Tobacco employees harvest Taiwan rice

Imperial Tobacco employees in Taiwan volunteered to help bring in the local rice harvest with their friends and families as part of a major community project.

Imperial was one of the first businesses to join the country’s rice land adoption program in 2009.

By purchasing rice at a guaranteed price, the program enables local farmers to earn a stable income, while the crop is then donated to those in need.

The harvest day began with a guided tour of a museum, where the participants learned about rice growing and made traditional rice cakes.

Then they were divided into groups and took part in a competition to see who was the fastest and the best at reaping the harvest.

“This was a wonderful way to enhance recognition and awareness of our commitment to local agriculture,” said Blanche Cheng, head of corporate affairs in Taiwan.