Director's Message The Agriculture, Fisheries and Conservation Department (AFCD) has always attached importance to agricultural and fisheries development. As local citizens become increasingly more health conscious, the demand for quality agricultural and fisheries products has also been raising.
Under the new agriculture policy, we provide proactive support to modernise our agricultural development for the well-being of the society apart from being a source of primary production. In the year, the Sustainable Agricultural Development Fund provided subsidies of around $4.5 Million through the Farm Improvement Scheme for farmers to purchase modern farming equipment and facilities. We introduced hydroponic technology to the farming industry with a view to enhancing the productivity and diversifying the crop produce for farmers and consumers. Preparation for the establishment of the Agricultural Park is in progress. It will become a base for the development of advanced technology in agriculture in the future.
Through the Sustainable Fisheries Development Fund, we support projects that help the local fishing community move towards sustainable or high value-added operations. We also proactively recommend culture species with good market potential to fish farmers, introduce new cultivation techniques to the industry, and assist the industry in developing more effective and sustainable cultivation technologies. Furthermore, we are enacting a new piece of legislation with a view to implementing an international convention for the protection of Antarctic marine living resources locally.
Significant progress has also been made on biodiversity conservation. The legislative amendment to implement the three-step plan to phase out the local ivory trade and increase the penalties for smuggling and illegal trading of endangered species was passed in January 2018. I am convinced that this will contribute a lot to the further protection of wild elephants and other endangered species.
On wildlife management, we have carried out a pilot capture and contraception/relocation programme for wild pigs since 2017. We also stepped up public education to advise people not to feed wild animals in order to disassociate people as stable sources of food.
To celebrate the 40th anniversary of the first batch of country parks, we organised a series of celebration activities under the theme "Country Parks Our Legacy", including "Hiking & Planting Day", "Excursion with Experts", "Trail Maintenance Workshop" and "Go Green Family Camping", etc. I would like to express my gratitude to citizens for their enthusiastic participation and care for country parks.
Moreover, I am glad to see that under the public education campaign "Take Your Litter Home", visitors' awareness of keeping country parks clean has been significantly enhanced. After the removal of all rubbish and recycling bins along country park trails by the end of 2017, cleanliness of the trails remained the same. Be "traceless" in the countryside!
Since the Public Health (Animals and Birds) (Animal Traders) (Amendment) Regulation 2016 came into effect in March 2017, the Department has strengthened the regulation on dog breeding and animal trading activities through a new licensing system. We have also stepped up inspection, including online monitoring, and investigation into alleged cases to ensure the welfare and health of animals.
It has been a busy and fulfilling year for the Department. While I appreciate that all achievements are attributed to our colleagues from different positions and their firm commitment to serve society, I am also mindful of the importance of communication and interaction with the public. In this connection, we launched the Departmental social platforms to foster public understanding and support for our work through publicising information in different channels. Let's join hands to rise to different challenges in the future.
Director of Agriculture, Fisheries & Conservation
Dr. LEUNG Siu-fai, JP