Replies to LegCo questions
LCQ7: Promotion of organic farming
Following is a question by the Hon Andrew Leung and a written reply by the
Secretary for Food and Health, Dr Ko Wing-man, in the Legislative Council today
(June 15):
Question:
The Agriculture, Fisheries and Conservation Department launched the "Organic
Farming Conversion Scheme" in December 2000 to encourage conventional farmers to
switch to organic farming. As at February 2016, there were 556 organic farms in
Hong Kong, including traditional family-operated farms, self-claimed organic
farms, enterprise-operated farms, and educational/leisure farms. Last month, the
Finance Committee of this Council approved the setting up of a $500 million
Sustainable Agricultural Development Fund to provide financial assistance to
farmers, so as to enhance the promotion of technological research and manpower
training in the agriculture industry, etc. In this connection, will the
Government inform this Council:
(1) whether there are new policies and measures to increase the number of
organic farms; if so, of the details; if not, the reasons for that; and
(2) in the coming three years, how the authorities will effectively promote
organic farming and provide assistance to those organisations and bodies (such
as schools, commercial organisations) which intend to practise organic farming?
Reply:
President,
Our consolidated reply relating to the Government's work in promoting organic
farming is set out below.
In view of increasing public demand for local organic products in recent years,
the Agriculture, Fisheries and Conservation Department (AFCD) has been actively
supporting farmers engaged in organic farming, as well as encouraging/assisting
farmers to adopt organic farming practices away from using chemical pesticides
and fertilisers. In December 2000, AFCD launched the Organic Farming Conversion
Scheme (later renamed as the Organic Farming Support Service) to facilitate,
through the provision of technical support, local farmers engaged in commercial
production to switch from traditional farming to organic farming. With the
implementation of the Scheme, we have seen a steady increase in the number of
commercial farms taking on organic farming. The number of organic farms which
participated in the Scheme has grown from 15 farms in two organic production
zones in December 2000, to the current total of 282 farms spanning over seven
organic production zones in Ng Ka Tsuen, Tai Kong Po, Ping Che, Fanling, Pat
Heung, Sheung Shui and Tai Po.
To promote organic farming, AFCD organises various training programmes focused
on technical skills, seminars and workshops, and offers on-site technical advice
to help farmers overcome technical problems in production, such as those
relating to pest and disease control, horticultural skills, soil fertility
management, seed saving, etc. Besides, AFCD conducts field trials and technical
studies with a view to enhancing farmers' productivity and the quality of their
products. AFCD also stands ready to share experience with members of the public
in addressing technical issues associated with organic farming.
In the 2016 Policy Address, the Chief Executive announced that the Government
would implement the New Agriculture Policy (NAP). The NAP is underpinned by a
series of support measures that promote the modernisation of local agriculture
and its sustainable development, including establishing an Agricultural Park (Agri-Park);
exploring the feasibility of designating agricultural priority areas; setting up
the Sustainable Agricultural Development Fund (SADF); providing better support
and assistance to help farmers move up the value chain in areas such as product
marketing and brand building; and developing leisure and educational activities
related to agriculture. Among the various measures, the SADF will provide
financial assistance to facilitate modernisation of local agriculture and
enhance output and productivity. Local organic farms may benefit from the SADF
through the subsidy provided to acquire farming equipment and materials. The
SADF will also provide funding support to various projects for purposes that
include promoting research and development that eases the application of
technology to agricultural production, enhancing manpower training, improving
agricultural infrastructure, strengthening marketing and branding of local
agricultural produce and establishing farmers' markets, etc. In addition, under
the NAP the Government will set up an Agri-Park of around 75-80 hectares to help
nurture development in agro-technology and agro-business management. There will
be a designated zone in the Agri-Park for promoting the development and
advancement of organic farming.
Ends/Wednesday, June 15, 2016
Issued at HKT 15:08
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