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123

PRODUCE GREEN FOUNDATION

Produce Green Foundation, a non-profit charitable organization, established in 1988 by a group of local
enthusiasts concerned about modern farming and the environment. It set up the Hong Kong’s first
organic farm at Hok Tau, Fanling. Green lifestyles have been promoted to the public through the concept
of organic farming for 20 years. Books, periodicals and pamphlets on gardening, food and green living
were published. The farm is open to visitors everyday and fresh organic vegetables are sold. There are
some other commercial organizations with similar names as the Foundation. Please contact us for any
inquiries about our work.

 !" PRODUCE GREEN FOUNDATION

 !"#$%& 18
==18, Hok Tau Village, Fanling, N.T., Hong Kong

 Tel: 2674 1190==
=Fax: 2674 8077==
 E-mail: info@producegreen.org.hk

 Website: http://www.producegreen.org.hk

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Hong Kong Organic Living Directory 2008

=Editors

 Sharon Mar

 Joyce Li

 Iris But

 Lau Yuen Yee

=Published By

 !" Produce Green Foundation

 !"#$%& 18
18, Hok Tau Village, Fanling, N.T., Hong Kong

 Tel: 2674 1190

 Fax: 2674 8077

 E-Mail: info@producegreen.org.hk

 Web Site: http://www.producegreen.org.hk

=Designed by

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=Printed by

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18
A4

Flat A4, 18/F, Blk A, Fortune Factory Bldg., 40 Lee Chung St., Chati Wan, Hong Kong

 !=Publication Date
2008
4
April, 2008

 ! ISBN
ISBN-13: 978-988-98898-1-4
ISBN-10: 988-98898-1-1

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Published by Produce Green Foundation for free subscription.
All rights reserved. All articles and materials in this publication may not be
reproduced without permission of the Publisher.

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This publication is printed on 100% recycled paper with eco soy ink.

=Contents

 Page

=Foreword ................................................................................................................................................... 2

1.
 !=Knowing Organic
1.1
 !"#$%&'=Blessings From All Beings ................................................................................... 4
1.2
 !"#=Hong Kong Organic Movement ....................................................................................... 6
1.3
 !"#$%=What is Organic Farming? ......................................................................................... 10
1.4
 !" NM
 =10 Reasons to go Organic? .................................................................................. 12
1.5
 !""#$%&'(=Simple Living Can Save Us All! ................................................................... 14
1.6
 !"=Everyday Organic Q & A ....................................................................................................... 16
1.7
 !=Reference .................................................................................................................................. 18

2.
 !!"=Local Organic Organizations

2.1
=Farms ................................................................................................................................................. 20
2.2
 =Retailers ......................................................................................................................................... 31
2.3
 L
=Restaurants / Cafés ................................................................................................................. 54
2.4
 =Wholesalers ................................................................................................................................... 55
2.5
L
 =Exporters / Importers ............................................................................................................. 64
2.6
 L
 L
 =Manufacturers / Processors/ Agents .................................................................... 66
2.7
 !"#$%&'(=Resource Groups ............................................................................................. 69
2.8
 !=Other Services ........................................................................................................................... 72

3.
 !"#$%=Local Green Living Organizations

3.1
 L
 !=Homeopathy / Naturopathy ........................................................................................... 76
3.2
 !"#$=Chiropractic .................................................................................................................... 77
3.3
 !=Aromatherapy ........................................................................................................................... 78
3.4
 !"#=Other Alternative Medicine ............................................................................................. 80
3.5
 L
=Massage / Spa ......................................................................................................................... 80
3.6
 L
=Meditation .............................................................................................................................. 81
3.7
 L
=Tai Chi / Qigong ...................................................................................................................... 81
3.8
 L
 !" L
 L
=Alternative / Green publications / Music / Art ...................................... 82
3.9
 ! L
 !=Other Alternative / Green Services ........................................................................ 82

4.
=Index
4.1
 !"#=Chinese Names of Organizations ..................................................................................... 84
4.2
 !"#=English Names of Organizations ...................................................................................... 88

5.
=Appendices
5.1
 !"#$%&$'=Common Organic Certifiers in Hong Kong .................................................. 92
5.2
 !"#=Local Organic Publications ............................................................................................... 94
5.3
 !"#=Organic Websites ............................................................................................................... 98

1
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 Foreword
A s more information being available, consumers
have a better understanding about the problems
induced by conventional farming. At the same time,
people become more conscious about their own
health. These trends lead to the popularity of organic
products in Hong Kong and worldwide. Hong Kong
Organic Living Directory 2008 is published to provide
more information to consumers about organic
products available in Hong Kong and to local organic
operators as a reference. In the Green Living Section,
information about alternative therapy, meditation,
alternative media and other green living organizations
is provided.
The information listed in Chapter Two is provided by
the organizations themselves. It is not possible for
us to check if the products provided are really organic.
Hence, all organizations or products that appear in
this Directory do not constitute our recognition or
recommendation; likewise, organizations or products
that do not appear here do not constitute our non-
recognition or non-recommendation.
This piece of works could not be completed
successfully without the support from various friends
and organizations. In particular, we would like to
thank Ms Chen Yao, year 2 student of the Department
of English and Communication of the City University
of Hong Kong. She has contributed a lot in data
collection. Our thanks also go to Ms Chan Wai Chung
and Mr. L. J. Chan for their great work in proofreading
and translating the articles. All the authors were busy
when they wrote for us. We are grateful to Mr. Au
Gi Fu, Mr. Yung Kin Yu and Dr. Simon Chau for their
generous support. All organizations have been very
patient to complete our questionnaires. Thank you
very much. Last but not least, we would like to thank
all the organizations that have placed advertisements
on this Directory. Without their support, this Directory
cannot get printed and distributed to the public and
relevant organizations.
3
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4

Blessings From All Beings
The WHY
Buying organic is trendy now, for sure.
Some buy organic to avoid chemical pesticides and
protect themselves.
Others buy organic to please their taste buds.
Others buy organic to speed up their physical recovery.
Others buy organic for humanitarian reasons.
Others buy organic out of ecological concerns.
Others buy organic to keep up with the Joneses.
Others buy organic to show off.
All the same, every being on this planet is blessed by
such a choice.
They thank you and bless you times and again for it.
The WHAT
What is “organic”, after all?
Even keen supporters for the movement are often
not quite sure.
Farmers, shop owners, shoppers, campaigners and
scholars have their own ideas. We have yet to arrive
at a consensus.
1.1
The WHEN
According to economic experts, this is the time to
make big money in Hong Kong’s organic market! It
is not surprising, therefore, to witness great confusion
in our stalls. Not every claim is trustworthy, but this
is an inevitable part of the process.
The HOW
Since 1988, Produce Green has been at the forefront
of the local organic movement. We promote a new
food production culture which is natural,
compassionate, scientific and ecologically ethical.
In the beginning, we were dismissed as a bunch of
dreamers.
As the saying goes: First they ignore you, then they
argue with you. Finally, they take you for granted.
Today, organic products are widely available in our
midst. It is a tough scene for producers, retailers and
consumers alike. A lot more remains to be done,
and fellow green activists are sparing no effort. We
at the Produce Green Foundation are convinced that
the struggle is worth it, because it is our collective
future survival that is at stake.
This Directory is our humble contribution along this
line. Let us love this planet and its creatures.
Simon S. C. Chau
Chair, Produce Green Foundation
5
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6

Hong Kong Organic Movement
By Yung Kin Yu (Tutor, The Community Garden for the Elderly), Translated by L. J. Chan
H ong Kong has just reached a milestone in organic
movement. For the last two decades, many organic
farming enthusiasts have been wholeheartedly
devoting money, time and efforts, sowing the seeds
of change for a greener future. These pioneers insist
on chasing their organic dreams and did not even
think of giving up when facing severe hardship along
the way. Here, let us pay the highest tribute to those
pioneers in Hong Kong organic movement.
A humble beginning
In the late 1980s, Produce Green Foundation set up
the first educational organic farm in Hong Kong, she
witnesses the unprecedented development of local
organic movement in the last two years. In 2001 when
the Hong Kong Organic Directory was firstly
published, there were just slightly more than 60
organic farms, retailers, wholesalers and other green
organizations. It is really encouraging to see that this
year the number has grown to more than 160! What's
more, according to the statistics of the Agriculture,
Fisheries and Conservation Department (AFCD), there
are nearly 100 organic farms in Hong Kong. It shows
that organic farming has taken root in Hong Kong.
In recent years, there have been a number of
environmental catastrophes such as the avian flu and
SARS outbreak in Hong Kong, the sandstorms in
Northern China, a series of lethal tsunami in peripheral
countries, the hurricane in the United States, the
change of landscape in Greenland and the issues
related to global warming which awaken most of us.
These incidents help to propel the organic movement.
Organic seeds are growing gradually
The seeds sown by the organic farming pioneers
yesterday are growing gradually. Today, one can
find special counters selling organic vegetables
in local supermarkets and also there are a
growing number of shops selling organic
products. Besides, direct selling system,
district cooperatives, and the gradual
1.2
increase of farmers' markets and organic shops
conveying the message to all the industry participants
that demands in organic market are enormous.
To review what the government and the industry
participants have done so far, one must mention the
Hong Kong Association of Organic Farms. It was
founded by several local farms in 1994 but then
curtailed its operation after a few years because some
members had withdrawn and emigrated. Before long,
with the financial and manpower supports from
Kadoorie Farm and Botanic Garden (KFBG), eight local
organic farms established the Hong Kong Organic
Farming Association in 1999. In October 2000, the
SAR government drafted the Protocol for Organic
Crop Production to set a standard for organic farming
in Hong Kong. In December, the AFCD introduced
the Organic Farming Conversion Scheme (it is now
replaced by the Organic Farming Support Service)
signified that government would involve in the
promotion of local organic farming. Besides, it assisted
conventional farmers to switch to organic farming
and encourage more people to venture into organic
agriculture. In December 2002, with funds allocated
by the Vegetable Marketing Organization Agricultural
Development Fund, a local organic certification
organization, Hong Kong Organic Resource Centre
(HKORC), was established. Since then, organic
movement has been moving to next level.
7
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Setting new horizons
In 2003, the first large-scale urban organic farm - the
Community Garden for the Elderly - was set up in
Tsuen Wan. It revealed an aspect of diversification in
organic movement and the recognition from the local
community. Since 2003, the Leisure and Cultural
Services Department (LCSD) has been constructing
community gardens (for organic and non-organic
farming) in all 18 districts. In recent years, many
schools have set up their own mini-organic farms and
integrated the concept of organic farming into their
school curriculum. Besides, many housing estates and
clubhouses have made use of garden platforms to
set up organic gardens for their residents and
members to enjoy the fun in organic farming.
Recently, many organic farms have gradually
introduced a new concept of leisure farming in order
to diversify their businesses. Thematic organic farms
provide pick-your-own melon or strawberry activities
and herbal tea do attract lots of tourists. Since the
relationship between organic farming and ecological
system is indivisible, it helps the development of local
organic tourism. Moreover, the idea of green lifestyle
has also been extended to other aspects such as
organic restaurants, organic recipe, organic
gardening, organic skincare, horticultural therapy and
etc., it helps to accelerate the development
of organic agriculture indirectly.
1.2
Meeting the challenges ahead
To many organic consumers, they find confusion with
the products labeled as 'pollution free', 'green food',
'natural', 'compost grown', 'wild'or other organic
related concepts. To prevent an undesirable state of
"Bad organic food drives out good organic food",
an effective labelling system for organic food and
continuous consumer education have become
pressing issues. On the other hand, a lack of farmland
and young full-time farmers, escalating production
costs and importation of cheap agriculture produce
(including organic food) from Mainland China have
posed challenges to local organic farmers. Besides,
some local thematic farms catering to eco-tourists
claimed to be organic, industry participants and
consumers have no clue about their real status.
All in all, local organic movement is now moving in
full speed, we hope all industry participants and
organic consumers could keep the momentum going
and pave the way for a brand new world.

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10

What is Organic Farming?
By Produce Green Foundation, Summarized by Winnie Lau
Organic farming is an agricultural operation method.
Organic operators produce, handle and process in a
way with strong emphasis on environmental
concerns. Their focus is not just the product itself,
but the entire process from production to delivery to
consumers. The whole procedure should not
compromise to the organic integrity.
According to the Guidelines for the Production,
Processing, Labelling and Marketing of Organically
Produced Foods set by the Codex Alimentarius
Commission (created by FAO and WHO to develop
food standards), “Organic agriculture is a holistic
production management system which promotes and
enhances agro-ecosystem health, including
biodiversity, biological cycles, and soil biological
activity. It emphasizes the use of management
practices in preference to the use of off-farm inputs,
taking into account that regional conditions require
locally adapted systems. This is accomplished by
using, where possible, cultural, biological and
mechanical methods, as opposed to using synthetic
materials, to fulfill any specific function within the
system.”
1.3
Organic producers would avoid the use of chemical
fertilizers, chemical pesticides and drugs for animals.
They refuse genetically engineered organisms and
their derivatives. The food produced accordingly
would provide consumers with better confidence on
the safety aspect. Organic producers would conserve
soil and their environment to enhance long-term
productivity while maintaining a harmonious balance
between beneficial and harmful organisms. For
livestock, organic operators would provide adequate
natural feedstuffs and maintain an environment for
their innate behavioral needs. On the other hand, it
recognizes and protects the social rights of the people
involved.
An organic farm inhabits more wildlife. Organic
farming is a basic constitutive part of the sustainable
development of our society.

11
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12

10 Reasons to Go Organic?
By Produce Green Foundation, Summarized by Winnie Lau
1. Reduce potential health risk
Many chemical pesticides are found to be
oncogenic or potentially oncogenic (1). Long-term
exposure can increase the risk of ill effects in
humans, including developmental and reproductive
disorders, immune and endocrine dysfunction and
nervous system damages (2). Organic farming avoids
the use of artificial pesticides and thus may reduce
consumers’ exposure to pesticide residues
significantly (3). Moreover; organic farming prohibits
the use of genetically engineered organisms and
their derivatives. Organic standards also prohibit
the use of ionizing radiation to preserve food.
Organic produce is a much safer choice consumers
can made.
2. Protect Future Generations
Infants and children are more vulnerable to
pesticide because they consume more food per unit
of body weight than adults. Besides, their organs,
nervous and immune systems are still developing;
they might be more susceptible to pesticide
damage.
3. Organic Food Tastes Great
Many people prefer organic food because it tastes
better. Many top chefs are cooking with organic
ingredients primarily because of their fresh, great
taste and excellent quality.
4. Organic Products Are Not More Expensive
The less expensive conventionally grown foods do
not reflect their hidden costs which include: pesticide
regulation, cleaning up of contaminated drinking
water and environment, medical costs for illness and
injure caused by pesticides. Besides, loss of wild-
life habitat and other environmental damage will
be suffered by the whole society and the cost will
have to be paid by taxpayers.
5. Protect the Health of Farm Workers
World Health Organization estimates that
synthetic pesticides poison three million people
each year (4). It results in 20,000 fatalities among
agricultural workers while children face even
higher risks than adults (5).
1.4
6. Help Small Farmers
Most organic farms are small independently owned
and operated family farms, including those in Hong
Kong (more than 100 in number). To purchase
locally produce organic vegetable is the strongest
encouragement for them.
7. Protect Water Quality
Many streams, wells and underground water are
contaminated with pesticides (6) and nitrate (7).
Fertilizer nitrogen is one of the major sources of
nitrate. Nitrate could be converted to nitrite in
our bodies and is potentially carcinogenic and may
induce "blue baby syndrome". Organic producers
use practices that eliminate polluting chemicals and
reduce nitrogen leaching, and thus protect and
conserve precious water resources.
8. Reduce Soil Erosion
Conventional farms are suffering from serious soil
erosion. The United States lose more than 2 billion
tons of topsoil through erosion each year (8).
Organic farmers build their soil by returning organic
matter and by planting diverse crops in rotation.
Their practice results in less soil erosion and
sustainably fertile soil.
9. Promote Biodiversity
Organic farming promotes an abundance of
species living in balanced and harmonious
ecosystems. The Food and Agriculture Organization
has found that in ecologically sensitive areas,
organic agriculture has demonstrated its ability to
not only produce commodities but also to
"produce" biodiversity at all levels, it meets food
needs while protects the natural heritage (9).
10.Save Energy
Organic farming relies upon good cultural practices
and recycles organic matter to reduce pest and
disease problems and to maintain soil fertility. It
avoids the dependence on non-renewable
resources to produce chemical pesticides and
fertilizers. Researches also found that organic
farming has higher energy efficiency (10) (11).

13
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14
 1.5
Simple Living Can Save Us All!
By Au Gi Fu, Translated by L. J. Chan, Photo by On Lai Ping

I n our modern society, most people just go with the

flow, work and play hard, and pursue a life of material
comfort. Very few of us will pause and reflect on what
our purpose in life is and what kind of life we want
to lead.

Consumerism and hedonism, the two characteristic

trends of our time, provide us with short-term
gratification rather than long-term human fulfillment.
The truth is people are happy not because they own
a lot, but because they only need a little.

25 years ago I stepped away from the crowd and

began to lead a simple life. I found freedom,
happiness and peace in plain living and I welcome all
of you to join me.

A simple and natural life is not something new. People

have been preaching and practising it for a long time.
It is not only just happening in China but also
everywhere all over the world. However, nowadays,
information technology and commercialism have
encroached into almost every aspect of human life.
Brief biography of the author
Born in wartime Macao, Mr. Au Gi Fu
graduated from the Department of Chemical
Engineering, National Taiwan University and
furthered his studies in Polymer Chemistry
at the Swiss Federal Institute of Technology
(ETH). He has worked for the renowned
industry in Taiwan and headed the Research
Department of Nan Ya Plastics Corporation
before he gave up his material possessions
to lead a life of simplicity. In response to the
exacerbating pollution problems in Taiwan,
he started the Environmental Protection
Workshop on the coast in Hualien in October
1988. The Workshop was renamed Yenliao
Pure Land in 1989. Yenliao Pure Land is a
place for people to experience a simple,
natural, spiritual lifestyle.
The technological advances have reached a new
height and entrepreneurs are constantly looking for
new business opportunities. Consumers are enjoying
an unprecedented level of material comfort. Yet, we
have not become richer - we are much poorer because
we have changed the face of the earth at an
unprecedented scale and speed. Today the ecological
crisis has assumed such proportions as to be the
responsibility of everyone.
After many years of practice, I believe a simple, natural
life can save us from total self-destruction. To prepare
ourselves to lead such a life, every one of us needs to
care more about other people and living things,
motivate ourselves to think positively and follow
voluntarily a seemingly inconvenienced lifestyle.
Besides, we also need to acquire creative thinking
skills and to critically assess the role of modern
technology and the direction of economic
development. The genuine progress lies in the well-
being of all living organisms and a harmonious and
sustainable community. The ultimate criterion we
evaluate whether or not human beings are in progress
are simple, that is, whether there is love between
different forms of life. Love is all we need.

15
1.6

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16

Everyday Organic Q & A
Researched by Allen Au, Translated by Monika Yeung
Q: Is organic food only limited to fruit and vegetable?
A: No. Many food items can be grown organically,
they include meat, eggs, bee products,
mushrooms, dairy products, aquatic products,
leather goods, cotton and forest products, etc.
Q: Are organic vegetables more tasty?
A: Taste is subjective and it is generally affected by
personal preference as well as cultural and habitual
factors. However, research data do show that
organic food contains more minerals, less water,
and less interference from artificial and chemical
substances. Hence, its taste is richer and more
natural. Plant varieties, soil and climate are factors
affecting the taste of organic vegetables. It is more
reliable to judge the taste by personal experience.
Q: Where can I buy organic food?
A: With a growing number of organic shops in recent
years, consumers have more choices than ever. It is
highly recommended to purchase organic food
directly from local organic farmers. So, participating
in Organic Farmers’ Market is a good option. You
can have thorough understanding of organic
farming through direct communication with farmers.
1.6
Q: Who set the organic standards?
A: The Codex Alimentarius Commission of UN has
established guidelines for production, processing,
labeling and marketing of organically produced
foods. Some international organizations, countries
and regions have also developed similar guidelines
or standards based on the local conditions. Hong
Kong Organic Resource Centre is an example of such
organization that sets the standards for Hong Kong.
Q: Organic farming uses no chemical fertilizers but
how about human excrement?
A: Standards of Hong Kong Organic Resource Centre
do not allow using human excrement. Although
human excrement is organic, it may contain virus,
bacteria and substances such as heavy metal.
Moreover, using human excrement as fertilizers is
unacceptable for ordinary consumers. Different
certification systems have different standards and
there are quite a number of local farms have not
joined any certification system.
Q: Is “Green Food” the same as organic food?
A: No. These two certification systems are different.
“Green Food” is a unique registration trademark
in China. It is certified and managed by China Green
Food Development Center. There are two grades:
Grade A and Grade AA. The former allows the use
of low-toxic chemical pesticide, which is not organic
food. The latter is very similar to organic standards.
Q: Can I grow organic plants at home?
A: Yes. Rooftop and windowsill are ideal places for
planting. You are recommended to choose plants
that are small in size and can be grown under
limited sunshine.
Information Sources:
1. Website of Hong Kong Organic
Resource Centre
2. Website of Food and Environmental
Hygiene Department
3. Website of Produce Green Foundation
17
1.7

 !=Reference

(1) Regulating Pesticides in Food
The Delaney Paradox, National Research Council, National Academy Press,
Washington, D.C., 1987.

(2) Agrochemicals: Health and environmental linkages. WHO web site.

(3) Food Safety and Quality as Affected by Organic Farming, 22nd FAO Regional Conference for Europe,
FAO, 2000.

(4) “Organic Agriculture”, FAO, 1999.

(5) Childhood Pesticide Poisoning
Information for Advocacy and Action, FAO, UNEP, WHO, 2004.

(6) Agriculture Pesticides
Management Improvements Needed to Further Promote Integrated Pest
Management, United States General Accounting Office, 2001.

(7) “Nitrates and Nitrites in Drinking Water”, Center for Environmental Quality, GeoEnvironmental Science
and Engineering Department, Wikes University, USA.

(8) “Innovative Uses of Compost
Erosion Control, Turf Remediation, and Landscaping”, United States
Environmental Protection Agency, 1997.

(9) “Organic Agriculture: The Challenge of Sustaining Food Production While Enhancing Biodiversity”,
N.E. Scialabba, FAO of the UN, Italy, 2003.

(10) “Organic Farm Reap Many Benefits”, Eirk Stokstad, Science, Vol 296, Issue 5573, P. 1589, 31 May 2002.

(11) “Sustainability of three apple production systems”, John Reganold, Nature, Vol. 410, 19 April 2001.

18

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Local Organic Organizations