Our company has received feedback from certified farmers and the authorities indicating that in recent years, local organic strawberries have faced severe challenges regarding the supply, survival rates, and costs of seedling varieties. Years ago, our company permitted the use of conventional seedlings due to a market shortage of organic strawberry seedlings. However, this was not encouraged by the accreditation body at the time and was only permitted as a short-term temporary arrangement, as they believed the local market must establish a timeline to actively promote and secure the supply of organic plant materials. As strawberries have always been highly popular among Hong Kong consumers, to respond to market demand, support certification units in expanding organic production, and satisfy consumer demand for high-quality organic fruits, our company has held internal discussions with the accreditation body and hereby notifies you that we will implement a special handling procedure: a temporary arrangement accepting conventional strawberry seedlings for organic certification.

According to Chapter 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, the corresponding conventional materials may be used. If such conventional materials require post-harvest treatment, they must comply with the requirements of this Standard. Until July 31, 2029, to allow certified farmers to flexibly use conventional strawberry seedlings while maintaining compliance and easing production constraints, the company will relax the requirements for strawberry seedlings. Certified farmers may purchase conventional strawberry seedlings from registered conventional strawberry seedling suppliers, and their cultivation must strictly adhere to the company’s organic standards to ensure product quality and consumer confidence.

Guidelines for Certification Units Purchasing Conventional Strawberry Seedlings:

• Criterion 1 (Registered conventional strawberry seedling suppliers): Farmers must submit an application form to our company in advance and obtain approval.

• Criterion 2 (Non-registered conventional strawberry seedling suppliers): Farmers must submit an application form to our company in advance. The company will arrange to sample the strawberry seedlings for pesticide and heavy metal testing. The seedlings may only be used if the test results show they do not exceed safety limits. Farmers must bear the testing fees themselves and reserve a specific quantity of seedlings for testing purposes.

• Criterion 3 (Other suppliers not covered by Criteria 1 and 2): Usage is strictly prohibited. This constitutes a severe violation, and the farm will be required to re-enter the conversion period.

Our company will arrange a seminar for certified farmers to explain the relevant implementation details:

• Date: July 23, 2026 (Thursday)

• Time: 10:30 AM

• Venue: Conference Room, AFCD Tai Lung Experimental Farm

If you are interested in attending this briefing session, please register on or before July 17, 2026 (Friday) via the following methods:

1. WhatsApp: 5545 0142

2. Call our company staff: 3156 2280

3. Email: enq@hkorc.org

The above arrangements will be officially implemented on August 1, 2026. If you have any questions, please contact our staff at 3156 2280.