A comprehensive guide of where sustainable produce in Hong Kong. For more, see our article on the Future and Food, featured in the July 2015 issue of Foodie.
Farm Direct
With stores across Hong Kong, many of which are conveniently located in MTR stations, Farm Direct grows leafy vegetables via hydroponics in their two farms in Kam Tin and Fanling. Hydroponic farming grows plants in water instead of soil, and Farm Direct’s method uses only non-GMO seedlings in a close-loop irrigation system that uses no harmful chemicals and recycles 95% of the water used.
Evergreens Republic
One of the leading Aquaponics farms in Hong Kong and the largest in Southeast Asia, Evergreens Republic capitalises on the symbiotic relationship between three major living components – fish, beneficial bacteria and plants. The USDA organic approved produce is harvested in the farm’s climate-controlled greenhouse in New Territories, and delivered to customers. The fish, mainly Australian perch, are also on offer. Evergreens Republic anticipates a new harvest this August.
EcoFarm
Nestled in the pristine mountain range of Ruijin National Park, in China’s Jiangxi province, EcoFarm grows organic vegetables and fruits from non-GMO seedlings certified by the USDA, the European Union, and Japan. EcoFarm not only delivers directly to consumers, but also supplies the finest kitchens in town, including the Ritz-Carlton, KEE Club, and Otto e Mezzo.
Magic Season
What started in 2005 as an organic farm selling to locals in Tai Kong Po has grown into a large farm in Qingyuan, situated 420 meters above sea level in Guangdong province. All the produce is certified organic by the Hong Kong and Chinese governments, and the farm makes home deliveries as well as supply Jusco supermarkets and Jockey Club Hong Kong.
IPC Food Centre
IPC is not just a restaurant, it’s also a research lab and an indoor vertical farm. The centre, situated in an industrial building in Fan Ling, and grows organic vegetables on the rooftop garden, as well as various indoor plots. A variety of mushrooms are also grown here. There’s also a restaurant within the headquarters, offering delicious farm-to-table experiences.
G/F, 26 On Lok Mun Street, Fanling, NT
Kadoorie Farm
Established in 1956, Kadoorie Farm aided poor local farmers in improving farming methods. Today, the farm is a pioneer in organic farming in Hong Kong, and has conserved several rare chicken breeds. Located 1800 feet above sea level on Kwun Yum Shan in Tai Po, the organic farming terraces also share space with botanic gardens, and wildlife rescue facilities. Visitors can fill their grocery bags with seasonal produce at the Farm Shop onsite.
Lam Kam Road, Tai Po, NT
Zen Organic
This local farm recently joined the home delivery platform and their delicious produce is now available at www.organnetmarket.com. The certified organic 250,000 square feet farm, located in Fanling, supplies to many hotels, restaurants and organic shops in Hong Kong. Adventurous customers are also welcome to book a visit and pick their own selection of vegetables and fruits straight from the source.
Ping Che, Ta Kwu Ling, N.T
Homegrown Foods
One of the earlier organic produce home delivery services in Hong Kong, Homegrown Foods started as the supplier for Posto Pubblico before expanding to a direct-to-household service. Working with local farmers in the New Territories, as well as across the border in China, Homegrown Foods’ produce is certified organic. Locally raised Wah Kee Pigs, which are hormone and antibiotic-free, are also sold here, along with local organic free-range eggs.
Green Common
If you don’t want to wait for home deliveries, then visit Green Common, a plant-based grocery store founded by social start-up Green Monday. The shop, located in Wanchai, is packed full of fresh vegetables and fruits, as well as vegetarian dry goods. There’s also an array of classes and seminars to educate yourself about sustainable living.
Shop 2, 222 Queen’s Road East, Wan Chai
Bee’s Nest
Bee’s Nest is Hong Kong’s leading organic honey producer. With 100 hives located in Tai Tam country park, as well as various organic orchards, Bee’s Nest honey is rich in pollen and healthful enzymes. Order via their website, or indulge in a specially designed honey afternoon tea at the Ritz-Carlton, on offer from now until the end of July 2015.
