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Food Safety, Environmental Hygiene, Agriculture and Fisheries
To meet public demand for recreational fishing and to help mariculturists diversify their business, 53 mariculturists in 10 fish culture zones have the department's approval to operate recreational fishing businesses on licensed fish culture rafts.
The department monitors red tides and issues red tide alerts through support groups at the fish culture zones and via its website, press releases and text messaging. In 2018, 12 red tides were recorded in Hong Kong waters.
Wholesale Markets
Fresh food produce is sold in wholesale markets managed by the AFCD, VMO, Fish Marketing Organisation (FMO) and private sector. In 2018, government wholesale markets, namely the Western Wholesale Food Market, Cheung Sha Wan Wholesale Food Market, Cheung Sha Wan Temporary Wholesale Poultry Market and North District Temporary Wholesale Market for Agricultural Products, handled 252,022 tonnes of vegetables, 87,222 tonnes of fruit, 62,964 tonnes of eggs, 43,468 tonnes of freshwater fish and fish products and 8,129 tonnes of poultry, with a combined value of $6.5 billion.
The VMO is a statutory body governed by the Agricultural Products (Marketing) Ordinance. It provides farmers and traders with wholesale marketing services, including trading facilities, transport and pesticide residue tests, in return for a commission on the vegetables sold. Surplus income is ploughed back into farming development and scholarships for farmers' children. In 2018, the VMO handled 88,600 tonnes of vegetables valued at $713 million.
The FMO is governed by the Marine Fish (Marketing) Ordinance. It provides wholesale marketing services at its seven wholesale markets. Revenue comes from commission charged on fish sales and fees charged for the use of the market facilities. Surplus earnings are channelled back to the fisheries industry by way of low-interest loans to fishermen, outlay that improves market services and facilities, and training grants and scholarships for the fishermen and their children. In 2018, some 43,825 tonnes of marine fish valued at $3.7 billion were sold through the FMO. The organisation also develops fish products at its processing centre to promote the quality of local products.
Websites
Agriculture, Fisheries and Conservation Department: www.afcd.gov.hk Food and Environmental Hygiene Department: www.fehd.gov.hk
Food and Health Bureau: www.fhb.gov.hk
Internet Memorial Service: www.memorial.gov.hk
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