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LI HOK FUNG S.7B
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16/9/2008
Agriculture in Hong Kong
Organic Farming in Hong Kong
Introduction
Organic farming in Hong Kong began in 1988. It is a form of agriculture that depends
on environmentally-friendly resources like natural fertilizer to yield crops. It uses
biological ways to combat agricultural problems and tries to stay away from chemical
substances that can alter the food and its quality.
Background
During the 90's, because of rapid urbanization and profound shift in economic
structure, the local agricultural sector continued to decrease. At that time, public
started to concern about food safety and environmental protection, so the Hong Kong
government had begun to promote organic farming.
As at December 2007, there are 235 organic farms in Hong Kong., the average
production volume for organic vegetables is about 3-5 metric tones per day which are
distributed through supermarkets, health food stores, wet markets and farmers'
market.
Advantages of organic farming
Organic farming is environmentally friendly , sustainable and better protect our
farmlands and countryside. It sustains the fertilization of the soil , increase this for the
future and maintain the biological variety and the natural hereditary resources .
Also, it opens up a niche market that can bring in a premium for local farmers .
Moreover, it provides fresh, healthy and safe food products which are free from
pesticides, chemicals, and additives, thus offer a wider and better choice of fresh
vegetables to local residents.
Organic Farming Support Service
HKORC (Hong Kong Organic Resources Centre) was established in December 2002
to provide an independent organic certification service for farmers and food
processors. In late 2004, the HKORC had officially launched its organic certification
service.
The service includes sampling of soil and irrigated water for testing and on-site
organic assessment, regular farm visit to provide technical advice and suggestions,
technical input and advisory for organic certification application, introduction of
organic pest control techniques and cultivation practices and assistance in marketing
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of organic product.
Organic farming techniques
(1) Bug-sucking machine, which invented in 2003 to control the flea beetle problems
in Brassica vegetable.
(2) Integrated melon-fly control method, was designed to solve the melon fruit fly
problem faced by organic farmers, is very effective and economical.
(3) Field trials for specialty crops, and then introduced to our organic farmers, such as
cherry tomato, white bitter gourd, cucumber, sweet pepper, strawberry,
watermelon and rock melon are some of the newly introduced specialty crops for
local organic farmers.
(4) Composting facilities, which are used to recycling crop residues, tree branches and
other biodegradable materials produced on the farm to sustain the soil fertility for
crop production.
Characteristics of Organic Vegetables
Since no chemical is used, the plants carry no chemical residues, and grows stronger.
Nonetheless, the plant may appear some worm-bites. Also, the organic vegetables
are rich in vitamins, minerals and fiber, less water content, highly nutritious, tasty
and can be stored for a longer time.
Controlled-Environment Greenhouse (CE Greenhouse)
Introduction
A CE greenhouse is the greenhose that usually equipped with automatic
environmental control system and irrigation system . Its framework is usually built
with rust-proof iron bars and sealed with materials such as polyethylene film or
polycarbonate sheet.
Advantages of using CE greenhouse
CE greenhouse’s enclosed operation can provide favourable conditions for plant
growth,
protect plants from adverse weather, pests and diseases and used for production all
year round, thus improve the crop yield. Besides, it can be fully automated in
irrigation, fertilization and spraying etc, thus increase in productivity.
Application of CE greenhouse
CE greenhouse favours production of high value premium vegetables and
flowers such as sweet pepper, cherry tomato, white bitter cucumber, sweet melon,
mini cucumber and lily cut flower.
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Since the plants are more protected from pests, diseases and external pollution, it is
beneficial to use of CE greenhouse in organic cultivation.