In a recent report by the Singapore Food Agency (SFA), significant shifts in local agricultural production have been highlighted. While egg production has surged, the overall figures for vegetables and seafood have seen a downturn. This reflects ongoing challenges within Singapore’s agriculture sector, raising questions about the nation’s food security.
Declining Local Produce
The SFA’s report, released on 5 June 2024, indicates that local vegetable production fell to just 3 per cent of consumption, a decrease from 3.2 per cent in 2023. Seafood production also saw a drop, falling to 6.1 per cent of overall consumption down from 7.3 per cent the previous year. Notably, the declination is attributed to the restructuring of several fish farms.
Eggs on the Rise
- Egg production increased by 13 per cent in 2024.
- Three farms in Singapore accounted for 34.4 per cent of all eggs consumed, up from 31.9 per cent in 2023.
- This growth is credited to farm upgrades and improved operational efficiencies.
Professor William Chen from Nanyang Technological University noted that while the overall figures might look disappointing, the productivity of local farms is actually improving. The yield per hectare for vegetables improved slightly, highlighting an encouraging trend despite the reduced number of farms.
Farm Counts and Food Sourcing
In 2024, Singapore had a total of 153 land-based farms, a decline of three from 2023, and 72 sea-based farms, down from 98. With over 90 per cent of food supply relying on imports, diversification remains critical. Notably, Singapore expanded its import sources to 187 countries and regions, significantly increasing from 140 two decades ago.
Keeping Food Safe
The SFA also monitors food safety, reporting a stable number of gastroenteritis incidents attributed to foodborne sources. However, there was a slight uptick from 30 cases in 2023 to 31 in 2024. Catered food continues to be a major contributor, prompting the SFA to enhance checks on related food establishments.
While the road ahead remains challenging, the resilience shown in egg production illustrates the potential for local farms to adapt and thrive through technological advancements and better practices. As Singapore navigates these transitional times, the focus will need to be on improving productivity and sustainability within local agriculture.