TAIPEI (Taiwan News) — The Ministry of Agriculture said Tuesday that Tainan will host the Asia Pacific Orchid Conference and Taiwan International Orchid Show from March 8-23 at the city’s Taiwan Orchid Technology Park.

Taiwan Orchid Growers Association Chair Huang Wen-jung (黃文榮) said the APOC will return to Taiwan after 20 years under the theme "Next 20." The event will feature five pavilions, including flower arrangement competitions, business activities, and a marketplace, per CNA. 

Huang said Tainan is a key hub for orchid production, and the Taiwan Orchid Technology Park produces half of the nation's moth orchids. Taiwan’s moth orchids hold around one-third of the global market share, and the industry’s value continues to grow.

Mayor Huang Wei-che (黃偉哲) said women can enjoy free admission on the opening day, which coincides with International Women's Day. 

Agriculture and Food Agency Deputy Director-General Yao Chih-wang (姚志旺) said since the ministry took over the Taiwan Orchid Technology Park in July 2022, it has assisted growers in enhancing their cultivation facilities and technologies. He said the event will also feature expert lectures on breeding and cultivation techniques and DIY floral design activities.

Taiwan's orchid cultivation area reached about 955 hectares last year, with moth orchids covering 260 hectares and dancing-doll orchids covering 248 hectares. The total annual production value was NT$6.4 billion (US$213.33 million), with exports generating NT$6.1 billion.

The export value of moth orchids reached nearly NT$5 billion last year, accounting for 80.9% of Taiwan’s total orchid exports. The primary markets included 60 countries, such as the US, Japan, Vietnam, Canada, and Australia.

The dancing-doll orchid industry reported a production value of nearly NT$470 million last year, with sales reaching approximately 40 million stems. Exports accounted for NT$450 million of the total revenue, with Japan being the largest destination market.