The 17th FarmFest is being held at Fa Hui Park in Mong Kok for three consecutive days between today (December 25) and December 27 to showcase a variety of local agricultural and fisheries products and other goods.

     Jointly organised by the Agriculture, Fisheries and Conservation Department (AFCD), the Vegetable Marketing Organization (VMO) and the Fish Marketing Organization (FMO), FarmFest is the largest outdoor farmers' market in Hong Kong, and local producers can directly sell their products to consumers at the event. FarmFest houses more than 300 stalls, about 200 of which offer local produce for sale. There are also stalls selling local delicacies, organic and healthy food, and household goods.

     An array of agricultural and fisheries products will be on sale during FarmFest, featuring premium agricultural products produced by local organic farms and accredited farms, including cherry tomatoes, beetroots, radishes, strawberries, mushrooms, kale, hydroponic calendulas and hydroponic purple pak choi seedlings. Local fresh fisheries products cultured by local accredited fish farms, such as spiny lobsters, pompanos, Yuen Long grey mullets, jade perches, orbicular batfishes, Pacific white shrimps and hairy crabs, are also available.

     The AFCD has been proactively promoting sustainable development of the agricultural and fisheries industry. To enable consumers to learn more about the latest development of the industry, an agricultural zone and a fisheries zone are set up at FarmFest to demonstrate how the industry increases productivity and enhances the quality of local produce by the use of technology.

     The agricultural zone introduces modern farm machinery and agricultural technologies to showcase how farmers further improve farming efficiency by applying relevant technologies. The Mobile Hydroponic Cultivation System and the Modular Automatic Seeding Robotic Arm are examples of hydroponic cultivation technologies that can optimise space and reduce manpower respectively. It also features smart greenhouse technology that enables farmers to monitor real-time conditions and remotely control facilities in their greenhouses through portable smart devices. Farming technologies will be demonstrated, and members of the public can also try operating a smart greenhouse.

     The fisheries zone exhibits new aquaculture technologies which drive fisheries into modernised and sustainable development. A semi-submersible steel truss deep sea cage model displays its merits over a traditional wooden fish raft, while a small-scale recirculating aquaculture system with local aquatic species facilitates understanding of the aquaculture system workflow and its functions. Furthermore, members of the public can try to conduct microscopy identification of phytoplankton with a microscope provided. AFCD staff on-site will guide visitors through the process and introduce different algal species to the public.

     In addition, FarmFest offers various entertaining performances, including music and cultural performances, and cooking demonstrations. Photo backdrops featuring local agricultural and fisheries products are also set up for the enjoyment of people of all ages. The event is open from 10am to 8pm. Admission is free.

     Online sales of products are also available for this year's FarmFest. Members of the public can purchase local agricultural and fisheries products provided by about 20 fishermen and farmers from January 3 to January 9 on the "Local Fresh" mobile app operated by the FMO and VMO.

     The AFCD has produced a series of short videos featuring local agricultural and fisheries products. The videos and details of the FarmFest can be viewed at www.farmfest.hk (Chinese version only) or www.facebook.com/farmfesthk.

     FarmFest is also one of the celebration events for the 25th anniversary of the establishment of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region.

Ends/Sunday, December 25, 2022
Issued at HKT 15:35

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