Zero Foodprint Asia
February Newsletter

Dear Friends of Zero Foodprint Asia, 

What a crazy month it has been. Currently here in HK, we are unfortunately caught in the middle of the fifth and most contagious wave of COVID-19. Restaurants across town are facing some of the most severe restrictions since the start of the pandemic where they are still unable to open for dine-in service after 6pm and have table restrictions during lunchtime service, while bars and nightclubs are taking yet another hit.

We have again seen empty shelves (this time not toilet paper, but fruits and veg) and vegetable prices soared as Chinese truckers had to quarantine at the border, due to vegetables from mainland China making up about 92% of the local market. It is in these times that we realize how much we rely on international food imports in HK and how this can be detrimental to the future of our local food system. Now more than ever, our efforts and dollars should be spent on supporting local farmers, strengthening agricultural policies, and investing in local agriculture infrastructures that regenerate soil. This is key to withstand issues of food security, nutrition, and the impact that climate change will have on all of us.

Our thoughts are with everyone in the industry right now navigating their way through the current climate. Be well and stay determined.

Farmer's Market - Mercato & Bedu

Over the course of the two weekend where we set up shop in front of Mercato 108 Hollywood Road, and Bedu on Gough Street, we were able to help HKFP’s network of farmers sell over 67 KG of produce! These buzzling farmers’ markets are a great way to start conversations about soil health and the importance of regenerative organic farming. Those who have been blown away by the quality and abundance of veg available in HK, make sure to connect with @hongkongfarmerspride on IG to find out ways you can continue to support!

What you don't pay for at the table, you pay for at the doctors
- Sicilian Proverb 

Our Month in a Nutshell

Farm Visit

By now, you’ll have figured out our team at ZFPA can talk until the cows come home about the benefits of regenerative ag. However, bringing people to the farms helps put things into context. These visits play a critical part in helping our stakeholders understand the WHY behind our mission and it really drives home the message of the importance of soil health.

So on Sunday, February 6th we headed out to Eva’s & Cheong Gor’s regenerative farms (who were both featured in January’s newsletter) with our friends across the hospitality sector. The trip was co-led by Farmer David from @hongkongfarmerspride and Alice, a volunteer from Homeland Green to facilitate discussion on the organic & regenerative approaches to farming, specifically taking care of soil and how to conduct soil testing. For most attendees that day, not only was it their first time visiting an HK farm but also their first time tasting ingredients grown regeneratively. Unsurprisingly, all agreed that tomatoes taste way better when they’re freshly picked off the vines, grown in soil that is teeming with life, as opposed to tomatoes wrapped and shipped in from halfway across the world.

 Meet our Folks

 Industry News 

 Resources 

ROC Farmer Directory

For our international readers, Regenerative Organic Alliance just came out with their first, brand new farmer directory. Here you can find all ROC farmers around the globe and learn where the newest farms are popping up (hopefully soon all over the world). The map will show the location, name of the operation, website, crop, or product.