Accredited Farm Scheme
VMO and AFCD have been jointly running the Accredited Farm Scheme since 1994. The scheme accredits vegetables farms in Hong Kong or Guangdong Province operated by Hong Kong citizens for the adoption of good agricultural practices and proper use of pesticides. Following the northward relocation of the Mainland vegetable farms operated by Hong Kong citizens, the scheme has also been extended to the Ningxia Hui Autonomous Region during the year.
Accredited vegetables are sampled and tested to ensure that there is no excess pesticide residue before distributing for sale at retailer outlets designated by VMO. Consumers can identify these outlets by the VMO 'accredited retailers logo carried by the retailers.
As at 31 March 2022, 318 farms (including 26 farms in Guangdong Province & Ningxia Hui Autonomous Region) covering a total area of 2,575 ha had been accredited. Local accredited farms are located at the main production areas including Ta Ku Ling, Tsiu Keng, Ng Ka Tsuen, Sheung Shui, Castle Peak, Shek Kong, Kwu Tung, Ping Shan, Fung Kat, Tuen Mun, Koon Lam, Ha Tsuen, Lam Tei, Kam Tin, San Tin, Ping Che, Fanling, Hung Shui Kiu, Pat Heung and Sung Ching. The average daily supply of accredited produce was 40 tonnes.
The VMO has created a Good Farmer character to promote accredited vegetables. This ambassador would visit various markets to promote accredited vegetables to the public. Currently, there are 327 accredited retail outlets located in different districts of Hong Kong Island, Kowloon and New Territories to facilitate consumers in shopping for accredited vegetables.
Accredited Fish Farm Scheme
The Fish Processing Centre was established in 2005 with a mission to promote premium local fisheries products through establishing a contemporary brand of the FMO – "Quality Produce". The centre develops and supplies premium fisheries products, such as dried, salted and processed fisheries products to various customers including restaurants, supermarkets, hotels and institutions like eldery’s home.
Since 2006, the FMO has been working closely with the Agriculture, Fisheries and Conservation Department to promote the "Accredited Fish Farm Scheme". The Fish Processing Centre promotes accredited fish including Grey Mullet, Star Snapper and Jade Perch, etc. Among them, the Jade Perch is a premium freshwater fish native to Australia, it has been introduced to the local market since April 2006 with great success.