Taipei: The Executive Yuan has introduced subsidies for pig farmers and other stakeholders in the pork industry impacted by controls instituted due to an African swine fever outbreak. These measures were implemented following confirmed cases at a Taichung farm on October 22, leading to restrictions such as a 15-day ban on the slaughter and transport of pigs and the use of food waste as pig feed.

According to Focus Taiwan, pig farmers will receive subsidies of NT$300 (US$9.77) per animal to offset higher feed costs from the food waste ban, and up to NT$18,000 per farm for fuel expenses related to clearing food waste. They will also be awarded NT$810 per animal for additional feed costs due to the slaughter ban.

Meat sellers affected by the suspension of operations during the transport and slaughter bans are eligible for NT$30,000 in compensation, while meat markets can receive up to NT$200,000 for rent losses. Individual meat wholesalers will receive NT$15,000 for operational suspension losses, and slaughterhouses can claim NT$280 per affected animal. Compensation of NT$2,500 is also available for each piglet death caused by intensive breeding resulting from transport restrictions.

The Ministry of Agriculture is incentivizing proactive reporting of new cases with a NT$5,000 reward to farmers. Financial assistance is also extended to legally registered pig farms, slaughterhouse owners, and recognized farming organizations impacted by these measures. First-time borrowers can receive up to a 1 percent interest subsidy for six months from loan initiation, while repeat borrowers can apply for a six-month principal deferral with up to a 1 percent interest subsidy. Loan totals can reach up to NT$6 million, with guarantee fees waived during the interest subsidy period.