Cover Organic farming looks to eliminate the use of harmful chemicals to grow crops while supporting natural alternatives (Photo: Getty Images)
Organic farming looks to eliminate the use of harmful chemicals to grow crops while supporting natural alternatives (Photo: Getty Images)
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Instead of picking up organic produce at your local supermarket, head to these farms in Hong Kong to get your fill of fresh fruits and veggies
Organic farming is the practice of prioritising the use of natural and ecologically safe pest controls and fertilisers to cultivate crops over chemical and synthetic options. Though this can be more labour-intensive—many organic farms are required to obtain certificates and are subjected to routine controls—this technique usually results in healthier and chemical-free food and soil.
In Hong Kong, the organic farming movement kicked off with the establishment of an education farm in Hok Tau Village, Fanling, which was operated by the Produce Green Foundation. One of its goals was to raise public awareness about sustainable farming practices. But it wasn’t until 2004 that an organic farm certification service was launched by the Hong Kong Organic Resource Centre (HKORC), a local certification body for organic products.
Over the years, the organic farming movement grew over the years, thanks to an increase in popularity of organic farmers’ markets and interest from policymakers to promote it; notable bills that have supported the modernisation of local agriculture include the 2016 New Agriculture Policy.
You might be surprised to know that there are more than 100 organic farms in Hong Kong today. Here, we take a look at five of these, which offer not only organic local produce, but other activities, like workshops, hiking and more.
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1. Kadoorie Farm and Botanic Garden
The Kadoorie Farm and Botanic Garden (KFBG) offers tours, workshops and family activities. Visitors can buy organically grown produce grown right here at the farm, or sample it at farm’s Eat Well Café. KFBG also organises the Central Farmers’ Market every Sunday at the Star Ferry Central Pier, offering organic groceries.
Kadoorie Farm and Botanic Garden
Address: Lam Kam Road, Tai Po, New Territories
2. AuLaw Organic Farm
Above AuLaw Organic Farm has supplied fresh organic produce to its community since 2010 and continues to promote organic and regenerative farming in Hong Kong (Photo: Facebook / @aulawfarm)
AuLaw Organic Farm has supplied fresh organic produce to its community since 2010 and continues to promote organic and regenerative farming in Hong Kong (Photo: Facebook / @aulawfarm)
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Taking up 3.3 acres of land in rural Kam Tin, AuLaw Organic Farm is an idyllic retreat for eco-conscious foodies and nature lovers alike. The farm was established in 2010 by the Wong sisters, who are long-time advocates of organic farming. Depending on the season, the farm produces the likes of bitter melon, pumpkin, corn, longan and mango. The farm has also been dabbling in regenerative farming techniques; it uses homemade natural fertilisers and mushroom-substrate-infused mulch, which cycles nutrients into the soil. On Sundays, the farm offers guided tours.
AuLaw Organic Farm
Address: C3W9+8R, Kam Tin, New Territories
3. Zen Organic Farm
Nestled in the village of Ping Che in Fanling, Zen Organic Farm grows a wide variety of naturally sweet fruits such as figs, strawberries or pineapple, as well as greens; visitors can pick them straight from the fields. Learn about its innovative sustainable farming techniques during guided visits, or sign up for its pizza-making workshops, which use freshly picked ingredients.
Zen Organic Farm
Address: G4GR+CV, Fanling, New Territories
4. Tai Tong Organic Ecopark
Yuen Long’s tranquil Tai Tong valley is home to the Tai Tong Organic Ecopark. Though most of the park is dedicated to nature activities, such as horseback riding, camping and sightseeing, there is an organic farm where visitors can buy veggies, mushrooms and other produce rom the on-site store. Tai Tong Organic Ecopark also runs educational workshops for local schools and the public to promote sustainable living and Hong Kong’s agricultural heritage.
Tai Tong Organic Ecopark
Address: C26G+39, Yuen Long, New Territories
5. The Hong Kong Federation of Youth Groups Organic Farm
Located in rural Pat Heung, The Hong Kong Federation of Youth Groups (HKFYG) Organic Farm has served its local community since 2010. It supplies fresh organic vegetables and also organises guided tours and educational workshops for visitors, schools and companies; there is also a popular organic xiaolongbao-making class. Nature lovers also come to enjoy its hiking trails and fish ponds. A cosy on-site café provides respite from the sun.
The Hong Kong Federation of Youth Groups Organic Farm
Address: C35F+GF, Pat Heung, New Territories
Khoa Tran is Social Impact Editor at Tatler Hong Kong. He covers stories touching on sustainability, entrepreneurship, philanthropy and diversity. Trained as a lawyer, Khoa’s work as a writer had previously touched up topics such as regulatory compliance, ESG, and banking. Outside of the office, he enjoys rock climbing and relaxing in jazz clubs.
