Hydroponic systems are touted by their promoters for safety and high yield. Enthusiasts claim hydroponically grown produce is safe from pollution because the vegetables are entirely detached from the ground. They also claim the produce is free of pesticides because hydroponic systems are usually housed in enclosed structures that keep pests out. According to proponents, the high yield makes hydroponic systems suitable for a space-deprived Hong Kong.
Agriculture is an industry that exists within our economic system. As such, the laws of economics must apply to it. The law of comparative advantage, familiar to any first year economics student, states that we should specialise in areas where we have an advantage and trade with others for goods in areas where we do not. Both parties to the trade will end up better off.