Young farmers enter industry despite challenges like slow career progression

Key Concepts

• Aquaculture: The farming of aquatic organisms such as fish, crustaceans, mollusks, and aquatic plants.
• Agriculture: The science or practice of farming, including cultivation of the soil for the growing of crops and the rearing of animals to provide food, wool, and other products.
• Food Security: The state of having reliable access to a sufficient quantity of affordable, nutritious food.
• Upskilling: The process of learning new skills or updating existing ones to remain relevant in the job market.
• Break-even point: The point at which total cost and total revenue are equal.
• Revenue: The income generated from normal business operations.
• Profit: Financial gain, especially the difference between the amount earned and the amount spent in buying, operating, or producing something.
• Food Resilience: The ability of a food system to withstand or recover from disruptions.
• Innovative Methods: New and creative approaches to solving problems or achieving goals.

Young Farmers in Singapore: Against the Norm

This summary details the experiences of young individuals pursuing careers in farming in Singapore, a sector often perceived as unpopular and facing significant challenges. Despite these hurdles, a growing number of young people are choosing this path, driven by a vision for the future of local food production and a desire to contribute to Singapore's food resilience.

The Vision for Local Produce and Sustainability

Nicholas Lee, a 26-year-old in aquaculture, expresses a strong belief in the future of farming in Singapore, encompassing both aquaculture and agriculture. He highlights the government's commitment to upskilling the sector, aiming to enhance sustainability and reduce reliance on neighboring countries for food supplies. Lee states, "I see a future uh for the farming industry in Singapore, be it aquaculture or agriculture. That's because uh we can see that the government is actually putting in a lot more effort in uh upskilling this part of the sector to make us more sustainable to be able to have local produce and we do not have to really rely on our neighboring countries."

Challenges in Business Viability and Pricing

The journey into farming is fraught with difficulties, particularly concerning business viability. Leonard Tio, a 25-year-old operating a vegetable farm, admits uncertainty about his future in the industry. He entered the sector during the pandemic, a period when food security was a critical concern. Tio elaborates on the financial struggles: "I don't think we're going to break even anytime soon completely. Uh operationally our cost is still relatively high and I like to think that we have a very low cost setup here but prices if we do touch on revenue wise we are still constantly fighting and battling prices from our imports from outside our borders right uh there is no way we can beat their prices. We can try to be competitive but that eats into our revenue as well as our profits." This indicates a constant battle to compete with the lower prices of imported produce, which directly impacts revenue and profits.

Career Progression and Passion as Push Factors

Prospects for career progression and competitive salaries are significant deterrents for aspiring farmers. The pay in farming is often lower than that of fresh graduates in other fields, making it a considerable factor for young individuals considering this career. The transcript notes, "Your pay is not as high as the fresh grads out there. So this is a very big consideration for all the fresh that thinking into going into farming and also whether they have that passion to continue working in a farm." Furthermore, the sustainability of passion is crucial. Many enter the industry with enthusiasm, but it can wane due to the demanding nature of the work and perceived limited opportunities for advancement, leading them to switch to other industries.

Misconceptions and the Role of Technology

Miss Lim, who holds a degree in marine sciences, and Leong Tia, who has remained in the sector, believe that misconceptions about farming hinder its appeal. Leong Tia argues that the perception of farming as an "old fashion" practice needs to be addressed. He emphasizes the importance of integrating technology: "When it comes to farmers, a lot of people are still taking old fashion farming. We need to improve more technologies into farming and you can attract more young people like us working over here using different type of um innovative methods um into farming." The adoption of innovative methods and advanced technologies is seen as a key strategy to attract younger talent and bolster Singapore's food resilience.

Government Support and Skill Development

The Singapore Food Agency (SFA) is actively supporting the farming industry. The SFA has co-developed a framework designed to assist aspiring farmers in acquiring the necessary skills and planning their career paths. This initiative underscores the government's commitment to fostering a more robust and sustainable local food sector.

Conclusion

The narrative of young farmers in Singapore reveals a sector grappling with economic viability and career progression challenges. However, it also showcases a generation driven by a vision for local food production, sustainability, and national food security. The integration of technology and government support through initiatives like skill development frameworks are identified as crucial elements for attracting and retaining talent, ultimately contributing to Singapore's long-term food resilience.