AFCD and PolyU Sign MOU to Boost Sustainable Agriculture and Fisheries Innovation in Hong Kong

AFCD and PolyU sign MOU to advance sustainable development of Hong Kong's agriculture and fisheries through technological innovation

The Agriculture, Fisheries and Conservation Department (AFCD) and the Hong Kong Polytechnic University (PolyU) signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) today (September 22) to explore collaborative opportunities in the development and application areas of technological innovation for agriculture and fisheries, with both parties working together to promote the sustainable development of the local agriculture and fisheries industries, injecting new impetus into the industries.

Witnessed by the Director of Agriculture, Fisheries and Conservation, Mr Mickey Lai, and the Deputy President and Provost of PolyU, Professor Wong Wing-tak, the MOU was signed by the Deputy Director of Agriculture, Fisheries and Conservation, Mr Patrick Lai, and the Director of the Research Institute for Future Food of PolyU, Professor Wong Ka-hing.

The MOU establishes a framework for collaboration between the AFCD and PolyU over the next five years to jointly advance innovative development initiatives for the agriculture and fisheries industries, enhancing the quantity, quality, and value of local agricultural and fisheries products. This includes stepping up efforts to develop local characteristics of processed agricultural and fisheries products and precise agriculture solutions, thereby improving the industries' overall efficiency and resilience to environmental changes.

Speaking at the ceremony, Mr Mickey Lai expressed his anticipation for this collaboration to enhance the quality and innovation of local agricultural and fisheries products, promoting an efficient and sustainable development in the agriculture and fisheries sectors. Technology will truly become the core driver for high-quality development of Hong Kong's agriculture and fisheries industries, injecting new momentum into local agriculture and fisheries industries and promoting a healthy and sustainable food culture.

Professor Wong Wing-tak said in his speech that PolyU has been committed to innovation in food science over the years, transforming research outcomes into practical applications. This collaboration will lay a solid foundation for the long-term sustainable development of local agriculture and fisheries industries. With cutting-edge technologies empowerment as the core, the development and application of relevant technologies will help the agriculture and fisheries sectors enhance competitiveness and address various challenges.

AFCD and PolyU sign MOU to advance sustainable development of Hong Kong's agriculture and fisheries through technological innovation Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases

AFCD and PolyU sign MOU to advance sustainable development of Hong Kong's agriculture and fisheries through technological innovation Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases

EPD highly concerned over industrial accident at yard waste recycling centre

The Environmental Protection Department (EPD) is highly concerned over an industrial accident that occurred yesterday (January 16) at the yard waste recycling centre, Y·PARK in Tuen Mun, and extends its sympathies to the injured worker and his family members.

At around 2pm yesterday, a worker sustained injury when his left palm was severed while attempting to clear stuck debris at an operating wood chipping machine. He remained conscious and was sent to Tuen Mun Hospital for treatment. The EPD immediately deployed staff to the hospital after the incident to understand the condition of the injured and provide his family members with appropriate assistance.

The EPD notified the Labour Department and the Police in the first instance. Staff from the Labour Department conducted on-site inspection and issued a suspension notice to the contractor, requiring suspension of operation of the concerned machinery until all improvement measures have been implemented. The EPD requested the contractor to fully co-operate with the Labour Department in its investigation, and demanded an incident report from the contractor within three days.

The safety of its facilities remains the top priority of the EPD, with close monitoring of contractors' operation in place. On the contractor's front, daily regular on-site inspections on occupational safety conditions and safety training for employees and its subcontractors are part of their requirements.

The Environmental Protection Department (EPD), Photo source: HKSAR Government Press Releases