Hong Kong’s first urban farm opens in Ma On Shan

The Agriculture, Fisheries and Conservation Department celebrated the launch of Hong Kong’s inaugural urban farm at Ma On Shan Sai Sha Road Garden on Saturday. 

This innovative project introduces a modernized indoor cultivation system that utilizes multi-layer farming to grow fresh vegetables and fruits, including salad greens, tomatoes, and strawberries, tailored to meet market demand. 

Visitors to the farm can purchase these locally grown products and participate in educational activities designed to provide insight into contemporary farming techniques.

Officiating at the opening ceremony, the Permanent Secretary for Environment and Ecology (Food), Irene Young, said that the initiative aligns with the Hong Kong government’s broader strategy to promote sustainable agriculture and fisheries, emphasizing urban farming as a key component. 

By enabling a “harvest-to-sale” model, the farm delivers fresh, low-carbon, high-quality produce while fostering educational programs that highlight the integration of agriculture into urban environments. 

These efforts aim to enhance the livability and quality of city life by blending agricultural practices with urban development.

Looking ahead, the government plans to further expand urban farming by incorporating it into the planning of the Northern Metropolis and providing technical and financial support to the industry. 

Upcoming projects include the establishment of modern hydroponic farms with integrated market stalls on the rooftops of public markets in Tin Shui Wai and the Kwu Tung North New Development Area, expected to be completed in the coming years. 

Additionally, urban farming has been included as a criterion in the Building Environmental Assessment Method Plus by BEAM Society Limited, encouraging private developers to integrate farms into their projects as part of green building initiatives.