Hong Kong Organic Resource Centre Certification Ltd.

香港有機資源中心認證有限公司

Hong Kong Organic Resource Centre Certification Ltd.

Latest News

2026

  • Implementation of Arrangements for Accepting Conventional Strawberry Seedlings for Organic Certification (Supplier) July 2, 2026

    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.

     

    1. 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.

     

    1. 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.

     

    1. 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.

     

    1. 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.

  • Implementation of Arrangements for Accepting Conventional Strawberry Seedlings for Organic Certification (Farmers) July 2, 2026

    We have received feedback from our certified farmers and the Department 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 and could only serve as a short-term provisional arrangement, as they emphasized that the local market must establish a timeframe to actively promote and secure the supply 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 introduce a temporary arrangement accepting 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 this 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.

     

    Criteria for Certified Operations Purchasing Conventional Strawberry Seedlings:

    Scenario

    Source of Strawberry Seedlings

    Operational Requirements for Farmers

    Criterion 1

    Registered conventional strawberry seedling suppliers

    Prior submission of an application form to HKORC and formal approval are required.

    Criterion 2

    Non-registered conventional strawberry seedling suppliers

    Prior submission of an application form to our company is required. HKORC will arrange sampling for pesticide and heavy metal testing. The seedlings may only be used after the test results indicate that they do not exceed the permitted limits. Testing fees must be borne by the applicant. (Farmers must reserve a specific quantity of seedlings for testing purposes).

    Criterion 3

    Any other suppliers not covered by Criteria 1 and 2

    Strictly prohibited. Non-compliance is considered a serious violation, and the farm will be required to re-enter the conversion period.

    The above arrangements will officially take effect on August 1, 2026. Should you have any enquiries, please contact us at 3156 2280.

  • Suspension Crops Certification of C22002 June 18, 2026

    Tin Lok Organic Farm (C22002): The crops certification has been suspended since 18 June 2026.

  • Certification Reinstatement Notice of P24001 May 18, 2026

    The organic certification of Tai Tong Organic Beansprouts Co. Ltd (Certification No.: P24001)has been reinstated since 18 May 2026.

  • Revocation Crops Certification of C23005 May 11, 2026

    Erika Organic Farm (C23005): The crops certification has been revoked since 11 May 2026.

  • Suspension Processing and Handling Certification of P24001 May 8, 2026

    Tai Tong Organic Beansprouts Co. Ltd (P24001): The processing and handling certification has been suspended since 8 May 2026

  • Suspension Crops Certification of C23005 April 27, 2026

    Erika Organic Farm (C23005): The crops certification has been suspended since 27 April 2026.

  • Certification Reinstatement Notice of A14004 April 23, 2026

    The organic certification of Fu Kam Organic Farm (Certification No.: A14004)has been reinstated since 23 April 2026.

  • Suspension Aquaculture Certification of A14004 April 16, 2026

    Fu Kam Organic Farm (A14004): The aquaculture certification has been suspended since 16 April 2026.

  • Certification Reinstatement Notice of C14017 March 4, 2026

    The organic certification of Sampo Tree Organic Farm (Certification No.: C14017)has been reinstated since 4 March 2026.

  • Suspension Crops Certification of C14017 February 6, 2026

    Sampo Tree Organic Farm (C14017): The crops certification has been suspended since 6 February 2026.

  • Suspension Crops Certification of C21014 February 6, 2026

    Shall We Farm (C21014): The crops certification has been suspended since 6 February 2026.

  • Change of office address and contact February 3, 2026

    Hong Kong Organic Resource Centre Certification Limited office will be moved to “Unit 819, 8/F, Tower B, New Mandarin Plaza, No.14 Science Museum Road, Tsim Sha Tsui East, Kowloon” from 13th February, 2026.

     

    We kindly remind all operations to take note of the above changes so as to avoid any delays that may arise from mailing or communication inconvenience. Should you have any queries, please feel free to contact us (Tel. 3156 2280), thank you.

  • The revisions and effective date of the “Organic Production, Aquaculture, Processing and Input Manufacturing Standards 2026” & “Certification Policy Manual 2026” February 3, 2026

    Our company completed the revision of the “Organic Production, Aquaculture, Processing and Input Manufacturing Standards 2026” and “Certification Policy Manual 2026” in Feb 2026. The revised provisions will officially take effect from March 2, 2026. The full versions of the above document are now available on our website (http://www.hkorc-cert.org) for your reference.

            Should you have any questions, please feel free to contact us at 3156-2280.

2025

  • Waiver of Organic Certification Application Fee (2026–2027) December 12, 2025

    We sincerely thank all certification units for their continuous support of organic agriculture and aquaculture, as well as for their trust in our company. In view of the ongoing economic challenges, our company has decided to extend last year’s measure and waive HK$1,500 from the renewal application fee for the 2026–2027 certification year for the following certification units, joining hands with the organic industry to overcome difficulties together:

    • Organic Crop Production Units

    • Organic Aquaculture Units

    For certification units that have already paid the application/renewal fee for 2026–2027, the waiver will be applied to the 2027–2028 certification year, or they may request a refund of the relevant fee from our company.

    We hope this measure will continue to assist everyone in weathering the current challenges. If you have any questions, please contact our staff at 3156 2280. We wish all units continued prosperity and sustainability.

  • Approved strawberry seedling supplier November 19, 2025

    The strawberry seedling suppliers currently approved by our company are as follows:

    香港有機果蔬觀光士多啤梨園（certified by︰OFDC）

    Kunming Fengzhigu Agricultural Technology Co., Ltd（certified by︰OFDC）

     

  • Suspension Crops Certification of C22018 November 17, 2025

    Farmer Villa (C22018): The crops certification has been suspended since 17 November 2025.

  • Suspension Crops Certification of C13015 September 12, 2025

    Great Taste Aloe Development Company Limited (C13015): The crops certification has been suspended since 12 September 2025.

  • Regarding the revisions and effective date of the “Organic Crop Production, Aquaculture, Processing and Input Manufacturing Standards 2025” July 16, 2025

    We sincerely appreciate your support for organic certification, which greatly helps to enhance public confidence in organic products.

    Our company completed the revision of the “Organic Crop Production, Aquaculture, Processing and Input Manufacturing Standards 2025” in July 2025. The revised provisions will officially take effect from August 16, 2025. 

    The full version of the “Standards for Organic Crop Production, Aquaculture, Processing and Input Materials 2025” is now available on our website (http://www.hkorc-cert.org) for your reference.

    If your organization has any questions, please feel free to contact our staff at 3156-2280.

2024

  • Fee Reduction for Organic Certification Application (2025–2026) December 16, 2024

    We sincerely thank all certification units for their continuous support of organic agriculture and aquaculture, as well as for their trust in our company. In view of the recent economic challenges, our company has decided to join hands with the organic industry to overcome difficulties together. Starting from January 1, 2025, we will grant a one-time reduction of HK$1,500 in the renewal application fee for the 2025–2026 certification year to the following certification units:

    • Organic Crop Production Units

    • Organic Aquaculture Units

    For certification units that have already paid the application/renewal fee for 2025–2026, the reduction will be applied to the 2026–2027 certification year.

    We hope this measure will help everyone weather the current challenges. If you have any questions, please contact our staff at 3156 2280. We wish all units continued prosperity and sustainability.

  • Approved strawberry seedling supplier October 22, 2024

    The strawberry seedling suppliers currently approved by our company are as follows:

    香港有機果蔬觀光士多啤梨園（certified by︰OFDC）

  • Certification Reinstatement Notice of C21014 September 17, 2024

    The organic certification of Shall We Farm (Certification No. C21014) has been reinstated since 17 September 2024.

  • Certification Reinstatement Notice of C10020 September 13, 2024

    The organic certification of Fu Kam Organic Farm (Farm) (Certification No. C10020) has been reinstated since 13 September 2024.

  • Suspension Crops Certification of C21014 September 12, 2024

    Shall We Farm (C21014): The crops certification has been suspended since 12 September 2024.

  • Certification Reinstatement Notice of C08003 September 9, 2024

    The organic certification of Lemon Farmer (Certification No. C08003) has been reinstated since 9 September 2024.

  • Certification Revocation Notice of C20003 August 30, 2024

    The organic certification of Organic Farmula (Certification No. C20003) has been revoked since 30 August 2024.

  • Suspension Crops Certification of C10007 August 29, 2024

    Lohas Organic Farm (C10007): The crops certification has been suspended since 29 August 2024.

  • Suspension Crops Certification of C10020 August 26, 2024

    Fu Kam Organic Farm (C10020): The crops certification has been suspended since 26 August 2024.

  • Suspension Crops Certification of C08003 August 6, 2024

    Lemon Farmer (C08003): The crops certification has been suspended since 06 August 2024.

  • Suspension Crops Certification of C20003 July 29, 2024

    Organic Farmula (C20003): The crops certification has been suspended since 29 July 2024.

  • Suspension Crops Certification of C16010 June 2, 2024

    New Age Organic Farm (C16010): The crops certification has been suspended since 02 June 2024.

  • Accredited papaya seedling supplier May 30, 2024

    The papaya seedling suppliers currently accredited by our company are as follows:

    (C09015) Chun San Organic Farm [HKOFA]

    (C20006) Elim Farm

    (C13025) Blue Girl Organic Farm

  • Accredited papaya seedling supplier May 14, 2024

    The papaya seedling suppliers currently accredited by our company are as follows:

    (C07025) Healthy Organic Farm

    (C09015) Chun San Organic Farm [HKOFA]

    (C20006) Elim Farm

    (C13025) Blue Girl Organic Farm

  • 2023 Farmer’s Competition Results February 15, 2024

    Hong Kong Organic Resources Centre has been exploring various development possibilities for local organic agriculture, while farmers are also striving to find different farm management methods and farming technologies. Farmer’s Competition has been held for many years to encourage certified organic farms that have not violated the company’s certification standards in the past two years and to promote continuous improvement of farm management. The winners will receive a certificate and HK$400 prize. The winners of 2023 Farmer’s Competition are as follows (in no particular order):

  • Regarding the revisions and effective date of the “Organic Crop Production, Aquaculture, Processing and Input Manufacturing Standards 2024” and the “Policy Manual 2024,” February 8, 2024

    Thank you for supporting organic certification. This support greatly helps to enhance public confidence in organic products.

    Our company has revised the “Organic Crop Production, Aquaculture, Processing and Input Manufacturing Standards 2024” and the “Policy Manual 2024.” The revised provisions will officially take effect on March 7, 2024. We have enclosed a summary of the main revisions to the standards and certification management manual for your reference. This will help you understand the changes in the certification application process and the implementation of the latest standard guidelines. The Standard and the Policy Manual are currently available for detailed review on our website (http://www.hkorc-cert.org).

    Following the annual audit by IOAS in 2023, our company has successfully obtained approval from the IOAS Accreditation Committee to add the following certification categories:

    • IFOAM Accreditation – Input Manufacturing
    • ISO/IEC 17065 Accreditation – Input Manufacturing

    The relevant provisions for these certification categories have been added to the “Organic Crop Production, Aquaculture, Processing and Input Manufacturing Standards 2024” and the “Policy Manual 2024.” If you have any questions, please feel free to contact our staff at 3156-2280.

2023

  • Certification Reinstatement Notice of C05022 December 14, 2023

    The organic certification of Tai Tong Organic Ecopark Company Limited (Certification No. C05022) has been reinstated since 14 December 2023.

  • Certification Revocation Notice of C20015 October 21, 2023

    The organic certification of Potato Farm (Certification No. C20015) has been revoked since 21 October 2023.

  • Suspension Crops Certification of C21007 October 18, 2023

    Lam Yuen(C21007): The crops certification has been suspended since 18 October 2023.

  • IOAS lifted suspension decision October 11, 2023

    The IOAS Accreditation Committee decided to lift the suspension of the accreditation of HKORC for the following schemes:

     

    • IFOAM Accreditation – Aquaculture
    • ISO/IEC 17065 Accreditation – Aquaculture

     

    HKORC will continue operating as normal.

     

  • IOAS Decision on addition of scope category October 11, 2023

    The IOAS Accreditation Committee has approved the addition of scope category of HKORC. The additional scope category is:

     

    • IFOAM Accreditation – Input Manufacturing
    • ISO/IEC 17065 Accreditation – Input Manufacturing

     

    HKORC will continue operating as normal.  New Standard will be published in the beginning of 2024.

  • Suspension Crops Certification of C20015 September 21, 2023

    Potato Farm(C20015): The crops certification has been suspended since 21 September 2023.

  • Certification Revocation Notice of A22002 September 4, 2023

    The organic certification of Kam Tin North (Certification No. A22002) has been revoked since 4 September 2023.

  • Certification Revocation Notice of C05022 August 10, 2023

    The organic certification of Tai Tong Organic Ecopark Company Limited (Certification No. C05022) has been revoked since 10 August 2023.

  • Certification Reinstatement Notice of A22002 July 4, 2023

    The aqua certification of  Kam Tin North (A22002) has been reinstated since 4 July 2023.

  • Certification Revocation Notice of C20005 June 30, 2023

    The organic certification of Lucky Farm ( Certification No. C20005) has been revoked since 19 May 2023.

  • IOAS suspension decision May 19, 2023

    The IOAS Accreditation Committee decided to suspend the accreditation of HKORC for the following schemes:

     

    • IFOAM Accreditation – Aquaculture
    • ISO/IEC 17065 Accreditation – Aquaculture

     

    HKORC will continue operating as normal throughout this period of suspension with the exception of accepting and certifying new applications.  While suspended, no new applications may be accepted, no certificates may be issued to new applications that are in progress on the date of this letter and no extensions of scope may be issued to existing operators.

     

  • Certification Revocation Notice of A22002 May 19, 2023

    The organic certification of Kam Tin North ( Certification No. A22002) has been revoked since 30 June 2023.

  • Certification Revocation Notice of A22002 May 19, 2023

    The organic certification of Kam Tin North ( Certification No. A22002) has been revoked since 19 May 2023.

  • 2022 Farmer’s Competition Results March 17, 2023

    Hong Kong Organic Resources Centre has been exploring various development possibilities for local organic agriculture, while farmers are also striving to find different farm management methods and farming technologies. Farmer’s Competition has been held for many years to encourage certified organic farms that have not violated the company’s certification standards in the past two years and to promote continuous improvement of farm management. The winners will receive a certificate and HK$400 prize. The winners of 2022 Farmer’s Competition are as follows (in no particular order):

2022

  • Suspension Crops Certification of C16008 September 1, 2022

    Hong Kong Agricultural Tai Po Lam Tsuen Organic Farm(C16008): The crops certification has been suspended since 27 August 2022.

  • Certification Revocation Notice of A18001 July 5, 2022

    The organic certification of Hop Hing Aqua Farm ( Certification No. A18001) has been revoked since 5 July 2022.

  • Notice of Website System Maintenance April 22, 2022

    Due to system maintenance, part of our website will be temporarily unavailable during the following period:

    　 Maintenance period: 08:00 – 18:00pm, 23 April, 2023 (Sat)
    　　
    We apologize for any inconvenience this may cause, and appreciate your kind understanding and cooperation.

  • Certification Reinstatement Notice of C07025 March 29, 2022

    The crop certification of  Healthy Organic Farm (C07025) has been reinstated since 29 March 2022. 

  • Renewal fee reduction (2022-2023) due to COVID-19 pandamic March 21, 2022

    Due to current COVID-19 pandamic, HKORC-cert Ltd decided to offer a discount of certification renewal fee for all certified operations. A total amount of 1500HKD would be automatically deducted from the fee charged for each renewal application in the year 2021-2023. By taking the lead in fee reduction, we wish we could ride out the storm together with all operators during the pandamic.

    Please contact our staff 3411 7913 for any enquiry regard of the above arrangement.

  • Suspension Crops Certification of C07025 March 7, 2022

    Healthy Organic Farm(C07025): The crops certification has been suspended since 4 March 2022.

2021

  • The Revision of Compost Quality Standard 2021 October 8, 2021

    The Revision of Compost Quality Standard 2021 has been adopted in September, 2021 with the effective date 1st November, 2021. The EC value of salinity has also been revised from dS/cm to dS/m in page.3, Step II of the standard in 8th October, 2021.

  • Certification Reinstatement Notice of C05015 July 15, 2021

    The organic certification of Ko Cho Organic Farm (C05015) has been reinstated since 15 July 2021. 

  • Suspension Crops Certification of C16017 May 10, 2021

    Leung Kee Farm (C16017): The crops certification has been suspended since 10 May 2021.

  • Suspension Crops Certification of C12017 May 10, 2021

    Lai Kee Farm (C12017): The crops certification has been suspended since 10 May 2021.

  • Renewal fee reduction (2021-2022) due to COVID-19 pandamic March 4, 2021

    Due to current COVID-19 pandamic, HKORC-cert Ltd decided to offer a discount of certification renewal fee for all certified operations. A total amount of 1500HKD would be automatically deducted from the fee charged for each renewal application in the year 2021-2022. By taking the lead in fee reduction, we wish we could ride out the storm together with all operators during the pandamic.

    Please contact our staff 3411 7913 for any enquiry regard of the above arrangement. 

  • Certification Reinstatement Notice of OC04001 January 12, 2021

    The mushrooms certification of New Life Farm (OC04001) has been reinstated since 12 January 2021. 

  • Certification Revocation Notice of C05015 January 7, 2021

    The organic certification of Ko Chok Organic Farm ( Certification No. C05015) has been withdrawn since 7 Jan 2021.

2020

2019

2018

  • The Establishment of Institute of Bioresource and Agriculture, Hong Kong Baptist University January 5, 2018

    “Institute of Bioresource and Agriculture” (IBA) (http://iba.hkbu.edu.hk) was established at Hong Kong Baptist University in 2017. The overall goal of establishing the IBA is to use Organic Agriculture as a vehicle to cultivate the sustainability in the general public, preserve the indigenous bioresource and biodiversity as well as to strengthen the agricultural development in Hong Kong.