The hottest issue around town is melamine. Everyone is searching for healthy food. When I go to any supermarket with my family, I try to shop as an intelligent customer and consult connoisseurs and friends with a passion for health and nutrition.

I recently attended an interesting food party at Causeway Bay, and caused me to think deeply. "Sustainable Kitchen by Simply Organic" is definitely an alternative organic experience at the multi-purpose. We are offered with local organic harvest vegetables plus a choice of imported organic meat.

The Organic Farm is such a popular tourist scene around the world, particularly in Australia and New Zealand. There are also many organic farms in Asia and on the mainland. It becomes a must-see and must-do activity.

Usually after an introduction to organic gardening and organic foods and health, a guided tour around the farm (seasonal crops) includes a visit to the farm animals - perfect for children. We are encouraged to harvest our own vegetables and end up with organic tea or meals at the site.

I learned a lot at the organic farm run by the same food party organizer at Kam Tin, Pat Heung, Yuen Long lately. We come to understand soil management, pest control, biodiversity and eco-balance, crop rotation and companion cropping, food safety, and green and healthy living.

Then, we can comprehend the greed behind the milk powder issue.

The Organic Farm has been one of the pioneers in predicting sustainable agriculture in Hong Kong since 1995. They were among the first to introduce to the local residents the door-to-door delivery of farm fresh vegetables and herbs. Over the years, many subscribers have been able to enjoy a wide range of seasonal products as well as certified organic products from different parts of the world.

I like to visit the farm, as it is found in the tranquil and beautiful countryside of Pat Heung, with more than six acres of farmland and fish ponds.

We even celebrate birthdays and wedding anniversaries and corporate team building at the farm. There are do-it-yourself workshops, baking with organic ingredients and fishing at the pond, for examples. And a half or full-day "out-in-the-country" retreat with fully organic home cooking is becoming a tourist draw.

The Hong Kong Organic Farming is trying to achieve sustainability and minimize pollution, with no chemical pesticides, fertilizers or medicines. Soil management and harmonizing with nature are taken as keys to high yields and solutions to pests and disease. With these practices, organic farming can produce nutritious and safe food for people, and at the same time, maintain a balanced, productive eco-system.

The author is the marketing development director of

HK Discovery.

(HK Edition 11/07/2008 page4)