Shanshui Organic Rice Farm Introduction
Yuanli Township in Miaoli County is known as the granary of Miaoli, with an extensive rice cultivation area of up to 3,000 hectares. The Organic Rice Field, established by the Shanshui Rice Company in 2004, serves as a hope station aimed at promoting organic rice cultivation and helping the public understand the importance of cherishing rice as a staple food. The Organic Rice Field functions as a hope station initiated by Shanshui Rice Company to promote organic rice cultivation in the Yuanli area of Miaoli, with the official involvement of the Guanshu Education Foundation in 2006, which focuses on promoting environmental education. Through a classroom that appears to float on the rice waves, it aims to teach everyone how to treat the land with respect, care for all living beings, and show concern for farmers' lives. The initiative also encourages creativity and actions to support the idea of "eating Taiwanese rice, loving Taiwan's landscape." The "Organic Rice Field" is located next to the Shanshui Rice Company and features a classroom that "floats on the rice waves" at its center, surrounded by exhibits of traditional farming tools in a transformed old granary, a DIY classroom, organic rice paddies, and an organic fruit and vegetable garden. The rice paddies utilize an organic cultivation method known as "duck-rice co-cultivation," where cute little ducks help with farming, providing visitors with an opportunity for close contact with the rice field ecosystem. Additionally, the vegetable garden offers hands-on experience with organic planting. The indoor facilities include interactive interpretative displays, a "Rice Play Bistro" offering various healthy rice dishes, and a souvenir shop. The "Organic Rice Field" serves as a natural learning center dedicated to promoting organic farming and environmental education, embodying the spirit of "100% Rice Playism." Through creative and fun experiential activities and explanations, both children and adults can embark on a joyful learning journey here. The Organic Rice Field also holds activities aligned with seasonal changes and the rice growth process, inviting everyone to join in rice harvesting and transplanting as modern farmers for a day, experiencing the hard work and rewards of farming. Emphasizing organic farming, this location employs the duck-rice cultivation method, allowing little ducks to assist with the farming tasks. Watching these cute yellow ducklings navigate between the rice seedlings brings smiles to both adults and children alike. The building is designed with several areas, including a multifunctional classroom as the main venue for DIY activities, an exhibition area for demonstrations related to rice, a restaurant serving organic rice dishes, and a sales area for cute souvenir items. However, what makes this place truly remarkable is not just the facilities themselves, but the various experiential activities and guided tours based on seasonal changes and the growth process of rice, such as becoming a farmer for a day, field experiences, harvesting, transplanting, as well as DIY activities like stone painting, eco-friendly handmade soap, and creating biological kaleidoscopes. Under the lively guidance of young instructors, the public can engage closely with the culture of rural farming while exploring the organic rice fields and learning through experience.
