Singapore Strengthens Food Security with Agri-Food Innovation Drive

Singapore is stepping up its efforts to bolster national food security by advancing agri-food innovation across farming, aquaculture and crop production. With the country importing more than 90 % of its food, the government is increasingly focusing on developing local production capacity through new technologies and optimised use of limited land and water resources. Key measures include promoting vertical and indoor farming, precision agritech systems and aquaculture technologies such as closed-containment systems and enhanced breeding programmes for seafood. These initiatives target higher yields, greater climate resilience and more efficient resource use in a context of land constraints and high operating costs. At the same time, support mechanisms are being scaled up: for example funds and grants are directed towards production facilities, marketing and pre- and post-harvest infrastructure, while regulatory frameworks for aquaculture are being updated to ensure environmental sustainability. Despite the ambition, challenges remain. Some urban farms and aquaculture ventures have struggled to achieve commercial viability due to high energy, labour and land costs. The government has responded by emphasising the need for farms to be viable and productive rather than simply numerous, and is opening more suitable spaces—including land and sea sites—for agriculture and aquaculture development. Overall, Singapore’s agri-food strategy underscores the intersection of food security and sustainability: advancing innovative farming methods, reducing dependency on imports, and enhancing the resilience of the food system in the face of global supply chain disruptions and climate pressures.