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Food Safety, Environmental Hygiene, Agriculture and Fisheries

The AFCD plans to designate new fish culture zones at Wong Chuk Kok Hoi, Outer Tap Mun, Mirs Bay and Po Toi and has commissioned consultants to undertake the necessary environmental impact assessments for these zones.

To meet public demand for recreational fishing and to help mariculturists diversify their business, 59 mariculturists in 10 fish culture zones have the department's approval to operate recreational fishing businesses on licensed fish culture rafts.

Eight red tides were recorded in Hong Kong waters in 2020. The AFCD is testing a newly developed Real-time Phytoplankton Species Monitoring System to improve early warning of red tides.

Wholesale Markets

Fresh food produce is sold in wholesale markets managed by the AFCD, VMO, Fish Marketing Organisation (FMO) and private sector. In 2020, 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 254,245 tonnes of vegetables, 67,707 tonnes of fruit, 65,669 tonnes of eggs, 43,585 tonnes of freshwater fish and fish products and 8,476 tonnes of poultry, with a combined value of $6.57 billion.

The VMO is 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 2020, the VMO handled 76,954 tonnes of vegetables valued at $659 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 2020, some 39,520 tonnes of marine fish valued at $2.8 billion were sold through the FMO. The organisation also develops fish products at its processing centre to promote the quality of local products. The FMO and VMO have collaborated to launch the 'Local Fresh' app, enabling customers to purchase local fish products online, and to set up a store promoting premium local fish 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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