Replies to LegCo questions

LCQ3: Sustainable development of the local agricultural and fisheries industries

Following is a question by the Hon Wong Yung-kan and an oral reply by the Secretary for Food and Health, Dr York Chow, in the Legislative Council today (November 18):

Question:

Regarding the development of Hong Kong's agricultural and fisheries industries, will the Government inform this Council:

(a) given that the Government announced last year that about 2,400 hectares of land would be released by phases from the existing Frontier Closed Area, and the Draft Development Plan for that land, which was published at the end of October this year, proposes that 98% of the land be used for conservation purposes to serve as a green buffer zone between Hong Kong and Shenzhen, whether the authorities will consider reserving some area in the land designated for conservation for developing the local agricultural and fisheries industries; if so, of the details; if not, the reasons for that; and

(b) under the premise of safeguarding public health, whether the Government will, in the next three years, set aside resources and step up efforts to develop the local agricultural and fisheries industries; if so, of the details; if not, the reasons for that?

Reply:

President,

Hong Kong started as a fishing port in its development, and the quality local agricultural and fishery products are well received by the public. It is the Government's fundamental policy to support the sustainable development of the local agricultural and fisheries industries. Our reply to Member's question is as follows:

(a) Regarding reserving land in the Frontier Closed Area (FCA) for the development of the agricultural and fisheries industries, the Development Bureau advised that the Planning Department (PlanD) is now undertaking a planning study to examine the future use of the areas to be released from the FCA. When formulating the Draft Development Plan (DPP), the Study Consultant has proposed to retain the rural environment and respect the traditional culture and local lifestyle, while striking a balance between the needs for development and conservation. The DPP proposes an area of approximately 320 hectares, including existing farmland and land suitable for farming, to be used for agriculture.

In addition, an area of about 140 hectares is proposed for recreation use. Together with the adjacent agricultural land or village area, this area can be used for promoting leisure farming and cultural/recreational tourism to encourage rehabilitation of fallow farmland. In the western portion of the Study Area, the fish ponds and wetland are of high ecological and conservation values. The Study Consultant has thus proposed to develop eco-tourism to provide more opportunities for recreation, hiking and bird watching activities so as to attract more visitors. These proposals are conducive to promoting rehabilitation of farmland and tourism development to regenerate the local economy and at the same time help preserve the rural settings and traditions. The PlanD is now conducting a public consultation on the DPP. The whole planning study on the land in the FCA is expected to be completed by early 2010.

(b) As for resources, the Agriculture, Fisheries and Conservation Department (AFCD) has spent no less than $100 million in each of the past three years to support the development of the local agricultural and fisheries industries. In the next three years, we will continue to earmark sufficient resources to promote the development of the local agricultural and fisheries industries through the following five-pronged strategy:

First, to assist the local agricultural and fisheries industries to move towards sustainable development, the AFCD will continue to vigorously promote the development of organic farming and advocate the adoption of sustainable technology in resolving technical problems such as pest and disease control, horticultural practices, soil management and seed saving. At present, there are a total of 130 organic farms in Hong Kong which produce about four tonnes of organic agricultural products per day for supply to the market. On fisheries, the AFCD has also launched hatchery trials in collaboration with fish farmers by setting up an experimental hatchery and promoted the use of a small-scale raft system for hatchery among fish farmers. The Department will continue to conduct studies on local fry hatching techniques, increase cooperation with fish farmers in hatchery trials and invite experts from the Mainland and overseas to provide technical support and training to local fish farmers.

Secondly, we will continue to maintain close dialogue with the Mainland and foreign governments, ensuring the industries understand the impact of the agricultural and fisheries policies of the nearby regions on Hong Kong, and to reflect the views and concerns of local farmers and fishermen to the authorities concerned in the Mainland. In addition, the AFCD, in collaboration with the agricultural and fisheries departments and academic institutions in the Mainland, will also conduct studies and technology exchange, and arrange training for farmers and fishermen.

Thirdly, we will continue to support the industries in technology upgrading and professional training. To meet the market demand for quality and safe food, the AFCD has been identifying appropriate new species with good marketing potential. After successful planting and culture trials, the AFCD will promote these new species to fish and agriculture farmers. Quality species developed in recent years include red flesh rock melon, seedless water melon, yellow flesh water melon, silky gourd and organic strawberry, as well as jade perch in fish culture. These products are very well received in the market, and the demand often exceeds the supply.

In order to enhance farmers' understanding of the agriculture sector of other countries, the AFCD will arrange overseas study visits for them in 2010 to facilitate their experience sharing and exchange with their counterparts and technology institutions. The AFCD also plans to launch professional training courses on capture fishery, aquaculture industry and fishery eco-tourism etc. during the fishing moratorium in 2010.

Fourthly, we will assist the industries in developing quality brand names. Currently a total of 235 vegetable farms and 88 fish farms in the territory have participated in the Accredited Farm Scheme and Accredited Fish Farm Scheme respectively. The AFCD has also helped the industries set up weekend farmers' markets and organise large-scale carnivals to enhance public understanding of local agricultural and fishery products and promote local brand names. The AFCD will continue to organise the fourth FarmFest early next year. It is expected that the event will attract over 100 participating local farmers and fishermen and more than 100,000 visitors.

Fifthly, we will also provide financial support and emergency relief for the industries. In 2008, loans granted to farmers through the Kadoorie Agricultural Aid Loan Fund, the J. E. Joseph Trust Fund and the Vegetable Marketing Organisation Loan Fund amounted to $5.08 million. In July this year, a special loan scheme was set up under the J. E. Joseph Trust Fund to assist poultry farmers in installing metal bird protection nets in their farms so as to enhance biosecurity. A total of $7.8 million has been granted as loans to 18 farms as at present.

We shall continue to support the development of the local agricultural and fisheries industries in accordance to the international trend of technology and standard, in order to enhance the productivity and competitiveness of the local agricultural and fisheries industries and at the same time, maximise the use of our limited farm lands and natural resources.

Thank you, President.


Ends/Wednesday, November 18, 2009
Issued at HKT 13:03

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