What is the Tea Research Extension Station (T.R.E.S)?

The Tea Research Extension Station is a government-subsidized organization that has its roots in the Japanese tea research and development during their occupation of Taiwan pre-WWII. 

It mostly conducts research on tea plant cultivation and farming techniques to be a resource for tea farmers. In addition to developing hybrid varietals for optimal cultivation in various environments, they also do research in fertilization, pest control, and other aspects of tea production. They also do standardized chemical inspections of soil and tea leaf samples. They offer classes and seminars on tea cultivation and tea making as well as an extensive course in tea judge certification.