HK to set up urban farms from next year
Secretary for Environment and Ecology Tse Chin-wan on Thursday said a plan to launch the first urban farm in Hong Kong next year is just the beginning of the integration of farming into urban development, and more of these facilities may open across the city in future. The pilot scheme to open a farm in Sai Sha Road Garden in Ma On Shan in 2024 is part of a blueprint fostering the sustainable development of agricultural and fisheries. The authorities also set up targets to increase the number of locally produced vegetables, locally cultured marine fish and local livestock.  Tse said Hong Kong is moving towards incorporating urban farming elements into urban planning. “We are experimenting a new concept, that is in the urban areas, in the new buildings, whether we can merge farming and development,” he said. “We believe this is a good concept. After gaining more experience from the Ma On Shan project, we will put up more projects and try to develop into that urban farming direction.” The government also said it will encourage developers to introduce urban farming elements to property development projects, so as to create more “green buildings”. Representatives from the agriculture and fisheries sector welcomed the sustainable development plan, saying the government can make use of technology to help them switch to more sustainable modes of operation. “We need to set another stage or a new milestone for local fisheries and agricultural field. This quality brand will create a new market and high-end products,” Jacky Yeung, vice-chairman of the Sai Kung Angling Youth Association said.