Join the adventures of these lovely vegetable characters and learn about the importance of local farming – it’s a fun way to discover the agriculture industry in Hong Kong!

To promote the agriculture industry and increase awareness of farming locally and seasonally, “In Time Of Food” is collaborating with 10 local artists and launching “Farming Diaries”, a series of comic strips based on the farming activities in Hong Kong.

Can you imagine a world without vegetables? What would life be like if the vegetable supply was reduced to ?.?%?

The shortage of vegetable supply has long been an issue in Hong Kong. According to the Agriculture, Fisheries and Conservation Department, the majority of vegetables are supplied from mainland China and only a small percentage is imported; locally farmed greens contribute to only ?.?% of the total supply. Any disruption of the supply will cause a vegetable shortage in the market. Take the recent incident as an example, when the import of vegetables from mainland China was affected by the 5th wave of the pandemic in Hong Kong, the city was hit by a vegetable shortage, thus, prices fluctuated considerably.

Through her illustration, artist @kaylaluisikchi hopes to increase awareness on issues such as self-sufficiency in food supply and invites us to give a thought to the development of the agriculture industry in Hong Kong.

Do you remember the taste of vegetables from the rural area? The New Territories used to be the place where great-tasting vegetables were grown!

Soil directly affects the flavours of the vegetables. However, to improve crop yield, most imported vegetables in Hong Kong are grown with chemical fertilisers, as a result, lack authentic flavours. Luckily, we still have farmers in the New Territories who persist to grow their crops according to season. They’ve been diligently cultivating soil, growing vegetables, and using natural fertilisers according to weather just to ensure their vegetables taste good and authentic.

In his latest comic, 含蓄 Humchuk illustrated the steadfastness of the farmers in preserving the originality of the vegetables. Let’s not forget to thank them for the great-tasting greens we could enjoy.

If you like the great taste of locally-grown vegetables from the New Territories, remember to spread the word!

“C’mon, push harder!” Phew, you were that close to grabbing that veggies for today’s shopping list in that crazy crowd.

When the pandemic disrupted the supply chain, people in Hong Kong were scrambling for vegetables. Fortunately, community shops and organic farms are turning the situation to their advantage. The former would start selling local greens, the latter would put together in-season vegetables to be sold to consumers, it’s a bit like Omakase. Orders would be collected online and sent to a specific spot, customers may subsequently pick up their orders. Such kind of group purchase would not only reduce panic buying but also allow diners to enjoy farm-to-table vegetables.

Through her humorous drawings, @pearlperoni wants to increase the awareness of in-season vegetables being sold in community shops whilst local farming needs support too.

Do not judge by appearance. Ugly produce is worth way beyond its looks!

Ugly produce refers to fruits and vegetables deformed or flawed in appearance. They look less desirable because of bug damage, dull colours, and odd shapes. They are perceived by consumers to be inferior in terms of hygiene, nutritional value, and taste. More often this edible produce ends up in the landfill, causing massive food waste globally.

They worth a second chance. They may be slightly imperfect with spots, scratches, bumps or unevenness…… but as long as the taste and nutrition are not compromised, they shouldn’t be wasted.

Through illustrations, Venus Philosophy has highlighted the realities of ugly produce in the market. Food waste could be significantly reduced if we can look beyond looks.

The versatility of soil is often overlooked in our daily lives.

Since ancient time, soil has been an indispensable part of our lives. Crops that we are eating, clothes that we are wearing, and even pottery food containers that we are using are all made from soil. Soil connects human and mother nature – creating pottery and crops as gifts to us.

Artist UUendy Lau uses illustrations to narrate the relationship between human and soil. Though unremarkable, soil is enriched with memories and stories of human civilisation. In the hands of the right person, wonderful things can be created with soil.

#DoYouKnow that grass weed and watercress are best friends in nature? In this symbiotic relationship, they rely on each other to grow properly.

After Lo Kwok Saang inherited Yuelai Farm from his parents, he has been working tirelessly to grow watercress. For more than 60 years, only organic methods have been used to achieve the best results.

Over the past decades, his understanding towards nature and farming philosophy grew stronger – he even made his own organic fertiliser! Only a farmer who has true passion in farming could produce such tasty vegetables.

Through his illustrations, Po Hung wants to connect his readers with nature by narrating the relationship between the farmer, his watercress, and grass weed.

Watch the Agri-Soul video on Yuelai Farm (https://bit.ly/38qQW4G)

The taste you’ve been longing for is finally back!

Hok Tau Village used to produce delicious bok choy. However, this vegetable no longer tastes like before.

With a group of volunteers, Dr. Anthony Tse started an initiative to bring this beloved vegetable back to dining tables – no efforts were spared in seed and species selection for the sake of originality. Once identified, Dr. Tse & Co started to breed the vegetables to perpetuate its great taste.

As the owner of 香港高華種子網店 Hong Kong Clover Seed Online Store , Dr. Tse has been tirelessly working on cultivating the best seeds to conserve local plant species and develop the agricultural industry.

Illustrator toballki has documented the revival process of Hok Tau Bok Choy through her drawings to commemorate the noble efforts of Dr. Tse and other volunteering parties.

Watch the Agri-Soul Video Series – “Growing it Ground Up (Part 1)” (https://bit.ly/38qQW4G)

“They’re the third-generation seed growers, would there be a fourth successor?”

“Seeds are fascinating, the small size belies its lasting impact.” Chan Kwok Wah @Chan kwan Kee Seeds Co.

“To be honest, seed growers are not counting on making a lot of money, but the whole process brings us joy.” – Roy 陳萬合菜種行 Chan Man Hop

Chan Kwok Wah and Roy are the third-generation seed growers, both are concerned about the fading of the agriculture industry. Despite the challenges, they would not compromise on the quality of the seeds, whether for sale or own use. They’ve always believed that the growth of future generations depends on the seeds.

Illustrator toballki reflected the challenges these seed growers’ facing in a light-hearted way. It’s a beautiful story of seed growers doing their bit for the agriculture industry.

Watch the Agri-Soul Video Series – “Growing it Ground Up (Part 2)”(https://bit.ly/3Nu3WFA)

It’s much more than an orchard. 潘媽媽果園 is breathing a new life into the farming industry by introducing diverse experiences including fruit-picking sessions, guided tours, and processed agricultural products to the market.

Their main crop used to be vegetables. After Isabel took over the business from her parents, she started educating the public on the toil and moil works of farming. By generating awareness, the second-gen farmer wants the public to know that local farms need their support to thrive.

Through her artwork, artist Maoshan Connie has chronicled the transition of Poon Mama Garden, from persevering through setbacks to finding its niche in the market.

Watch the Agri-Soul Video Series – “Poon Mama Garden” (https://bit.ly/3N7pibS)

#10 [Farming Diaries | Cheung Kee Farm]

“Farmers are incredibly resilient!” Over the years, Mrs Tse has gathered the best farming techniques from other farmers and turned herself into one of the few farmers who masters the skill of growing summer celery.

Before she married a farmer, Mrs Tse knew next to nothing about farming. With other experienced farmers passing her their knowledges on growing vegetables, she came to her own with growing summer celery instead of Chinese cabbage and became one of the first farmers who produced celery in a great quantity in the 70s.

With her clean and cheerful drawings, missquai aptly captured Mrs Tse’s transformation into an established farmer – from seeking the advice of experienced farmers to inventing farming methods on her own. Mrs Tse’s inherited resilience is an important factor in growing the crops.

Farming Diaries Vol. 2 is based on an initiative led by 香港農業3.0 , Agri-Soul. Artists are invited to create comics to celebrate the artisanal spirit of farmers, hoping to educate the public about the local farming industry, unique farming methods, and the connection between traditional and modern farming. Watch the Agri-Soul Video Series – “Cheung Kee Farm” (https://bit.ly/3NGOoOI)

#11 [Farming Diaries | Chow Chung Farm]

‘Pond kailan is the king of kailan!”

Meet Uncle Chow, whose unmatchable farming knowledge and experience made him the king of kings in growing pond kalian.

Wa Shan Tsuen and Ho Sheung Heung used to be famous for producing pond kailan and red spring onions. However, the original breed of red spring onions was long gone due to urbanisation. Pond kalian, on the other hand, had a better fate, thanks to Uncle Chow who sought out the original breed and started improving the way of harvesting them.

Uncle Chow’s life journey in farming became a story under the drawings of 李香蘭生活研究房 . Pond kailan was given a new lease of life because of Uncle Chow’s initiative. We need more people like Uncle Chow to ensure those precious breeds live on.

Farming Diaries Vol. 2 is based on an initiative led by 香港農業3.0 , Agri-Soul. Artists are invited to create comics to celebrate the artisanal spirit of farmers, hoping to educate the public about the local farming industry, unique farming methods, and the connection between traditional and modern farming. Watch the Agri-Soul Video Series – “Chow Chung Farm” (https://bit.ly/3n48Wp5)

#12【Farming Diaries｜Lam Tung Farm】

“Did celery come from the west!?” Celery lovers have local farmers to thank for bringing the agricultural know-how from the United States back in the day.

Hung Shui Kiu in Yuen Long used to be an agricultural district, but due to urbanisation and the influx of imported vegetables, the size of agricultural land has reduced. There are, however, many farmers in Hong Kong making the most out of the remaining land. In order for Hong Kong’s agricultural industry to prosper, we need to seek a balance between urban development and agricultural production.

Through his illustrations, illustrator Po Hung explores the relationship between Hung Shui Kiu, Lam Tung Farm and urban development planning, while exploring the balance between the latter and agricultural production.

Farming Diaries Vol. 2 is based on an initiative led by 香港農業3.0, Agri-Soul. Artists are invited to create comics to celebrate the artisanal spirit of farmers, hoping to educate the public about the local farming industry, unique farming methods, and the connection between traditional and modern farming.

Watch the Agri-Soul Video Series – Lam Tung Farm (https://bit.ly/3NvELBU)

“He’s ‘the man’ behind these awesome zucchinis!” Great farmers like Mr. Tong shine like a beacon in the dark wherever they go.

The key figure of Lik’s Farm, Mr. Tong is equipped with traditional farming skills inherited from his parents. However, that did not stop him from using science and new concepts to revamp his farm, resulting in fresh zucchinis being produced all year long. His achievements have proven that farming has a bright future in Hong Kong, as long as one puts in the effort.

Artist 李香蘭生活研究房 has documented Mr. Tong’s diligence and ingenuity in farming, enabling zucchinis to grow in any weather. Young farmers, take note!

Farming Diaries Vol. 2 is based on an initiative led by 香港農業3.0, Agri-Soul. Artists are invited to create comics to celebrate the artisanal spirit of farmers, hoping to educate the public about the local farming industry, unique farming methods, and the connection between traditional and modern farming.

Watch the Agri-Soul Video Series – Lik’s Farm (https://bit.ly/3bMIXA2)