Help at hand

Founded in 2015, Rooftop Republic has transformed nearly 80,000 square feet of underutilized Hong Kong spaces into 70 productive urban farms in premises ranging from schools to office buildings. It has worked with Link REIT at Lok Fu and Sun Hung Kai Properties at Metroplaza shopping mall in Kwai Fong.

"Our ultimate goal is to make urban farming available to everyone in the community," states Pol Fbrega, Rooftop Republic's chief operating officer and co-founder. "From building customized farms on commercial or residential buildings to offering home gardening solutions, we support individuals and families to grow from the comfort of their own home.

"Urban farming could help companies increase their property value. Moreover, it could offer employees opportunities to participate in farming and practice sustainability," says Fbrega, who feels early exposure to farming through school initiatives could help "educate children about healthy food and lifestyle while improving self-esteem."

"It cultivates greater understanding of environmental issues while offering students a learning experience outside of the classroom," he adds.

Rooftop Republic Academy provides hands-on training to nurture new farmers or those interested in setting up their own garden.