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Climate change

Singapore's Aquaculture Sector Plays a Critical Role in Achieving Food Security

Strategic Insights

— 2 min read

Singapore imports over 90% of its food supplies, making it vulnerable to food supply chain disruptions. To address this issue, the government has set a "30 by 30" goal to build the capabilities to sustainably produce 30% of its nutritional needs by 2030. The aquaculture sector plays a critical role in achieving this goal, and the government is investing in research, innovation, and technology to support the industry's growth.

Key Takeaways:

  • Singapore imports over 90% of its food supplies, making it vulnerable to food supply chain disruptions.
  • The government has set a "30 by 30" goal to build the capabilities to sustainably produce 30% of its nutritional needs by 2030.
  • The aquaculture sector plays a critical role in achieving the "30 by 30" goal, with seafood being one of the more carbon and resource-efficient food types.
  • The Singapore Aquaculture Plan (SAP) aims to transform the industry through three key strategies: finding new spaces for aquaculture, transforming the industry with technology and better farm practices, and investing in research and innovation.
  • The Government has committed S$60 million to the Agri-Food Cluster Transformation Fund to co-fund the adoption, test-bedding, and development of productive, resource-efficient, and sustainable farming technologies and systems.
  • The Singapore Food Agency (SFA) has committed S$300 million under the Singapore Food Story R&D programme to drive research into sustainable urban food solutions, future foods, and food safety science and innovation.
  • The government aims to create a vibrant aquaculture ecosystem that will facilitate close research-industry partnership in the creation of solutions and sharing of knowledge.
  • The "AquaPolis" research and innovation cluster will bring together local and overseas aquaculture researchers, and industry players, to innovate and develop sustainable solutions.
  • Environmental, resource, and economic sustainability drive the plans for the aquaculture sector, with the goal of contributing to the "30 by 30" goal and the long-term security of food supply.

Statistics:

  • 90%: The percentage of Singapore's food supplies that are imported.
  • 30%: The target for Singapore to produce of its nutritional needs by 2030.
  • S$60 million: The amount committed by the Government to the Agri-Food Cluster Transformation Fund.
  • S$300 million: The amount committed by the Government under the Singapore Food Story R&D programme.
  • 2030: The target year for Singapore to achieve the "30 by 30" goal.

Sources:

  • Ministry of Sustainability and the Environment, Government of Singapore
  • Press Release: Nov. 30 -- Ministry of Sustainability and the Environment, Government of Singapore issued the following speech by Grace Fu, Minister for Sustainability and the Environment:

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