Using Virtual Reality to Enhance Agricultural Value of Camellia Formosnensis: A Native Species in Taiwan

Taiwan's high mountain teas including Sun Moon Lake black tea are internationally renowned but Camellia formosensis is rarely known due to its scarce production and high economic value. Tea farmers have been working hard to promote this tea in recent years. Due to labor shortage and population migration, farmers need to keep innovating to maintain the competitiveness of the industry. The emergence of the XR industry allows for different breakthroughs in agriculture. Therefore, it is required to explore how to promote Camellia formosensis using Virtual Reality (VR). We reviewed the application of VR technology in agriculture and related research. We explored how tea farms could enhance customer experience and promotion through efficient management. The VR game content was created from the tea-plucking to the tea-making. Customer feedback was collected. The feedback was evaluated for the impact of VR technology on the customer's impression of Xinyuan's tea production and their understanding of Camellia formosensis. The results showed that a richer and more interactive customer experience through VR technology increased the awareness of the value of their tea. The use of VR technology can develop the Xinyuan Tea industry and inspire smallholder farmers. A new perspective on the application of VR technology in agriculture was obtained highlighting its potential socioeconomic impacts, especially for the sustainable development and market expansion of local smallholder farmers.