Secretary for Food & Health Dr Ko Wing-man says although supplies of organic fish in Hong Kong are currently limited, the availability of organic aquaculture products in local markets is on the rise.
Replying to a question in the Legislative Council today, Dr Ko said there are currently 27 outlets selling local organic fish, of which 17 are supplied directly by an organic fish farm, with the remaining 10 supplied by the Fish Marketing Organisation (FMO), which sources its products from such farms.
There are also two retail outlets run by organic fish farmers, he added, at Tai Kiu Market and Tung Yick Market in Yuen Long.
Dr Ko noted the Agriculture, Fisheries & Conservation Department has said the amount of water surface area used by organic fish farms has increased by 160% in the past two years, and despite higher upfront costs discouraging some from adopting the methods, organic fish farming generates around 10% higher profits than conventional methods.
He also said the department reports that operators of 15 more fish ponds have chosen to switch to organic farming, and production is expected to reach 20 tonnes for 2013, up from eight tonnes in 2011.
The FMO is also expanding its distribution network to organic product retail outlets and organic farmers' markets across the city. Although production is currently limited, the organisation may supply ordinary markets with organic fish when supply increases, he said.
