J.E. Joseph Trust Fund

Establishment and Capital:

• Established in 1954 under the J.E. Joseph Trust Fund Ordinance.
• Total capital approximately HKD 4.26 million, sourced from original payments, government donations, private donations, and contributions from the agricultural industry.

Trustee:

• The fund is vested in the Registrar of Co-operative Societies, currently held by the Director of Agriculture, Fisheries and Conservation.

Objectives:

• To provide technical support and financial assistance to the agricultural sector.
• Specifically aimed at supporting farmers' co-operative societies and individual farmers.

Target Beneficiaries:

• Farmers' co-operative societies.
• Individual farmers in Hong Kong.

Purpose of Loans:

• Loans are granted for development or working capital purposes.
• Co-operative societies then lend the money to their members at low interest rates.

Loan Activity:

• In the fiscal year 2024-25, 4 loans totaling HKD 800,000 were issued to farmers.

Application Process:

• Applications can be made by individual farmers or co-operative societies.
• Application forms are available in Chinese and can be downloaded or submitted electronically via e-Form or iAM Smart.
• A letter of guarantee is required as part of the application.

Contact for Application & Enquiry:

• Agricultural Extension Office, Agriculture, Fisheries and Conservation Department.
• Address: 5th floor, Yuen Long Government Offices, Tai Kiu Market, Yuen Long, N.T.
• Telephone: 2476 2424

Key Features:

• Long-standing fund with a history of over 70 years.
• Provides low-interest loans to support agricultural development.
• Fund capital is maintained through a mix of government, private, and industry contributions.
• Supports both individual farmers and co-operative societies, promoting community-based agricultural development.