PRIMARY PRODUCTION
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mariculturists. The use of commercially available dry pellet feed is also being introduced to fish farmers. In comparison with minced/chopped trash fish, these new feed formulations have significantly reduced pollution caused by fish feed and improved both the feed efficiency as well as fish health.
The AFCD has also strengthened its red tide monitoring and management measures with a view to minimising the impact of red tides on mariculture. The monitoring capability was upgraded from visible red tide monitoring to proactive phytoplankton monitoring before the formation of a red tide. An outreach team was established to provide rapid responses to red tide reports. Red tide warnings are disseminated to mariculturists through the red tide support groups set up in different fish culture zones. To further explore mitigatory measures to reduce the effect of harmful red tides, a study has been conducted on the feasibility of using clay to remove such harmful algal blooms. To help the general public in understanding red tides and harmful algal blooms, a poster and an information leaflet were produced for public distribution. A weekly update on red tide reports is also published through the media and the Government's web site.
Marketing
Much fresh food produce is sold in wholesale markets managed by the AFCD, the Vegetable Marketing Organisation and the Fish Marketing Organisation. The Western Wholesale Food Market and the Cheung Sha Wan Wholesale Food Market Phase I are the two biggest market complexes developed and managed by the department. Each is an integration of several markets. The Western Wholesale Food Market, for example, accommodates markets for freshwater fish, vegetables, fruit, poultry and eggs and allows buyers to purchase a variety of fresh food produce under one roof.
Apart from these market complexes, the AFCD also operates temporary wholesale markets at North District and Cheung Sha Wan for agricultural products and chickens respectively. The plan for the development of Phase II of the Cheung Sha Wan Wholesale Food Market is being reviewed in the light of the views expressed by the trade associations concerned.
During the year, the Government's wholesale markets handled 327 000 tonnes of vegetables, 73 000 tonnes of poultry, 41 000 tonnes of freshwater fish and fisheries products, 103 000 tonnes of fruit and 54 000 tonnes of fresh and preserved eggs. The total value amounted to $4.8 billion.
The Vegetable Marketing Organisation is established as a non-government body providing vegetable wholesale marketing facilities. It operates a vegetable wholesale market at Cheung Sha Wan, set up under the Agricultural Products (Marketing) Ordinance on a non-profit-making basis. It charges commission on the vegetables sold and in return provides trading facilities, transport, accounting, and pesticides residue testing services to farmers and traders. Any surplus is ploughed back into the development of farming and the provision of scholarships for farmers' children. During the year, the organisation handled 262 340 tonnes of vegetables valued at $805 million.
The Fish Marketing Organisation is a statutory body established under the Marine Fish (Marketing) Ordinance. It provides orderly marketing services at its seven wholesale markets. Revenue comes from charging commission on the proceeds of