As more people pay attention to health and nutrition, the demand for organic vegetables has increased.

Shanghai City Shop caters to these consumers, producing organic vegetables and herbs for its four outlets at its own farm in Minhang District.

"Growing vegetables on our own farm will ensure there won't be any chemical fertilizer used," said Guo Zhiming, sales director of supermarket.

The group began the farm business in 1993.

"Our supermarket sells many vegetables and herbs and most of our clients are foreigners," Guo said.

He said before starting its own organic farm, the vegetables City Shop sold would retain traces of chemical fertilizer.

"Finally we decided to plant ourselves."

Occupying 67 hectares, the farm has more than 100 kinds of vegetables and received a certificate from the China Organic Food Development and Certification Center this year.

"We are the only supermarket (in the city) that sells vegetables from our own farm," Guo said.

"During the planting, we never use chemical fertilizer, but organic fertilizer. Customers need to soak our vegetables in water for a long time before cooking."

Many five-star hotels and supermarkets purchase vegetables from the group's farm although the price of organic vegetables is almost double that of ordinary produce.

(Source: www.shanghai.gov.cn )