Some Singapore farms pivoting to new products that are cheaper than imports

Key Concepts

• Crop Diversification: Shifting to new types of crops or produce.
• Import Substitution: Growing produce locally that is typically imported.
• Climate Resilience: Selecting crops that can withstand tropical weather conditions (heat, humidity, pests).
• Economic Viability: Focusing on produce that offers better profit margins and faster turnaround times.
• Aquaculture Transition: Shifting from fish farming to shrimp farming.
• Pest Resistance: Choosing crops that are less susceptible to local pests.
• Water Content Retention: Selecting vegetables that can hold moisture well in a humid climate.
• Farming Cycle: The time it takes for a crop or animal to reach maturity and be ready for harvest.
• Mortality Rates: The percentage of farmed animals that die during the rearing process.
• Government Support: Assistance provided by agencies like the Singapore Food Agency (SFA) in the form of grants and technical expertise.
• Urban Farming: Cultivating food within urban environments.

Farm Pivots to Cheaper, Climate-Resilient Produce and Shrimp

This report details how some farms in Singapore are strategically shifting their production towards crops and aquaculture species that are more cost-effective than imports and better suited to the local tropical climate. This pivot is facilitated by government support, encouraging experimentation and innovation within the urban farming sector.

Tomato Town Farms: Focusing on Niche and Resilient Vegetables

• Current Production: Tomato Town Farms in Woodlands and Jurong currently harvests approximately 3,000 kg of Italian kale and basil monthly.
• Trial and Error: The farm is actively conducting trials to identify other suitable vegetables. The key criteria for selection are:
  • Pest Resistance: Crops must be able to withstand local pests.
  • Climate Suitability: They must tolerate Singapore's weather conditions.
  • Price Competitiveness: The farm aims to avoid direct price competition with imports by focusing on crops that are not readily available or are difficult to import. As stated by Mr. Th, "If let's say the price point is too much of a difference u when we import it versus when we grow locally, then that will be something that we will actually take note and try not to compete in terms of price. So we don't want to end up uh being on losing end because of the price point."
• Investment in Research: Mr. Th has invested at least S$10,000 in trials to determine profitable crops.
• Successful Additions: While some crops like Kylan and certain spinach varieties did not perform well, others have proven successful. The Japanese lettuce, a recent addition, is noted for its firmness, which allows it to retain water content longer, making it ideal for Singapore's climate compared to romaine or iceberg lettuce.

Aquaculture Farm: Transitioning to Shrimp for Economic Advantage

• Current Operations: One farm dedicates 90% of its land to rearing food fish such as dory, patin, and jade perch.
• Future Plans: Within five years, the farm intends to convert almost all of its land to shrimp cultivation.
• Synergistic Systems: The transition is feasible with minimal additional investment as both fish and shrimp farming utilize similar systems.
• Economic Rationale for Shrimp:
  • Higher Price Point: Shrimp generally fetch a better market price.
  • Faster Farming Cycle: Shrimp have a shorter growth period, allowing for three to four cycles per year compared to fish, which typically take one to two years. This makes shrimp "the more viable options" economically.
  • Market Differentiation: While there are numerous fish species available, the variety of shrimp species is more limited, potentially offering a competitive edge.
• Addressing Import Challenges: Local shrimp farming is seen as more competitive due to high mortality rates often associated with imports from Malaysia and Indonesia. These losses are attributed to extended travel times and differences in water quality.
• Diversification into Veggies: The farm also began growing vegetables above its seafood operations three years ago.

Government Support and the Future of Urban Farming

• Role of the Singapore Food Agency (SFA): Farmers like Mr. Pay and Mr. Th highlight the crucial support from the SFA. This assistance comes in the form of grants and technical expertise, such as help with testing new seeds and developing better feed for fish.
• Nascent Urban Farming Scene: The local urban farming sector is described as still being in its early stages. There is a strong belief that more types of produce suitable for Singapore's environment are yet to be discovered.

Conclusion

Singaporean farms are strategically adapting by focusing on locally grown produce that offers a competitive advantage over imports, both in terms of cost and resilience to the tropical climate. This includes cultivating niche vegetables and transitioning to faster-growing, higher-value aquaculture species like shrimp. The ongoing support from government agencies like the SFA is instrumental in fostering this innovation and experimentation, paving the way for a more robust and diverse local food production landscape.