ＂Maoli＂ has become deeply ingrained in the collective memory of the local inhabitants, carrying rich implications associated with the local Hakka culture. The rise of Maoli black tea as a distinct and high-quality tea in the region has been facilitated by the proactive engagement of relevant actors, including the Miaoli City Farmers′ Association, Tea Research & Extension Station (TRES), Soil and Water Conservation bureaus, and tea farmers. Their efforts encompass the introduction of innovative tea garden management practices, tea processing techniques, and the organization of Maoli black tea quality evaluations, etc. Through these endeavors, the distinctive characteristics of Maoli black tea are gradually established and reinforced. In transforming a traditional tea region into a refined agricultural industry, Maoli black tea has gained recognition from various actors, thus ensuring the continued and stable development of the overall network.
The study findings emphasize that the competitiveness of Maoli black tea is primarily attributed to ensuring safe consumption and the judicious use of pesticides. Additionally, the establishment of unique tea-drinking styles, the cultivation of a high-quality image, and integration with tourism and leisure activities play pivotal roles in enhancing its competitiveness. | en_US |