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A Local Organic Watermelon Festival was held at Tuen Mun Farmers' Market today (July 17). Over 20 local farmers set up stalls at the market to display and sell their organic watermelons and other premium fruits and vegetables. By interacting with the farmers, customers were able to learn more about the organic farms and produce in Hong Kong.
The festival was jointly organised by the Agriculture, Fisheries and Conservation Department (AFCD) and the Federation of Vegetable Marketing Co-operative Societies Ltd (FVMCS) to support local organic farming.
The AFCD provided technical support and field instruction to the farmers for cultivating two new organic mini watermelon varieties "Super Sweet Black Beauty 168" and "Red Lady". About 8,000 of the two varieties will be ready for sale this summer. Other local premium organic produce such as leaf vegetables, honeydews, melons, beans and fruits in season were also available at the farmers' market.
Those who missed the festival today still have a chance to buy the mini watermelons and other organic products. Located at Crossroads Village, 2 Castle Peak Road, Tuen Mun (opposite Gold Coast Phase I), Tuen Mun Farmers' Market opens from 10am to 4pm every Saturday. The market has become a popular place in the district for buying organic vegetables and fruits since it opened last November.
The mini watermelons will also be available at Tai Po Farmers' Market. Set up by the FVMCS, the market is located at Tai Wo Road (near the fire station), Tai Po, and opens from 9am to 5pm every Sunday.
The AFCD has been assisting local farmers to develop the market for organic food. There are a number of organic vegetable retail outlets under the Vegetable Marketing Organisation marketing network, including large supermarkets, MTR shops, health food stores and the Lions Nature Education Centre outlet at Tsiu Hang, Sai Kung.
Ends/Saturday, July 17, 2010
Issued at HKT 16:21
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