ENG-2012 — Page 211

Food Safety, Environmental Hygiene, Agriculture and Fisheries

Aquaculture Practices Programme' to collect water and fish samples for analysis. Seminars are held for farmers to learn new techniques and good management practices. A total of 107 farms have joined the AFCD's voluntary 'Accredited Fish Farm Scheme: To get accredited, farms must adopt good practices that raise their hygiene standards and fish quality. Tests, including analysis of drug residues and heavy metals in fish, are conducted to ensure that the cultured fish are fit for consumption. Over 12,000 kilograms of accredited fish of various species were sold under the scheme in 2012. The accredited fish carry tags for easy recognition.

Specially designed artificial reefs known as biofilters are used to improve water quality and seabed conditions at the fish culture zones at Kau Sai, Sham Wan and Lo Tik Wan. Alternative designs of biofilters are being explored to suit the conditions of different fish culture zones.

To meet public demand for recreational fishing facilities and to help mariculturists diversify their business, in 2012 the AFCD approved applications by some 30 mariculturists in 11 fish culture zones to operate recreational fishing businesses on licensed fish culture rafts.

To protect the mariculture industry, the department monitors red tides and sends red tide warnings through support groups at the fish culture zones. Warnings are also posted on the AFCD's website and conveyed through press releases. In 2012, 18 red tides were recorded in Hong Kong waters.

Wholesale Markets

Fresh food produce is sold in wholesale markets managed by the AFCD, the VMO, the Fish Marketing Organisation (FMO) and the private sector. In 2012, Government wholesale markets. handled 270,000 tonnes of vegetables, 13,000 tonnes of poultry, 49,000 tonnes of freshwater fish and fish products, 103,000 tonnes of fruit and 70,000 tonnes of eggs with a combined value of $6.5 billion.

The Western Wholesale Food Market and the Cheung Sha Wan Wholesale Food Market are the two largest composite wholesale food markets managed by the department. The Western Wholesale Food Market accommodates markets for freshwater fish, vegetables, fruit and eggs, enabling customers to purchase a wide range of fresh foods under one roof. The AFCD also manages two temporary wholesale markets, one in the North District for fresh vegetables, and another in Cheung Sha Wan, for live poultry.

The VMO is a statutory body governed by the Agricultural Products (Marketing) Ordinance. It provides wholesale marketing services for the sale of vegetables. It charges a commission on the vegetables sold, and in return provides trading facilities, transport and pesticide residue testing services to farmers and traders. Surplus income is ploughed back into farming development and scholarships for farmers' children. In 2012, the VMO handled 152,854 tonnes of vegetables valued at $945 million.

The FMO is governed by the Marine Fish (Marketing) Ordinance. It provides wholesale marketing services at its seven wholesale markets. Revenue comes from the commission charged on fish sales and from fees charged for the use of market facilities. Surplus earnings are channelled back to the fisheries industry by way of low-interest loans to fishermen, outlay that

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