Food Security
Singapore imports more than 90 percent of our food. While Singapore has put in place strategies to secure our food supply, we operate in a global environment where we face a multitude of risks such as depleting natural resources, climate change, and unpredictable geopolitical and disease outbreak situations such as the ongoing COVID-19 situation. To mitigate and overcome these challenges, the collective efforts of the government, industry and public are required to strengthen our food supply resilience.
SFA safeguards Singapore’s food supply through three food security strategies, known as the three “food baskets”:
Diversify import sources – By diversifying our food sources, we reduce our reliance on any single source for any one food item. Should there be a disruption to any one source, Singapore is in a good position to work with our network of importers to tap on alternative food sources, and ensure that our food supply remains stable.
Grow local – Local production mitigates our reliance on imports and serves as a buffer in the event of a food supply disruption. SFA is supporting the growth of the local agri-food industry by developing spaces for farming, providing funding support, leveraging R&D, grooming local talent and rallying support for local produce.
Grow overseas – SFA supports Singapore companies to export urban food solutions to other countries so that they can overcome land and manpower constraints and break into new markets. These companies can then reap economies of scale and can also export food back to Singapore. Some local farms have ventured into Australia, Brunei, Hong Kong, Thailand and China.
SFA aims to increase local production to achieve a goal of “30 by 30”, which is to build up our agri-food industry's capability and capacity to produce 30% of our nutitional needs locally and sustainably by 2030, up from less than 10% today. Technology advancements will be key in unlocking the potential of our agri-food industry to ‘grow more with less’, in a sustainable manner.
SFA is thus working with the agri-food industry and community to:
Develop spaces for farming: To expand local food production, SFA tenders out spaces to agri-food companies with promising technologies through a competitive land tender basis.
Adopt innovative technologies: SFA provides strong funding support to the industry to adopt innovative technologies. This includes grants to co-fund co-funds farming systems to better control environmental variables and boost production capabilities.
Catalyse R&D innovation: R&D plays a key role to drive innovation and plug existing technological gaps. To support the “30 by 30” goal, research funding has been made available under the Singapore Food Story R&D programme to enable R&D in three areas –sustainable urban food production, future foods, and food safety science & innovation.
Groom local talent: As the agri-food industry grows and transforms, new and higher value jobs requiring multi-disciplinary expertise in science, engineering, and info-communications will be needed. SFA is working with various Institutes of Higher Learning (IHLs) and local farms on programmes such as diploma courses and structured internship programmes to equip students and adult job seekers with skillsets that will lead to meaningful, specialised careers in agriculture and aquaculture.
Rally support for local produce: As we ramp up local production, we will need the support of consumers to sustain a healthy and vibrant agri-food ecosystem. Local produce is safe, fresher, and lasts longer. Local produce also results in less spoilage, food waste, and a lower carbon footprint, as the produce does not need to travel for long periods of time before reaching the consumer. To make it easier for consumers to identify local produce, SFA has launched an “SG Fresh Produce” logo which can be found on the packaging of local produce in retail shops and supermarkets. By choosing locally produced food, all of us can play a part in enhancing Singapore’s food security.
Food Safety
As the national agency for food safety, SFA has in place an integrated food safety system from farm-to-fork to ensure that food sold in Singapore is safe for consumption. SFA adopts a science-based risk assessment and management approach to food safety, and sets food safety standards that are aligned with international standards. SFA has put in place regulatory levers along the food supply chain like licensing, inspection, sampling, testing and enforcement.
Overseas Imports – Food importers are licensed by SFA, and are required to apply for import permits for each consignment of food imported into Singapore. For high-risk food items like livestock, meat and egg items that can carry diseases that can be transmitted to people, SFA conducts accreditation at source to ensure that the imports meet food safety and animal health import requirements.
Local farms and food establishments – SFA licenses farms and food establishments in Singapore, including slaughterhouses, food processing/manufacturing establishments, as well as various food retail establishments such as hawker and market stalls, coffeeshops, food courts, food caterers, canteens, supermarkets, mobile food wagons, cafes, and restaurants. Inspections are carried out to ensure that these establishments comply with licensing conditions and regulatory requirements.
In the event of food safety incidents, there are response mechanisms in place to manage them too (e.g. food recalls, foodborne outbreak investigation).
As food safety is a joint responsibility, SFA works with the industry and consumers to build their capabilities and educate them on their roles in ensuring food safety. For instance, food handlers in restaurants, hawker stalls and coffee shops must attend and pass the Basic Food Hygiene Course (BFHC) before they are allowed to work.
As for consumers, SFA has made available food safety information and tips online to equip consumers with knowledge of food safety risks and good food safety practices. Examples include:
Food safety educational materials, food alerts and recalls, labelling information: Food Information
Track records (hygiene grading, number of demerit points and suspension history) of the food establishment: Food Retail Licence
Consumers who come across any errant food operator can play your part by reporting these operators to SFA via the online feedback form.
As someone deeply immersed in the realm of food security and related policies, I can assert my expertise through a comprehensive understanding of various concepts interwoven in the provided article. My knowledge extends beyond mere familiarity, encompassing the intricate details and implications of the strategies employed by Singapore to ensure a resilient food supply. Let's delve into the key concepts presented:
Food Security Overview:
Import Dependency and Risks: Singapore's reliance on importing over 90 percent of its food poses significant challenges due to depleting natural resources, climate change, and geopolitical uncertainties such as the ongoing COVID-19 situation.
Three "Food Baskets" Strategy: To bolster food security, the Singapore Food Agency (SFA) employs three strategies: diversify import sources, grow local, and grow overseas. This multifaceted approach aims to minimize risks associated with a singular source.
Diversification of Food Sources:
Reducing Reliance: Diversifying import sources reduces dependence on any single source, ensuring stability in the face of disruptions. This involves a collaborative effort between the government, industry, and the public to tap into alternative food sources during emergencies.
Local Production Initiatives:
"30 By 30" Local Production Goal: SFA's ambitious goal is to produce 30% of Singapore's nutritional needs locally and sustainably by 2030, up from less than 10% today. This involves leveraging technology advancements to achieve sustainable growth in the agri-food industry.
Technology Adoption: SFA supports the adoption of innovative technologies, offering funding to co-fund farming systems that control environmental variables, thereby boosting production capabilities.
Research and Development (R&D): R&D initiatives under the Singapore Food Story R&D program focus on sustainable urban food production, future foods, and food safety science & innovation, playing a pivotal role in achieving the "30 by 30" goal.
Talent Development: Recognizing the need for skilled individuals, SFA collaborates with Institutes of Higher Learning to develop programs that equip students and job seekers with the necessary expertise for careers in agriculture and aquaculture.
Consumer Support: Rallying support for local produce involves educating consumers on the benefits of choosing locally produced food, such as safety, freshness, and a lower carbon footprint.
Food Safety Measures:
Integrated Food Safety System: As the national agency for food safety, SFA ensures a farm-to-fork integrated food safety system, employing science-based risk assessment and setting standards aligned with international benchmarks.
Regulatory Levers: SFA implements regulatory levers, including licensing, inspection, sampling, testing, and enforcement, to maintain food safety standards along the entire supply chain.
Industry and Consumer Collaboration: SFA collaborates with the industry and consumers, emphasizing joint responsibility. For instance, food handlers must undergo the Basic Food Hygiene Course, and consumers are provided with information and tips on food safety.
Response Mechanisms: In the event of food safety incidents, SFA has response mechanisms in place, such as food recalls and investigations into foodborne outbreaks.
In conclusion, Singapore's multifaceted approach to food security involves a combination of international collaboration, local production initiatives, technological advancements, and stringent food safety measures, all aimed at ensuring a stable and secure food supply for the nation.
