Latest news with #localfarms
CNA
5 days ago
- Business
- CNA
Singapore production of vegetables and seafood fell in 2024
SINGAPORE: The local production of vegetables and seafood continued to fall in 2024, while egg yields grew, according to a report released by the Singapore Food Agency (SFA) on Thursday (Jun 5). Vegetable production fell by about 3 per cent while the figure for seafood dropped by 14 per cent in 2024. This was partly due to the "restructuring of a few fish farms in Singapore", SFA said in its Singapore Food Statistics report. Local production of hen shell eggs, on the other hand, increased by 13 per cent in 2024 due to farm upgrades and improved operational efficiencies. In terms of the percentage of local produce consumed, Singapore's three egg farms produced 34.4 per cent of all eggs consumed in Singapore in 2024. This is up from 31.9 per cent in 2023 and 28.9 per cent in 2022. Last year, 3 per cent of vegetables consumed were grown in Singapore, down from 3.2 per cent in 2023 and 3.9 per cent in 2022. Local seafood farms contributed 6.1 per cent of total food consumption in 2024, down from 7.3 per cent in 2023 and 7.6 per cent in 2022. The number of farms also fell. In 2024, there were 153 farms on land, three fewer than the year before. There were 72 sea-based farms, a drop from the figure of 98 in 2023. DIVERSIFYING IMPORT SOURCES Singapore relies on imports for over 90 per cent of its food supply, highlighting the need to diversify its sources, said SFA. In 2024, Singapore expanded its food supply sources to 187 countries and regions, an increase from 140 about two decades ago. Portugal, for instance, was approved as a new source in 2024, and Brunei and Poland were approved as new sources for beef. Singapore can also now turn to Türkiye for poultry. 'This diversification strategy has proven crucial in mitigating risks associated with global supply disruptions, arising from various factors including disease outbreaks, climate change and geopolitical tensions,' said SFA. The top three sources for chicken have consistently been Brazil, Malaysia and the United States. FOOD SAFETY SFA also oversees food safety. In its report, the agency noted that the number of major gastroenteritis incidents caused by foodborne sources remained stable, with a slight increase from 30 cases in 2023 to 31 cases in 2024. The number of cases of foodborne illness per 100,000 population was 22.8 in 2024, pending the conclusion of a case under investigation. This is up from 21.9 per cent in 2023 and 21.1 per cent in 2022. "More than half of the foodborne illness cases involved catered food," the report noted. "As a result, SFA stepped up efforts to carry out further targeted checks on food establishments supplying catered food."
CNA
28-05-2025
- Business
- CNA
Two local farms diversifying products to boost business amid low consumer demand
Even as Singapore aims to grow its local agriculture businesses, some local farms say low consumer demand is still a big issue. Nasyrah Rohim speaks to two farms that are diversifying their products to get a bigger slice of the market.
Khaleej Times
25-05-2025
- Business
- Khaleej Times
UAE: Sharjah's mango festival to begin from June 27
Starting June 27 and running until June 29, residents can look forward to the much-awaited Mango Festival at Expo Khor Fakkan. The fourth edition of the event will offer visitors the chance to enjoy a wide range of mango varieties, all sourced directly from local farms. The festival, a celebration of the region's agricultural strength, also serves as a platform to showcase premium local mango varieties and honour the continuous efforts of farmers in boosting agricultural output. One fruit that steals the spotlight during the summer months is the mango. Across the UAE, residents flock to their local markets to find the sweetest mangoes of the season. In Dubai, for instance, it's not uncommon for locals to visit fruit stalls three or even four times in search of the perfect mango. The rise in demand is driven by the tropical fruit's reputation as a summer must-have. This festival's announcement follows a recent coordination meeting held by the organising committee, who are working diligently to ensure a successful edition of the festival. The meeting, chaired by Khalil Al Mansouri, Director of Government Relations at the Sharjah Chamber, underscored the importance of supporting local mango cultivation. It also highlighted the role of local farmers in fostering greater participation and involvement, ensuring that the Mango Festival continues to thrive as a key cultural and agricultural gathering. A recent report by Khaleej Times in April shed light on the variety of mangoes currently available in the market, with a range of prices to suit different budgets. Here's a quick breakdown of some mango varieties. Yemeni Mango (most affordable): Dh10 per kg Alphonso Mango: Dh45 per box (12 large mangoes), Dh35-40 per box (15 medium-sized mangoes) Peruvian Mango (among the largest): Dh35 per kg or Dh90-110 per box (4-5 kg) Colombian Mini Mango (rare & exotic, available only at Waterfront Market in Dubai): Dh90-100 per box Cambodian and Chinese Mangoes: Dh18 per kg Khalil Al Mansouri emphasised the importance of coordinated efforts between government entities and local farmers to ensure the festival's success. He noted that the Mango Festival is not just about enjoying the fruit; it also plays a crucial role in promoting Sharjah's agricultural capabilities. The festival will feature workshops for farmers, focusing on sustainable farming techniques that can improve productivity and boost the quality of local mangoes, making them more competitive in the market. 'The festival aims to highlight the quality of UAE-grown produce and solidify its presence in both local and regional markets,' Al Mansouri said. The meeting was attended by a number of key figures, including Mohammed Khalfan AlNaqbi, member of the Municipal Council of Khor Fakkan, who also shared that this year's festival will feature a broad participation from local farmers and agricultural experts. The event will offer various competitions designed to promote farming excellence, facilitate knowledge exchange, and introduce modern agricultural technologies to the local community. The organising committee plans to add additional events and activities to ensure the festival is both culturally and socially engaging, creating a memorable experience for visitors. With strong support from local authorities, the festival is expected to see increased participation from both farmers and the public.
