In light of global uncertainties, Singapore’s government is stepping up efforts to bolster food resilience with a new S$70 million investment aimed at enhancing local farming capabilities. This funding, announced by Senior Minister of State for Sustainability and the Environment Zaqy Mohamad, is part of the Agri-Food Cluster Transformation (ACT) Fund and will be rolled out over the next five years.
Expanding Local Production
Initially introduced in April 2021, the ACT Fund has supported local farmers in upgrading operations by investing in equipment and technology to boost productivity. Under its new iteration, ACT Fund 2, the government aims to strengthen Singapore’s food security strategy, given that the city-state currently imports over 90% of its food supplies.
“The heavy reliance on imports has put us at risk of supply chain disruptions. Thus, enhancing local production is a priority,” Zaqy stated.
Four Pillars of Food Resilience
The ACT Fund 2 aligns with the Singapore Food Story 2 strategy, focusing on four key areas:
- Diversifying imports
- Growing local capabilities
- Stockpiling supplies
- Forging global partnerships
The strategy also emphasises the importance of having local farms as a regenerative source of fresh produce, adept at maintaining supply even during prolonged disruptions.
New Initiatives and Partnerships
As part of the enhanced funding, new initiatives have been introduced:
- Industry Partnerships for Capability Transformation Grant: Supports collaborative efforts between farms and industry partners.
- Technology Adoption Support: Demonstration projects will test overseas farming technologies suitable for Singapore’s tropical environment.
- Expansion of Local Produce Offerings: The Singapore Agro-Food Enterprises Federation (SAFEF) will broaden its product range to include local vegetables and ready-to-eat products.
Farmers will be able to apply for these funds starting from April 2026, with additional details on the application process set to be released later.
Focus on Aquaculture and Supply Chain Efficiency
Furthermore, the Singapore Food Agency (SFA) plans to expand its national breeding programme to cover species like red snapper, enhancing the supply of whiteleg shrimp and grouper fingerlings. By collaborating with local hatcheries and international breeders, the SFA intends to ensure a steady and reliable supply of young fish for local farms.
With these initiatives, the government aims to bolster local food production and reduce dependency on imports, thus improving the nation’s resilience against future food supply challenges.