Taiwan's vice president used the Qixi Valentine's Day holiday to promote young farmers in rural Yilan, a positive story for local agriculture but a small one.

• Hsiao Bi-khim toured a lingzhi mushroom farm in Jiaoxi and joked that the heart-shaped mushrooms fit the holiday.
• She praised the farm's third-generation owner for turning a traditional crop into branded products and paid farm tours.
• The message: Taiwan needs young people in farming for both incomes and food security.
• Local officials want to tie Jiaoxi's famous hot springs to farm visits so tourists buy local produce, not just soak.

Outlook: Expect more central and local government money and marketing help aimed at getting young farmers to take over family farms.