April 5, 2006

Hong Kong to end pig farming

Hong Kong is planning to cease pig farming permanently under a US$121 million scheme to reduce associated public health and environmental pollution problems, authorities announced on Tuesday (Apr 4).

Pig farmers who choose to surrender their licenses would be entitled to compensation under the scheme, said the Health, Welfare and Food Bureau.

The bureau said pig-farming activities generated considerable public health and environmental pollution problems that were difficult to control.

With the rapid urbanization of Hong Kong and greater concerns about public health and environmental issues, the bureau said it was appropriate that the number of pig farms should be gradually reduced.

There are 265 pig farms in Hong Kong with a total population of 330,000 pigs. These farms supply about 20 percent of the local fresh pork market.

Pork supply in the city would not be affected since more pork would be imported from the mainland, authorities said.