FARMERS across the border have agreed to try a Hong Kong quality mark scheme aimed at preventing poisoned vegetables from being imported to the territory.
The local government of Panyu, in rural Guangzhou, will adopt the Accredited Farms Scheme and is promoting it among farmers.
The voluntary scheme, which seeks to label produce from accredited farms, is expected to start in October.
Local agricultural officers will visit participating farms once a week to monitor pesticide use.
Panyu aims to develop accredited farms around Wanqingsha, Huangge and Minzhong areas.
The scheme was initiated by Hong Kong's Agriculture and Fisheries Department amid concerns over the seasonal outbreak of food poisoning caused by eating vegetables tainted with pesticides.
Last October more than 20 people were admitted to hospital after eating tainted vegetables from Shenzhen.
