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A Local Organic Watermelon Festival was launched at Tuen Mun Farmers' Market today (July 2). Over 30 local farmers set up stalls at the market to display and sell their organic watermelons and other premium fruits and vegetables. By interacting with farmers, customers can learn more about organic farms and produce in Hong Kong.
The two-day (July 2 and 3) festival was jointly organised by the Agriculture, Fisheries and Conservation Department (AFCD) and the Federation of Vegetable Marketing Co-operative Societies Ltd (FVMCS) to support and promote local organic farming.
The AFCD provided technical support and field instruction to farmers for cultivating a new variety of organic watermelon, "Diana", and three other improved produce varieties, namely the mini wax gourd "Mini Jade", the green bitter cucumber "Jade No.9" and the yellow cucumber "Golden Fox". More than 20 000 of the organic melons will be ready for sale this summer. Other local premium organic produce such as leafy vegetables, legumes, lychees and guavas, as well as other vegetables and fruits in season, are also available at the farmers' market.
Tuen Mun Farmers' Market is located at Crossroads Village, 2 Castle Peak Road, Tuen Mun (opposite Gold Coast Phase I), and opens from 10am to 4pm every Saturday. Admission is free. The market has become a popular place in the district for buying organic vegetables and fruits since it opened in 2009.
The melons will also be available at Tai Po Farmers' Market. Set up by the FVMCS, the market is located at Tai Wo Road (near the fire station), Tai Po, and opens from 9am to 5pm every Sunday.
The AFCD has been assisting local farmers to develop the market for organic food. There are a number of organic vegetable retail outlets under the Vegetable Marketing Organisation marketing network, including large supermarkets, MTR shops, health food stores and the Lions Nature Education Centre outlet at Tsiu Hang, Sai Kung.
Ends/Saturday, July 2, 2011
Issued at HKT 16:52
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