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Livestock farmers urged to apply for licence
Farmers under phase I of the Licensing Scheme for Livestock Keeping are urged to apply for a licence from the Agriculture and Fisheries Department (AFD) as soon as possible.
Making the appeal today (Wednesday), an AFD spokesman said it was against the law if livestock and poultry farms located within the livestock waste control and restricted areas were operated without a licence after the application deadline on June 30, 1995.
Farms affected by phase I of the scheme will include Tolo Harbour and Tolo Channel Area, River Indus Area, Upper Shenzhen River Area, Tsuen Wan Environs and Tuen Mun Environs. Newly defined Restricted Areas around new towns and outlying islands are also included in this phase.
The spokesman pointed out that since July this year, AFD had received a total of 106 applications.
"Judging from the estimated 190 farms within phase I areas, livestock farmers' response has been very encouraging.
"Despite the fact that the deadline for phase I application is still six months away, livestock farmers are strongly advised to apply early because it takes time to process the application and to consider whether their proposed waste treatment system is appropriate," he said.
On the livestock licence, the spokesman stressed that it would be valid for a period of three years, renewable
upon expiry.
A fee is chargeable to each licence, ranging from $750 to $4,500, depending on the size of the farm and the number of livestock being kept.
Application forms for the licence are now obtainable in person or by post from the following offices: AFD Farm Licensing Unit, Castle Peak Poultry Breeding Centre. Kei Lun Wai, Tuen Mun; Ta Kwu Ling Pig Breeding Centre; AFD's Agricultural Offices in Yuen Long and Tai Po, as well as the AFD headquarters on 12th floor of Canton Road Government Offices.
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