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Urban farming a form of mental health therapy for rooftop gardeners in Hong Kong

Farmer Lai Yuk-hung works at Metroplaza’s organic rooftop farm in Kwai Fong, Hong Kong. Farming is linked to improved mental health, and a social enterprise is bringing it to city rooftops. Photo: Jonathan Wong

It fosters a sense of community and healthy eating, advocates say

By Julianna Barcela
South China Morning Post
July 31, 2022

Excerpt:

Lai Yuk-hung tends to a lush plot of vibrant sunflowers. Sporting a white tank top and khaki trousers, paired with a rattan hat, he’s well attired for his work as a part-time farmer with Rooftop Republic.

Launched in 2015, the social enterprise strives to improve Hong Kong’s social fabric through supporting local farmers and integrating urban farming into the city.

“We are trying to turn our grey city into green,” says Andrew Tsui, 44, Rooftop Republic’s co-founder.
The team has worked with engineers, architects, developers and property managers to bring urban farms to office buildings and shopping malls such as Metroplaza in Kwai Fong, where Lai, a former rural farmer, is stationed.

The 13,000 sq ft (1,200 square metre) “Sky Farm” is a green oasis of fruit trees, herbs and sunflowers nestled among the monotone residential buildings of the neighbourhood.

His colleagues have nicknamed 79-year-old Lai “Gong Gong”, the Cantonese term for grandpa. While he is only expected to work three days a week, Lai often com

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