We agree with 蔡珮琳 ( “重新审视本地农场存在价值”, 17 Oct) that local farms contribute to Singapore’s food resilience as they provide a regenerative source of food and serve as a buffer during supply disruptions.
As Ms Cai rightly pointed out, Singapore’s scarce land resources require us to plan our land use carefully to meet evolving national needs. Hence, it is important that agriculture land is used productively and sustainably to strengthen food security. The government will continue to allocate land for local production through the Singapore Food Agency’s (SFA) Singapore Agri-Space Sales (SAS) programme.
The land-use changes in Lim Chu Kang arose from ongoing reviews to better optimise land use. The physical co-location of farms to Lim Chu Kang North avails us the opportunity to explore and experiment the provision of shared facilities and integrated infrastructure planning to make operational and logistical arrangements more efficient and potentially lower production costs which may benefit our farms.
We wish to clarify that all parties affected by any land-use changes are given early notice to provide them with sufficient lead time for their business and operational planning. As for the two farms mentioned in Ms Cai’s letter, various government agencies are reviewing their extension requests and transition plans and are also in contact with them to render any assistance that they may require.
We recognise that farms affected by the land use changes may have developed valuable capabilities, experience, and good track record over the years. SFA encourages these farms that wish to continue operations to participate in the SAS programme so that they can leverage their experience and capabilities to continue to contribute to Singapore’s food resilience.
The government will continue to help our farms improve productivity, build capabilities, and facilitate demand for local produce. Local production remains an important pillar of Singapore’s food resilience under the Singapore Food Story 2, alongside our efforts to diversify import sources, maintain stockpiles and strengthen international partnerships. Together, these complementary strategies help ensure a resilient and safe food supply for Singapore.
Dr Alvin Yeo 杨永全博士
Senior Director高级署长
Resource & Research Management Division 资源与研究管理署
Singapore Food Agency 新加坡食品局
Cheoh Wee Keat 蒋威杰
Director 署长
Leasing Division 租赁署
Singapore Land Authority 新加坡土地管理局
ZB Forum Letter: “Food resilience remains important despite land use changes” (Oct 24)
ZB Forum Letter: “Reconsidering the value of local farms” (Oct 17)
