TNAG-2864-FCO40-4118-International-Covenant-on-Economic--Social-and-Cultural-Righ-1993 — Page 13

of food is always available for the whole community. The limited area of land available for agricultural use has led to continuous research to ensure the most economical and productive utilisation of such land.

22.

As regards the measures that have been adopted in Hong Kong and the progress made in achieving the observance of the rights recognised, a programme of agricultural and fisheries development activities has been undertaken. The overall objective is to facilitate the supply of food to the population of Hong Kong. The specific objectives are:

(a)

(b)

(c)

(a)

(e)

(f)

to provide for efficient wholesale marketing of fresh primary food products;

to apply to imported staple foodstuffs the minimum effective controls necessary to maintain supplies;

to promote the development and to increase the productivity of such agriculture and fisheries as is economically viable and as contributes to Hong Kong's food supply;

to ensure that a proportion of Hong Kong's food supply is produced locally;

to devise and administer such legislation on animal and plant diseases as may be necessary; and

in times of shortages, to assist in the search for alternative sources of supply.

The standards of provision are:

orderly and hygienic wholesale facilities;

23.

(a)

(b)

the limitation of the number of registered rice importers to 46;

(c)

the complete control and prevention of all types of plant and livestock pests and diseases.

hk1 0

24.

To implement the programmes in respect of agricultural industries, the Government undertakes applied and adaptive research as necessary, provides diagnostic and ancillary services, gives technical, managerial and financial advice and assistance, and assumes development responsibilities - especially in the form of irrigation projects. Producer associations and the orderly marketing of local farm produce are actively promoted and regulated. New concepts, techniques and material inputs to the industry are evaluated, and actively promoted when it is advantageous to do so. Controls are enforced to prevent the introduction and spread of plant and livestock pests and diseases; and to ensure economic and efficient production levels as well as production to