We have received feedback from our certified farmers and AFCD indicating that local organic strawberry production has faced severe challenges in recent years regarding seedling variety supply, survival rates, and costs. Years ago, due to a shortage of organic strawberry seedlings in the market, our company temporarily permitted the use of conventional seedlings. However, this practice was not encouraged by the accreditation body at the time, which emphasized that the local market must establish a timeframe to actively promote and secure the use of organic plant materials. Strawberry has always been highly favored by Hong Kong consumers. To respond to market demand, support certified operations in expanding organic production, and meet consumer demand for premium organic fruit, our company has held internal discussions with the accreditation body. We hereby notify you that our company will implement a special processing procedure to accept conventional strawberry seedlings for organic certification.

According to clause 3.4.3 of the Organic Production, Aquaculture, Processing and Input Standards 2026 (IFOAM Accredited Version), if organic or in-conversion seeds or vegetative reproductive materials are unavailable in the market, corresponding conventional materials may be used; if such conventional materials require post-harvest treatment, they must comply with the requirements of the standard. To allow certified farmers to flexibly utilize conventional strawberry seedlings under compliant conditions and alleviate production constraints, the company will relax the requirements for strawberry seedlings until July 31, 2029. Certified farmers may purchase conventional strawberry seedlings from registered conventional strawberry seedling suppliers, provided that their cultivation adheres to the company’s organic standards to ensure product quality and maintain consumer confidence.

Requirements for Registered Conventional Strawberry Seedling Suppliers:

1. Registered suppliers must possess a good reputation and provide clear source information for the strawberry seedlings.

2. If the source of the registered supplier’s conventional strawberry seedlings belongs to an entity with “Organic Certification,” “Green Food Certification,” or “GAP Certification,” please submit the relevant supporting documents. In consideration of the regulatory compliance of the source, our company will arrange sample testing based on a risk assessment.

3. For all strawberry seedlings arriving in Hong Kong, the company will conduct random sampling and testing based on risk assessment to verify whether the seedlings are free from pesticide or heavy metal contamination.

4. Registered suppliers must submit an application form (Appendix I) to the company. The company will dispatch personnel to the applicant’s site to collect conventional strawberry seedling samples for pesticide and heavy metal testing. The testing fees shall be borne by the applicant. Upon passing the verification, the applicant will be listed on the company’s roster of “Registered Conventional Strawberry Seedling Suppliers” and may sell conventional strawberry seedlings to our organically certified operations during the listed period.

5. Registered suppliers must assume the responsibility of monitoring their conventional strawberry seedlings for sale to ensure that the seedlings are not contaminated prior to sale. Should any contamination be detected, our company reserves the right to revoke the entity’s registration status and remove it from the “List of Registered Conventional Strawberry Seedling Suppliers.”

If current suppliers intend to register with our company as a Registered Conventional Strawberry Seedling Supplier, please submit your application starting from July 2, 2026.

Should you have any enquiries, please contact our staff at 3156 2280.