Singapore Boosts Food Security with Local Production and Global Partnerships
Singapore, Friday, 6 June 2025.
Faced with over 90% of food being imported, Singapore strengthens food security by boosting local production and expanding trade connections, promising innovation amid high operational costs.
Embracing Innovation: Singapore’s Agritech Advancements
Singapore has embraced high-tech methods to revolutionize its agri-food sector through the deployment of precision agriculture and smart farming techniques. Utilizing technologies such as IoT sensors, drones, and AI, urban farms are becoming more productive despite Singapore’s limited agricultural land, which comprises less than 1% of the total area. These innovations not only enhance local food production but also align with the nation’s environmental goals by significantly reducing water and fertilizer usage [8]. High-tech facilities like the Agri-Food Innovation Park serve as collaborative hubs for startups, corporates, and researchers, further accelerating the transformation [8].
Enhancing Local Production Amidst Global Challenges
With more than 90% of its food supply imported, Singapore faces significant challenges related to global supply chain vulnerabilities. However, the Singapore Food Story 2.0 R&D Programme aims to counter these challenges by supporting research in aquaculture and urban agriculture. The program focuses on improving the efficiency and sustainability of food production, making urban farms less susceptible to global disruptions [8]. Efforts to produce 30% of the nation’s nutritional needs locally by 2030 demonstrate Singapore’s commitment to decreasing its dependency on imports [8].
Strategic Partnerships for Resilient Food Supply
In addition to enhancing local production, Singapore is deepening its trade connections globally. Recent approvals for pork imports from Portugal and beef from Poland exemplify strategic diversification efforts. By expanding its network of suppliers to include 187 countries/regions as of 2024, Singapore fortifies its food supply against potential international market shocks [1]. These collaborative ventures ensure a steady flow of high-risk food items like livestock, meat, and eggs, safeguarding the city’s food security [1].
Sustainable Practices Yielding Environmental Benefits
Through sustainable agricultural practices, Singapore is making strides toward reducing its environmental impact. Smart farming techniques not only provide higher productivity per square meter but also contribute to resource efficiency and sustainability. These methods play a crucial role in lessening the environmental footprint associated with food production, aligning with Singapore’s broader green ambitions [8]. As the globe grapples with climate change, such innovative solutions are vital to maintaining resilient food systems [6][8].