With Orange Orchard: Low-Carbon, Green, and Circular Agriculture

Last year, we published an article on Friends of the Earth Hong Kong highlighting how we prioritize environmental protection and ecology. Although we already have various certifications—such as organic food and eco-friendly farming—we still haven’t fully quantified our achievements.

In November of this year, Hecheng finally received BSI’s verification statement regarding our carbon footprint, confirming that for every 1 kg of oranges produced, only 0.0793 kg of CO₂ equivalent is emitted. This makes us an exceptionally low-carbon orange orchard on a global scale.

In just a few short years, Zhanxiang and Hecheng have become well-known in Hong Kong. Thanks to visits from friends who run orchards and media coverage, more and more people have come to understand and embrace the eco-friendly philosophy behind Hecheng—and are even eager to help spread our environmental message. Of course, sustaining and advancing this vision isn’t something that can happen overnight. Back in 2010, we already established Zhanxiang Green Agriculture Co., Ltd. in Chenzhou, Hunan, where we’ve been pioneering an innovative green agricultural ecosystem farm built entirely around eco-friendly principles: "ecological farming, resource recycling, sustainable production, leisure tourism, and hands-on learning."

We are committed to development and cultivation rooted in the very essence of "orange beginnings"—carefully aligning with local natural resources and ecological systems, such as soil, water sources, vegetation, and wildlife. Guided by the principle of "adapting to local conditions and working with nature's flow," we’ve designed our terraced orchards on hillsides while adhering to the core values of "no interference, no destruction, no forced intervention, and no adverse impact." Our goal is to preserve the pristine environmental balance and vibrant ecosystem intact, fostering harmonious coexistence and natural growth for every species within the intricate web of life. Ultimately, this approach ensures that all our crops and fruits develop richer, more authentic, and utterly natural flavors.

Additionally, when it comes to improving soil and soil quality, we not only leverage cutting-edge industry technologies but also make extensive use of earthworms and worm castings. Earthworms naturally help loosen the soil and enhance its aggregate structure, while applying worm castings in large quantities can significantly boost the levels of organic matter and essential trace elements in the soil. Combined with long-term practices such as replacing chemical fertilizers with organic alternatives and returning grass clippings to the soil, these methods further amplify the effectiveness of soil and soil-quality improvement.

From the very beginning, the company has adhered to a clear and well-known rule: In all of our managed orchards and production sites, the use of chemical herbicides—under any circumstances—is strictly prohibited. As everyone knows, the chemical components found in herbicides (such as glyphosate and paraquat) can cause the topsoil to harden and compact, inflicting irreversible damage to the soil. Moreover, residual herbicides left in the ground may seep into groundwater systems, contaminating vital underground water sources. Beyond that, herbicide residues pose significant risks not only to humans, livestock, and crops themselves—accumulating over time in living organisms—and potentially leading to health issues or even triggering various diseases when immunity weakens or reaches critical levels. Therefore, banning the use of herbicides isn’t just about safeguarding human health and safety; it also plays a crucial role in protecting our environment for future generations.

To this day, our company continues to spare no effort—whether in terms of manpower, resources, finances, or costs—in steadfastly opting for manual weeding and mowing. After all, manual weed removal remains the most traditional and safest method available. Moreover, by returning the cut grass to the forest and back into the soil—layering it carefully among the orchard beds—we not only help reduce moisture evaporation from the soil but also enrich its organic content as the grass decomposes. It’s truly a win-win approach!

We also aim to promote and share our company’s conservation philosophy with the wider public. To this end, we’ve collaborated multiple times with organizations such as The Hong Kong Institute of Vocational Education (THEi), Hong Kong Wo To Society, and the Long March Scholarship Fund, launching initiatives like the “New Farmer Program,” the “Young Scholars Summer Camp,” and the “Food Safety and Eco-Friendly Green Practices Exchange.” Through these diverse workshops and interactive sessions, participants can gain a deeper understanding of the importance of sustainable green farming and environmentally responsible living. The activities not only allow participants to directly experience our company’s commitment to green and eco-friendly practices but also equip them with practical tips for everyday sustainability—such as hands-on opportunities to create simple yet impactful eco-friendly products. These include exploring natural energy transformations, mastering waste sorting techniques, repurposing recycled materials, crafting fruit-enzyme-based cleaning solutions, and even making all-natural, plant-based mosquito repellent incense.

Combining education with fun, we aim to instill the concept of environmental protection deep into their hearts. This year, we’re thrilled to launch the "Orange Tree Sponsorship Program." We hope that while enjoying the delicious oranges, everyone will gain a deeper understanding of the growing process and learn to cherish nature. If circumstances allow, sponsors can even have the unique opportunity to personally pick their very own oranges from the tree they’ve adopted!

As a responsible and socially accountable enterprise, our company not only embodies and carries forward the philosophy of "Harmony with Nature, Restoring the Orange Scent," but also commits itself wholeheartedly to promoting environmental protection, supporting conservation efforts, and fostering a circular economy. We are dedicated to sharing these core values with everyone around us, aiming to make a meaningful contribution—whether through nurturing the soil, advancing ecological cycles, or reducing carbon emissions—by spreading vital conservation messages.