Singapore's Food Security: High Energy Costs and Covid-19 Disrupt Local Farms

Singapore's Local Farms Face Headwinds: Covid-19 and Energy Costs Hamper '30 by 30' Vision Singapore's ambition to produce 30 percent of its nutritional needs locally by 2030 faces significant hurdles. The Singapore Food Agency (SFA) CEO, Damian Chan, recently highlighted the challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic and high energy costs. "Covid-19 disruptions and energy costs are some of the obstacles faced by local farms," Chan stated in a recent interview. The pandemic severely impacted supply chains and labor availability, disrupting farming operations. The video shows footage of various farms, illustrating the challenges of maintaining production amidst these difficulties. Furthermore, Singapore's energy costs are generally higher than in many other countries, significantly impacting the profitability of local farms. Chan notes that while costs have decreased somewhat, they remain relatively high compared to international competitors. Despite these obstacles, Chan emphasizes the importance of local food production, particularly for perishable goods. "Local production as a regenerative source, especially for perishable foods which are harder to stop, continues to be an important food security pillar." The SFA is focusing on helping farms become more financially sustainable and productive, addressing key challenges through problem-solving and targeted support. The SFA's commitment to supporting local farmers, coupled with innovative farming techniques showcased in the video, offers a positive outlook for Singapore's food security goals.