Written Reply to Parliamentary Question on Supporting Local Farms Through Export Market Access

Questions:

Mr David Hoe. To ask the Minister for Sustainability and the Environment (a) whether the Singapore Food Agency (SFA) has made efforts to help local farms access premium regional or export markets to increase demand offtake while maintaining domestic supply commitments; and (b) if not, whether SFA will consider embarking on or augmenting such efforts to improve local farm commercial viability and strengthen food resilience during supply disruptions.

Answer:

The Singapore Food Agency (SFA) has been working with the industry to enhance demand offtake for local produce, including by facilitating access to overseas markets. SFA has made available on its website a Library of Export Market Requirements, which supports farms looking to export their produce by providing relevant information on the import requirements of different 21 countries and regions. Farms can also leverage the Singapore brand and our food safety recognition to position their produce for overseas markets.

In addition, SFA works closely with other Government agencies, industry associations such as the Singapore Agro-Food Enterprises Federation (SAFEF), and international partners to enhance market access for local produce. For example, in 2024, Singapore signed protocols with China to allow six species of locally farmed fish to be sold there, allowing local farms to access China’s vast market. Businesses, including local farms, that are keen to internationalise can also tap on Enterprise Singapore’s schemes, such as the Market Readiness Assistance Grant to defray the cost of overseas market promotion, business development and set-up, as well as the Enterprise Development Grant to upgrade, innovate and transform their business.