Home > Briefings > Project Overview
1.Contest Categoy
Local Specialty Industry
2.Title of Research Topic
The Beauty and Hardships of Kyoho Grape Farming
3.Description of Our Community
Dacun Township is located in the east-central part of the Changhua Plain, with a long, narrow east-west and narrow north-south pattern. In the east, it is bounded by the barrier ridge of the Bagua Mountain Range and is adjacent to Fengyuan Township; in the south, it is bordered by Yuanlin City and Puxin Township; in the west, it is adjacent to Poyan Township and Xiushui Township; and in the north, it is bordered by Huatan Township.
This study focuses on the Dacun Township area where our community is located.The terrain is flat, with a high topography in the east and a low topography in the west, with a slightly inverted triangular profile. The Shigou Bei Canal runs through the eastern part of the township from southeast to north-south, and farmland is concentrated in the northeastern part of the township, while farmland to the west of Zhongshan Road is sporadically distributed among the settlements.
Dacun Township has long been a place where agriculture is the mainstay, with rice and grapes leading the way, and the cultivation of Kyoho Grape in particular has earned a good reputation throughout Taiwan as a representative of local specialties. However, with the change of time and the change of agricultural structure, traditional agriculture is facing many challenges, including intensified market competition, reduced agricultural efficiency, and the pressure of sustainable development issues. Against this background, our study focuses on the grape industry in Dacun Township and aims to explore how this traditional specialty can achieve a breakthrough through smart agriculture and sustainable development strategies.
4.Summary of Our Project
Kyoho Grape was introduced to Taiwan in 1964 and has become an important agricultural product in Dacun Township, Changhua. Due to the favorable climate and fertile soil, Kyoho Grape grows well in Dacun Township, and has developed unique cultivation techniques, such as fruit thinning, bagging, and pest management, to improve quality and yield. In recent years, the development of the industry has become more refined and market-oriented, with production and marketing teams working together to improve competitiveness. In terms of pest control, farmers utilize Bordeaux liquid and organic materials to reduce the use of pesticides and ensure fruit safety. Overall, the Dacun grape industry has continued to improve its quality under the impetus of technological innovation and marketing, and has become a representative grape production area in Taiwan.
5.Research Project Overview
(1)Purpose of the study
●Explore the methods and techniques of grape growing, and learn about their cultivation patterns and key factors in different environments.
●Understand the business model of the grape industry, including brand building, marketing strategies and sustainable practices.
●Visiting and experiencing the business models of grape-related companies, analyzing their success stories and challenges.
(2)Research methodology
The following methodology and steps were used to conduct this research:
●Data collection: Through the Internet and literature review, we collected information on grape growing techniques, industry business model and related market information.
●Interview planning: Identify suitable interviewees, such as winegrowers, processors or local brand representatives, and confirm the timing and content of the interviews.
●On-site visit: Visit local vineyards and related enterprises to experience their business model first-hand, while taking photos and making audio recordings to preserve the information from the on-site observation.
●Data collation and presentation of results: Collate the data collected and experience gained from the visit, write up the research experience, and produce a webpage to display the research results and promote the characteristics and value of the grape industry in Dacun Township to the outside world.
6.Our Computer and Internet Access
●Currently, there is one computer classroom with 30 desktop computers for student use.
●Each classroom is equipped with desktop computers and a single-projector system. Some classrooms added 75-inch large interactive touchscreens and related smart devices for teachers to use during classes in 2020.
●The entire school building is covered by WiFi for wireless internet access.
●The school has 80 ipads available for handheld use.
7.Problems We Had To Overcome
In this competition and research project, we came from different grades and classes, so it was hard to find time to talk together. When we went to interviews, sometimes we could not understand the farmer’s description, which made us a bit confused. In addition, we encountered difficulties in using some of the information equipment, and it was only with the guidance of our teachers that we were able to complete our tasks successfully. We collected a lot of information on the Internet, but we were not very good at distinguishing whether it was true or false. Under the guidance of our teacher, we learned how to choose reliable sources and judge the credibility of the information. Through the field interviews, we gained a wealth of information, but we also faced the challenge of organizing and comprehending a large amount of information, especially when dealing with professional terminology, which required us to keep exploring in order to get a fuller grasp of the research content. This experience has taught us many new skills and given us more confidence to face the challenges ahead.
8.Our Project Sound Bite
This study focuses on the Kyoho grape industry in Dacun Township. Through data collection, field investigations, and interviews, we gained an in-depth understanding of grape cultivation techniques, business models, and market development. We not only learned about techniques such as fruit thinning, bagging, and pest management but also discovered how farmers enhance competitiveness through branding and refined packaging. Additionally, we explored challenges faced by the grape industry, including market competition, climate change, and labor shortages, while considering potential breakthroughs brought by smart agriculture and agritourism. Throughout the research process, we improved our data organization and analysis skills, learned to distinguish the authenticity of information, and overcame time and technical difficulties through teamwork. This study has deepened our understanding of our hometown’s industry, and we hope to promote the unique value and future development of Dacun grapes through an online platform.