Coronavirus: Singapore launches US$21 million grant to help local farmers boost food production
- Food security has become a hot topic amid the Covid-19 pandemic, which has triggered bouts of panic buying among Singaporean shoppers
- The grant is being launched as the pandemic underscores the importance of local food production as part of Singapore’s strategies to ensure food security
The Singapore Food Agency’s (SFA) 30x30 Express grant, which will be available from mid-April, specifically aims to support the food and agriculture industry in ramping up local production of eggs, leafy vegetables and fish – food which is commonly consumed in Singapore – in the shortest possible time, the agency said on Wednesday.
The grant is being launched as the pandemic underscores the importance of local food production as part of Singapore’s strategies to ensure food security, the SFA said.
“To adapt to the long-term challenges posed by climate change, Singapore is planning to meet 30 per cent of our nutritional needs with food produced locally by 2030, or in short ‘30x30’,” the agency said.
“Local food production mitigates our reliance on imports and provides a buffer in the event of food supply disruptions. To further strengthen food security, the SFA will launch our plans for ‘30x30 Express’ to accelerate the ramping up of local food production over the next six to 24 months.”