Shanshui Organic Rice Farm Introduction
Yuanli Township in Miaoli County is regarded as the granary of Miaoli, with a rice cultivation area that spans 3,000 hectares. The organic rice field was established in 2004 by the Mountain Water Rice Company as a hope station, primarily aimed at promoting organic rice cultivation and helping the public understand the importance of cherishing food obtained through hard work. The Mountain Water Organic Rice Field was initiated in 2004 to promote organic rice farming in the Yuanli area of Miaoli. In 2006, the Guan Shu Education Foundation officially became a partner in this hope project, responsible for promoting environmental education. The aim is to learn ways to treat the land kindly, respect all forms of life, and care for farmers' lives, while also encouraging creativity and specific actions to support the notion of "eating Taiwanese rice, loving Taiwan's mountains and waters." The "Organic Rice Field" is adjacent to the Mountain Water Rice Company, centered around a "classroom floating on rice waves," and surrounded by a historical agricultural tool exhibition room, DIY classrooms, organic rice fields, and an organic vegetable garden. The rice field employs an organic farming method known as "duck-rice co-cultivation," where adorable little ducks assist in farming, providing an opportunity for close contact with the rice field ecosystem. Nearby, the vegetable garden allows visitors to get their hands dirty and experience both the joys and challenges of organic farming. Additionally, there are interactive exhibits, a "Rice Meal Workshop" offering a variety of healthy rice dishes, and a souvenir sales area. The "Organic Rice Field" serves as a natural learning center aimed at promoting organic farming and environmental education, embodying the spirit of "100% Rice Playism." Through creative and engaging experiential activities, both children and adults can embark on their learning journeys in joy and laughter. The center invites everyone to participate in rice planting and harvesting according to the seasons and the growth of rice, allowing visitors to experience the hard work and rewards of modern farming for a day. Emphasizing organic farming, this location adopts the duck-rice cultivation method, allowing little ducks to assist in agricultural tasks. Watching the lively yellow ducklings weaving between the seedlings brings smiles to both adults and children. The building is divided into several areas, including a multifunctional classroom for DIY activities, an exhibition area for explanations and displays related to rice, a restaurant offering organic rice dishes, and a sales area for various cute souvenirs. However, due to its emphasis on 100% Rice Playism, the most exciting aspect here lies not in the hardware, but in the various experiential activities and guided tours that change with the seasons and the rice growth cycle. Activities include a day as a farmer, field experiences, harvesting, rice planting, and DIY activities such as rock painting, eco-friendly soap-making, and biological kaleidoscopes. Under the lively guidance of young staff, visitors can delve deeper into the rice fields and better understand rural culture through these engaging experiences.
