Find Agriculture expertise in Singapore
- Industry
- Development
Industry
Agriculture, together with forestry and fisheries, contributes less than 0.5% to the Singapore’s GDP (2010), less than 0.5% of land is given over to agricultural use and approximately 1% of the population is employed in the sector. What industry does exist caters primarily for local consumption – as seen in the local production of eggs, fish, poultry and vegetables – or consists of ornamental fish and orchids which are used as exports. This production accounts for less than 10% of the nation’s own food, forcing Singapore to be highly dependent on food imports and as a result food security is a very prominent issue (2011). Agriculture is run by the Agri-Food and Veterinary Authority of Singapore. Its role is to ensure an adequate and consistent supply of fresh food, whilst supporting the industry, especially in the fields of commercial and high-tech farming.
Development
The World Economic Forums Global Competitiveness Report (2012-2013) ranks Singapore third out of 144 countries in relation to agricultural policy costs, with a score of 5.2 out of 7, well above the world mean of 3.9. The Agri-Food and Veterinary Authority of Singapore is responsible for developing knowledge resources in agro-technology and agri-biotechnology, as well as for promoting investments in the industry. It is developing agro-technology parks in Singapore which will accommodate modern-style intensive farms; in 2012 there were some 1,500 ha of agro-technology parks in the country. There are echoes of Singapore’s past in the fruit trees lining the roads of some agro-technology parks which contribute in a small way to Singapore’s agricultural output. The authority seeks to set standards for imported food by developing strict regulations for domestically produced agricultural goods particularly with regard to the use of pesticides. There is also interest in developing eco-friendly urban agriculture and horticulture.
Agriculture organisations in Singapore | |
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Animal & Plant Health Centre |
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