Supporting the modernisation and sustainable development of agriculture in Hong Kong

Although Hong Kong is a densely populated metropolis, other than urban areas there are villages, countryside and even wilderness. In terms of industry structure, there are still people choosing agriculture as their career or target investment. Although our gross agricultural output is relatively small, our agricultural products are high in quality. Given the large demand for quality local agricultural products, there is a lot of room for agricultural development in Hong Kong. Through agricultural development, we can also consolidate and better manage rural land uses in the New Territories to further improve the overall living environment in Hong Kong.

Regarding the issue of industry structure, there should be other industries that contribute to Hong Kong's economy besides financial services, real estate and tourism. On the basis of the proposition of economic diversification and industry expansion I put forward in my Manifesto, I proposed in the newly released Policy Address the implementation of the New Agriculture Policy to promote modernisation and sustainable development of local agriculture. Major measures include setting up a $500 million Sustainable Agricultural Development Fund to help farmers improve their production methods, skills and facilities, providing better support in product marketing and brand building, and developing leisure and educational activities related to agriculture.

The crux of the New Agriculture Policy lies in new agriculture. This includes new species, technologies, facilities and equipment. Today, the Secretary for Food and Health and I visited the Tai Lung Experimental Station of the Agriculture, Fisheries and Conservation Department (AFCD) in Sheung Shui. There, farming techniques and equipment introduced from other places are adjusted suitably according to local farming conditions and environments. After being tried and tested successfully at the Station, they are recommended to local farmers. From time to time, the Station introduces new species of vegetables and fruit and demonstrates organic farming techniques to farmers. It also provides agricultural machinery lending services for farmers.

As for facilities, many local farms are still lacking electricity, water supply and sewage disposal facilities. In this regard, the Government has proposed the establishment of an Agricultural Park to provide a new and modernised operating environment for these farms.

During the visit, colleagues in the AFCD briefed me on modernised environmentally friendly farming techniques and various facilities at the Station, including a mushroom shed, controlled-environment greenhouses and an organic demonstration farm. I also had a taste of several kinds of organic fruit freshly harvested from the Station.

I am grateful to my colleagues in the AFCD for their efforts in promoting local agricultural development. In Hong Kong, we see an increasing number of people, especially young people, setting their hearts on farming. I believe that the local agricultural industry will develop sustainably towards modernisation and move up the value chain as long as we combine the Government's policy initiatives with the support of the community.

The Station adopts modernised organic farming methods to grow strawberries and from time to time introduces to local farmers species suitable for Hong Kong.		Cultivation of cherry tomatoes in controlled-environment greenhouses gets rid of the restriction of soil conditions.
Hydroponic farming products grow faster with better quality.		The Station loans various kinds of agricultural machinery for free to local farmers.
The technique of growing edible mushrooms in greenhouses is easy to master, and production can be made all year round.		The Station has an organic demonstration farm, and organises seminars and workshops from time to time to show farmers new farming techniques.
The Station has an organic demonstration farm, and organises seminars and workshops from time to time to show farmers new farming techniques.		Organic vegetables and fruit produced by the Station taste good.
Organic vegetables and fruit produced by the Station taste good.

Video of the Chief Executive visiting the Tai Lung Experimental Station of the Agriculture, Fisheries and Conservation Department

January 21, 2016