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Local agriculture is directed towards the production of high quality,
fresh food crops through intensive land use. Farming is largely undertaken
in the New Territories and just 2 per cent of the land area is under cultivation.
Overall, the most common crops cultivated are vegetables and cut flowers,
and production was valued at about $272 million in 2003. Pigs and poultry
are the principal animals reared for food and the value of locally produced
pigs amounted to $529 million and that of poultry, including chickens
and pigeons, to $251 million.
As a result of limited supply of farm land and labour,
competition from imports, raised environmental standards and calls for
improved farm hygiene and safe produce, the local agriculture industry
has to adapt rapidly to sustain its long-term development.
The AFCD encourages crop farmers to target specific
niche markets and enhance their competitiveness by cultivating safe as
well as quality vegetables. The department has cooperated with the local
organic farming organisations and the Vegetable Marketing Organisation
to develop organic farming and the market for organic vegetables in Hong
Kong. So far, farmers from four local farming districts have joined the
Organic Farming Conversion Scheme. The AFCD also promotes the use of greenhouse
technology for intensive high-value crop production. During the year,
two new vegetable varieties suitable for local production — jade Chinese
kale and strawberry — were introduced to farmers for production.
The voluntary Accredited Farm Scheme operated by the
AFCD and the Vegetable Marketing Organisation since 1994 aims to supply
clean and safe vegetables. This programme has continued to expand with
an additional six farms accredited. The organisation continued to use
a 'Good Farmer' cartoon logo to promote accredited produce. |
