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Vegetables

Boost for Local Organic Farming: Pilot Scheme Expands Selection of Chemical-Free Vegetables

Strategic Insights

— 1 min read

In a significant development for the local organic farming industry, a pilot scheme has brought together the Vegetable Marketing Organisation (VMO), Cheung Kong Life Sciences International, and 20 organic farmers to promote chemical-free vegetables. The collaboration, which involves the use of Nutrismart organic fertiliser, has resulted in a quality guarantee for the produce, making it easier for farmers to sell their goods at three ParknShop outlets. The response to the pilot scheme has been encouraging, with about 200 packs of vegetables sold daily at one of the outlets, and plans are underway to expand the scheme. The initiative not only provides organic farmers with a stable income but also aims to increase the competitiveness of locally grown vegetables against lower-priced imports from the mainland.

Key Takeaways:

  • The Vegetable Marketing Organisation (VMO) and Cheung Kong Life Sciences International have joined forces with 20 local organic farmers to promote chemical-free vegetables through a pilot scheme.
  • Farmers who use Nutrismart organic fertiliser can have their produce sold at three ParknShop outlets under an arrangement with the VMO.
  • VMO provides a quality guarantee for the produce, making it easier for farmers to sell their goods in local supermarkets.
  • The pilot scheme has resulted in about 200 packs of vegetables sold daily at one of the outlets, with plans to expand the scheme.
  • Organically grown strawberries, Chinese kale, and flowering Chinese cabbage are the most popular items among customers.
  • The scheme aims to increase the competitiveness of locally grown vegetables against lower-priced imports from the mainland.
  • The Hong Kong Baptist University's Organic Resource Centre launched the city's first certification system for organic food last month.
  • Farms must pass chemical tests and site inspections to gain certification.

Statistics:

  • 20 local organic farmers are participating in the pilot scheme.
  • 3 ParknShop outlets are currently selling chemical-free vegetables under the pilot scheme.
  • Up to 200 packs of vegetables are sold daily at one of the outlets.
  • 120 packs are sold daily at another outlet.
  • Organic farmers can sell their produce at the ParknShop outlets if they use Nutrismart organic fertiliser.

Sources:

  • "Pilot scheme aims to increase selection of locally grown, organic vegetables" - South China Morning Post (exact date not mentioned)
  • Hong Kong Baptist University's Organic Resource Centre
  • Agriculture, Fisheries and Conservation Department
  • Cheung Kong Life Sciences International

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