Executive Summary

Research Background

The existing official public information does not accurately represent the actual land use of
agricultural land and lacks comprehensiveness. As a result, the potential value of agricultural
land has been systematically ignored in the preliminary planning stage of the Northern
Metropolis, which is an obstacle to realizing the planning principle of “Urban-Rural Integration”
pursued by the Northern Metropolis.

Research Objectives

This study aims to comprehensively examine the current status of existing farmland resources in
the key development areas of Northern Metropolis during the early planning stages, providing
more specific analysis and imagination for the future functions and development strategies of
Hong Kong’s farmland. The study provides evidence-based policy recommendations by exploring
the agricultural activities, surrounding environment, and land use status of farmlands in various
districts, and in conjunction with the “Agricultural Priority Areas” consultation within 2024.

Research Contributions

The research aims to establish the first comprehensive report on the current status of farmland
in key development areas in the Northern Metropolis by a research team comprising academia,
agricultural concern groups, environmental groups, and research organizations. This report
reveals the distribution of different agricultural activities on farmland, assesses the challenges
and solutions of farmland policies in the New Territories, and sets the agenda for future key
agricultural research.

Research Scope and Methods

The main survey scope includes Wetland Conservation Areas, Wetland Buffer Areas, upcoming
New Town and New Development Areas, and other important agricultural zones and wetlands
within the planning and development area of the Northern Metropolis. From July 2023 to
February 2024, the expert team used satellite and aerial imagery maps as the basis,
supplemented by field surveys in different agricultural areas to identify the categories of
farmland.

Key Findings

The study found that there are currently at least about 500 hectares (493.4 hectares) of arable farmland resources in the studied areas within the Northern Metropolis. About 186 hectares of this farmland are being used actively, accounting for roughly a quarter of all active farmland in Hong Kong. The average daily agricultural product output from these active farmlands exceeds 10 tons. There are 265 hectares of idle farmland within Agricultural Use (AGR) areas, mainly
located in Ta Kwu Ling, Ping Kong, and Tsiu Keng, with relatively non-fragmented and considerable re-cultivation potential.

The area of agricultural land types within the study area

The research report provides a comprehensive depiction of various agricultural areas in the
Northern Metropolis:
1. Ta Kwu Ling and Man Kam To: Despite a high proportion of brownfield sites, these areas
have the largest areas of idle and active farmland.
2. Sheung Shui (Ping Kong and Tsiu Keng): Has the largest area, and a similar amount of active
and idle farmland.
3. Sheung Shui (Ma Tso Lung and Liu Pok): More idle farmland, but also some active farmland.
4. Fanling and Sha Tau Kok: These areas have considerable brownfield sites and idle and active
farmland.
5. San Tin and Ngau Tam Mei: Mostly brownfields, but include the largest area of horticultural
land.
6. Fung Kat and Tai Kong Po: Predominantly brownfields, with brownfield areas being over
three times the farmland area.
7. Lau Fau Shan to Pak Nai: Predominantly brownfields, with only about one-fifth of the area
being active farmland.

Policy Recommendations

The initial planning stage of the Northern Metropolis should recognize the importance of
agricultural land. The study area has nearly 500 hectares of extensive, complete, and arable
active and idle farmland with high conservation value and re-cultivation potential. The future
formulation of “Agricultural Priority Areas” should consider conditions such as “considerable size
and intact areas”, “active or high re-cultivation potential”, “good water and soil resources”, and
“planting environments not severely damaged by brownfield sites”.
This study recommends seven Agricultural Priority Areas within the Northern Metropolis (See
the map below), including:
1. “Ping Che (Chow Tin Tsuen, Lei Uk, Tai Po Tin, Shan Kai Wat) and Ping Yeung” in Ta Kwu Ling
2. “Sandy Ridge” in Man Kam To
3. “Wo Hang” in Sha Tau Kok and Fanling
4. “Man Uk Pin to Loi Tung” in Sha Tau Kok and Fanling
5. “Ling Pei to Hok Tau” in Fanling and Sha Tau Kok
6. “Ping Kong and Tsiu Keng/Cheung Lek” in Sheung Shui
7. “Ma Tso Lung and Liu Pok” in Sheung Shui
These areas collectively comprise about 340 hectares of surveyed farmland resources, allowing
for the continuation and expansion of existing agricultural activities, achieving the development
goal of urban-rural integration in the Northern Metropolis.

An integrated perspective is crucial for conserving and planning farmland resources, rather than
pursuing isolated projects such as an “Agricultural Park”. The government should also consider
conserving these farmland environments as much as possible while planning future new
development areas. This will help maintain and enhance the unique urban landscape function of
the Northern Metropolis, contributing to improved physical and mental health, as well as
community well-being of the residents.

▼Complete spatial data can be accessed through the “Geographic Information Spatial
Database” of the Local Research Community.