Urban Agriculture in the Sky: Hong Kong's Farming Boom

In one of the world's most dense cities, urban agriculture finds its place on the rooftops of Hong Kong buildings. Fears of tainted imports is spurring much of the growth.

1 minute read

October 7, 2012, 1:00 PM PDT

By Andrew Gorden

In Hong Kong, an organic food revolution is taking place. In a city renowned for its lack of space, rooftops are being transformed into urban gardens, as residents take farming into their own hands. The New York Times Mary Hui reports on the growth of Hong Kong's booming organic marketplace.

"Organic food stores are opening across the city, and there is growing demand in the markets for organic produce despite its higher prices. There are about 100 certified organic farms in Hong Kong. Seven years ago, there were none."

Part of the push towards organic are concerns about tainted imports, even from mainland China, possibly contaminated with chemicals. "As millions of Hong Kong consumers grow increasingly worried about the purity and safety of the fruits, vegetables, meats and processed foods coming in from mainland China," says Hui, "more of them are striking out on their own by tending tiny plots on rooftops, on balconies and in far-flung, untouched corners of highly urbanized Hong Kong."

FULL STORY: In Organic-Hungry Hong Kong, Corn as High as an Elevator’s Climb

Wednesday, October 3, 2012 in The New York Times

Community / Economic Development Environment Government / Politics Land Use Social / Demographics China Hong Kong Urban Farms Rooftop Farms View More

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