Rainproof and shading sheds constructed of frame and transparent polyethylene film/shading nets (See examples in Figure 1 to 4 below) are exempted from obtaining Letters of Approval, but controlled environment greenhouses and livestock structures are not entitled to such an exemption.

Fig. 1	Fig. 2
Fig. 3	Fig. 4

The following factors will be considered when an application for Letter of Approval is processed:

1. Whether there is a need for erecting the structure(s) from the agricultural or fisheries point of view. The structure(s) must be used directly for farming purposes or related directly to the farming operation.
2. Scale of production and marketing or selling of produce: Generally speaking, the applicant's farming scale should be commensurate with the structures proposed to be erected in order to substantiate his or her application (*Note1).
3. The applicant must be the owner of the farming land, a tenant or an authorized user of the land.
4. There should be no commercial facilities on the farm such as:
   1. Catering facilities such as tea room, cafe, canteen, or restaurant open to visitors;    
   2. Indoor recreational facilities such as game room, karaoke room, mahjong room or assembly/lecture room open to visitors and;  
   3. Lodging facilities in the form of holiday bungalow, hostel or guestroom open to visitors; 
   4. Entrance fee collection point or shroff office.  

     * Note 1: This department will assess the economic viability and activities of the farm based on the farm size, types of crops grown and mode of farm operation, etc.

1. The applicant or authorized person with valid authorization must apply to the AFCD in person. The office addresses are:

2. The applicant or authorized person must submit the following documents / information when applying for a Letter of Approval:

   1. A completed and signed "Letter of Approval for Agricultural Structures on Private Agricultural Land Application Form" (Form LA01);
   2. A full list of the structures to be constructed as proposed in the application form and their floor plans with details of the use, length, width, height and number of storeys of each structure, and a farming plan with details of crop species and cultivation methods (if applicable); 
   3. A lot index plan (Scale 1:1 000) with farm boundary and locations of the proposed agricultural structures clearly shown. Lot index plans are available for purchase at Map Publications Centres of the Lands Department. For livestock farms, land survey documents and layout plans issued by a practising authorized land surveyor must be submitted together with the application form;
   4. Tenants must submit copies of valid tenancy agreements. If the application involves the construction of a watchman shed, a valid letter of consent from the landowner must be attached.
   5. Land title information, i.e., a copy of the land registration record issued by the Land Registry. These records are available for purchase at District Land Registries.

   6. The applicant must sign an undertaking in the application form to undertake to demolish part or all of the structures as and when requested by the HKSAR Government, and indemnify and keep indemnified the Government against all actions, proceedings, claims and demands arising out of or in connection with the erection of the structures.

3. To protect his/her own interest, the applicant may check with the Survey and Mapping Office of the Lands Department to see whether the relevant lot is within development reserve or existing development area before appointing a land surveyor to draw a farm plan. This will ensure that his/her farm investment will not be affected by government works in future.

4. Application forms can be obtained free of charge from offices listed in paragraph 5 (a) above, District Offices in the New Territories and the Lands Department.

Download Application Form (PDF Format)

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1. Upon receipt of an application, AFCD officers will visit the farm to check whether there is a genuine need for agricultural or fisheries operation. Recommendations will then be made to the Lands Department. The AFCD will consider each item on the list of proposed structures in the application form and may recommend approval for all items or some of them.

2. If any commercial facilities are found on the farm in contravention of the approval criteria, the AFCD will refer the application to the Lands Department for its direct handling, which might take the commercial facilities into account when considering the application.

3. The AFCD will make recommendations to the Lands Department for the issue of Letters of Approval in respect of agricultural structures to be constructed on private agricultural land only. For agricultural structures to be constructed on government land, the AFCD will refer the applications to the Lands Department for its consideration and approval according to the specific circumstances of each case.

1. Upon receipt of the AFCD's recommendation on an application, the Lands Department will further consider whether a Letter of Approval is granted. If the application is accepted, a Letter of Approval will be issued to the applicant through the AFCD.

2. If an application is one of the cases described in paragraph 6(b) or 6(c), it will be handled by the Lands Department directly. The AFCD will inform the applicant of this arrangement in writing.

3. If the application is turned down, the Lands Department will inform the applicant in writing and give reasons.