Farmers question plan for hi-tech agricultural park in Hong Kong

Farmers and agricultural groups have questioned government plans to build a hi-tech agricultural park as part of a drive to revive farming in the city.

In meetings with officials from the Food and Health Bureau and the Agriculture, Fisheries and Conservation Department, they said the project risked undermining traditional farming. Even if farmers wanted to join the project they would struggle to find the money to lease land in the park, they added.

The idea of a 70 to 80 hectare park with the latest technology is the centrepiece of a three-month consultation on agricultural policy launched in December. But farmers expressed scepticism to officials, including assistant director of agriculture Dr Liu Kwei-kin, at a forum yesterday organised by the Hong Kong Organic Resource Centre at Baptist University.

"Modernisation? Hi-tech? … I'm afraid only the very few in the park will get assistance and thrive. Those outside will wither," said Cheung Tin-hung, who has an organic farm in Kam Tin.

Fellow organic farmer Wong Yu-wing said it would be a big investment to move to the park," he said. "Most farmers are over 60 and it would be difficult for them to make this move. Can we instead run our existing farms better?" He suggested the government do more to help farmers transport and sell their produce.

But Liu said the idea of the agricultural park - where farmers will be able to lease land at market rates and receive help with training and marketing - was nothing out of the ordinary.