Hong Kong to implement New Agriculture Policy

Hong Kong Chief Executive Leung Chun-ying said on Wednesday that the Hong Kong government has decided to implement the New Agriculture Policy.

When delivering his fourth policy address, Leung said major measures include establishing an Agricultural Park, exploring the feasibility of designating agricultural priority areas, setting up a 500 million Hong Kong dollars (about 65 million U.S. dollars) Sustainable Agricultural Development Fund, providing better support and assistance to help farmers move up the value chain, in areas such as product marketing and brand building, and developing leisure and educational activities related to agriculture.

He added that the value of agriculture goes beyond its economic contribution. Developing local agriculture not only increases choices in terms of origin of food, it also helps optimize land use, improve the environment and hygiene in rural areas and conserve the natural ecology.

"So far, the Sustainable Fisheries Development Fund has granted subsidies totalling 28 million Hong Kong dollars. The government will continue to encourage the use of the fund to provide technical support and training for those engaged in fishery operations, including the fishing and aquaculture industries," he said.