ENG-2016 — Page 213

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Food Safety, Environmental Hygiene, Agriculture and Fisheries

Wholesale Markets

Fresh food produce is sold in wholesale markets managed by the AFCD, VMO, Fish Marketing Organisation (FMO) and private sector. In 2016, 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 238,669 tonnes of vegetables, 102,986 tonnes of fruit, 73,269 tonnes of eggs, 48,561 tonnes of freshwater fish and fish products and 8,080 tonnes of poultry, with a combined value of $6.9 billion.

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 2016, the VMO handled 108,700 tonnes of vegetables valued at $904 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 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 2016, some 45,990 tonnes of marine fish valued at $3.4 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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