1.  Transforming farming spaces and optimising farm development

SFA spearheaded an initiative involving industry stakeholders and the public to reimagine Lim Chu Kang's potential as an agri-food hub that can raise food production in a climate-resilient and resource-efficient manner. With the ideas and suggestions from industry stakeholders, potential innovative concepts for the future Lim Chu Kang include stacked farming and centralised waste treatment facilities. These ideas create better efficiencies and lay the groundwork to develop Singapore's flagship agri-food hub of the future. 

An artist’s impression of Lim Chu Kang as an agri-food production hub.

In further support of the industry’s growth and development, SFA introduced comprehensive industry guides tailored for both sea-based and land-based farms. These guides aim to expedite farm development, thereby enhancing local food production. Farmers can refer to them for essential information regarding regulations, administrative procedures and timelines for starting their ventures. These guides were developed after receiving feedback from companies, exemplifying how we can all work together to create an environment conducive to the growth of Singapore's agri-food industry.

The Industry Guide for Sea-based Farms and Industry Guide 2.0 for Land Farms were launched in November 2022 and March 2023, respectively. 

2.  Responding swiftly to food supply disruptions

In the face of food supply disruptions, the strong industry networks and ties with overseas partners also shine through. From responding to Malaysia's export ban on live chickens to mitigating the threat of disruptions due to disease outbreaks, our proactive measures ensure minimal disruptions to Singapore's food supply. The close partnership between SFA and the industry has allowed us to adapt swiftly and secure sufficient food sources for Singaporeans. SFA will continue to work with food importers to forge new partnerships and accredit new food sources.

First shipment of live chickens from Bintan, Indonesia arriving in Singapore on 13 May 2023.

3.  Enhancing the food safety ecosystem

The assurance of food safety is a joint responsibility of the food industry, consumers, and government. All parties have a role to play in ensuring food safety. For example, SFA fortifies the food testing ecosystem through the Laboratory Recognition Programme, a network of private testing laboratories recognised by SFA to provide quality test results. These laboratories are recognised for their capability to support the industry’s food safety testing needs. This helps to reduce lead times for food export certification and reinforce consumer confidence. By working hand in hand with industry partners, we maintain high standards of safety so that Singaporeans have access to safe and wholesome food.

Staff at work at the National Centre for Food Science (NCFS), the national reference laboratory on food science.

4.  Supporting research and innovation in food

As a country with limited resources, we will need to transform our agri-food industry through innovation and technology for our food security needs. The Agri-Food Cluster Transformation (ACT) Fund supports the agri-food sector to adopt technology to enhance its productivity, resilience, and efficiency. Its scope has expanded over time to encompass a broader range of food types and address higher energy costs. To drive innovative research projects in urban agriculture, aquaculture, future foods and food safety, the government has also allocated over $300 million under the Singapore Food Story (SFS) R&D Programme.

A high-yielding and uniformly growing choy sum cultivar was developed under the SFS R&D Programme.

Source: National University of Singapore, Department of Biological Sciences

5.  Supporting local farms and local produce

Recognising the importance of promoting local produce, SFA works closely with the industry to engage businesses and the public alike.

The formation of the Alliance for Action (AfA) for Local Produce Demand Offtake and Consumer Education in February 2023 helps to bridge the gap between supply and demand, while educating consumers on the significance of supporting local agriculture. For instance, the AfA has led to the formation of an industry-level supply and demand aggregator, spearheaded by the Singapore Agro-Food Enterprises Federation (SAFEF). SAFEF will partner traders and food processing companies via longer-term commercial aggregator contracts to better match supply and demand. This gives certainty to both producers and buyers and allows better price negotiations.

Another outcome is the onboarding of businesses to the Farm-to-Table Recognition Programme (FTTRP) which started in March 2023. Under the programme, a green logo is awarded to businesses in the Hotel, Restaurant and Catering sector that procure at least 15 per cent of their fresh produce ingredients from local farms for the following food categories: hen shell eggs, leafy vegetables, beansprouts, fish, mushrooms and quail eggs. Businesses can use the FTTRP logo to brand and market their businesses as being environmentally conscious, using fresher produce and supporting Singapore’s food resiliency.

Eleven food businesses were awarded the FTT Recognition Programme Logo at the launch event.

Five years of strong partnership with the industry has resulted in a robust groundwork for a sustainable food ecosystem, built upon the principles of joint responsibility. The industry’s dedication and unwavering support have been instrumental in our efforts to ensure a supply of safe food for Singapore. Let us persist in our commitment to innovation, collaboration and adaptability as we press forward to secure Singapore’s food future!