Hong Kong Rooftop Farming

TRANSCRIPT
Hong Kong Rooftop Farming

NARRATOR:
In the middle of Hong Kong, people are walking onto the rooftop of a tall building to pick fresh vegetables. You might not expect to find a farm in a crowded city — but that’s exactly what this is. These volunteers are spending their free time growing food high above the streets. This rooftop was once a helipad, a flat space where helicopters could land. Now, it’s full of green plants. The farm is run by Rooftop Republic, a local company with a simple idea: turn empty rooftops into places for growing food, and building a more sustainable city.
There are over 6 million square meters of rooftop space in Hong Kong, but less than 1% is used for farming. Rooftop Republic is trying to change that. Many people are getting involved, not just to grow food, but to feel more confident about what they’re eating.

SOUNDBITE - Michelle Hong:
"I think people want to have a bit more control and also to have more trust because if I grow it myself I know what went in and I can trust whatever is coming out of that plot."

NARRATOR:
In Hong Kong, where most food is imported, Michelle’s point really matters. Past food safety issues have made many people more cautious.

SOUNDBITE - Eric Cheng:
"Basically we eat a lot of food every day, but exactly where does it come from? Is there any chance I can be more involved in it besides just eating it?"

NARRATOR:
Rooftop Republic has created more than 80 urban farms — on shopping malls, schools, office buildings and public spaces. They also run workshops to teach people how to grow their own food in a busy city. Some farms give food to charities. Others are connected to restaurants, which use the vegetables and herbs in their menus. But rooftop farms are about more than lettuce and tomatoes. They help people relax, meet others, and feel more connected to nature — even 38 floors above the ground.