Explore how you can play a pivotal role in strengthening Singapore’s food security and sustainability through urban agriculture initiatives.
PHOTOS: EDIBLE GARDEN CITY, THE SUNDOWNER, CLICK AND GROW, SHUTTER STOCK
TEXT: MARY WU
Singapore’s population neared the 6 million mark as of June 2023. This mirrors the global trend of escalating population growth, anticipated by the United Nations to hit 9.8 billion by 2050.
The increasing number of people necessitates a parallel increase in food production. Singapore, heavily reliant on food imports, faces the challenge of enhancing its food security. The national goal is to locally produce 30% of our nutritional needs sustainably by 2030.
For a nation with only 1% of arable land, innovative solutions are essential. Urban spaces, such as rooftops, alongside vertical farming and advanced agricultural technologies, are pivotal in overcoming land constraints.
Find out more about Singapore’s urban farming scene and explore a variety of engaging activities that allow you to be an active participant in this green revolution.
EXPLORE ROOFTOP FARMING
Immerse yourself in the wonders of rooftop farming with a visit to The Sundowner, an experience that brings you closer to nature in the heart of the city. Take a journey through the ecosystem of the soil, observing the vital role of tiny organisms, and suit up for an intimate encounter with bees — the essential pollinators in our food chain. Culminate your two-hour adventure with a signature farm-to-glass cocktail, enjoying the tranquil beauty of the sunset from this urban oasis.
Mr Clarence Chua, founder of the nature-based experience centre, acknowledges the potential of urban farming in enhancing Singapore’s self-reliance in food production and champions the cause of education in understanding food security. “Knowledge and guidance are key for the local community to grasp the significance of food security. Additionally, as bee rescuers and keepers, we’re dedicated to illuminating the fact that bees are behind the pollination of 70% of our food crops. Their role is often underestimated, but without them, we face a future where food is scarce, less nutritious, and more costly,” he explains.
PARTICIPATE IN URBAN AGRICULTURE PROGRAMMES
Dive into the heart of urban self-sufficiency with Edible Garden City (EGC). Established in 2012, the social enterprise’s mission is to inspire Singaporeans to cultivate their own produce, thereby reinforcing the nation’s food resilience. Since the COVID-19 pandemic acted as a catalyst for heightened interest in urban farming, it exposed vulnerabilities in global food systems and sparked a desire among Singaporeans to support local farming efforts and to cultivate their own produce, as noted by Ms Sarah Rodriguez, Head of Marketing and Human Resources at EGC.
EGC is not just about creating and managing verdant food gardens or providing a bounty of fresh herbs, edible blooms, and vegetables. It stands as a beacon of agricultural education, offering an array of workshops, SkillsFuture-accredited courses, and more. Look forward to a line-up of public events designed to empower budding gardeners. Learn the essentials of establishing a flourishing edible garden, nurture microgreens at home, master the techniques for pest and disease control, and discover the sustainable wonders of vermicomposting.
VISIT SINGAPORE’S HIGHEST EDIBLE GARDEN
Nestled atop the towering 280-metre CapitaSpring skyscraper, the 51-storey 1-Arden Food Forest, boasts nearly 930 square metres of edible plants. Not only does this green space in the sky enhance the biodiversity of the urban environment, but it also serves as a harmonious complement to two on-site restaurants that offer the pinnacle of farm-to-table dining.
The 1-Arden Food Forest also welcomes non-dining visitors on weekdays, 8:30am to 10:30am, 2:30pm to 6pm, excluding public holidays.
JOIN A HANDS-ON EDUCATIONAL TOUR
Embark on a journey to Kin Yan Agrotech, a pesticide-free farm renowned for its quality wheatgrass and mushrooms. Kin Yan offers more than just a tour; it provides an immersive educational experience complete with hands-on activities and taste samplings of fresh produce. It’s an opportunity to connect with the source of your food and understand the intricacies of sustainable farming practices. Those inspired to start their own urban farming adventure can purchase growing kits from Kin Yan.
A bonus tip for those passionate about supporting local agriculture: keep an eye out for the SG Fresh Produce logo when shopping to identify and support local farms like Kin Yan and contribute to the food sustainability movement in Singapore.
HomeTeamNS members enjoy 24% off all vegetables purchased on Backyard Fresh, a digital platform that aggregates local food artisans and farmers. Valid till 30 April 2024.
GROW GREENS IN COMMUNITY GARDENS
Nurture your gardening aspirations and community spirit by getting involved with a Community Garden. These welcoming green spaces, managed by dedicated volunteers, are nestled within residential areas, educational institutions, and various organisations. They’re not just gardens; they’re vibrant hubs where green thumbs thrive.
If you’re ready to take your commitment to the next level, consider entering a ballot for a personal allotment in one of the gardens managed by NParks. But don’t worry if you don’t secure a spot straight away. Ms Sarah Rodriguez recommends making friends with fellow garden enthusiasts in your neighbourhood community garden or connecting with a wider network of plant lovers through Facebook.
GROW YOUR OWN MUNG BEANS
Rekindle the delight of childhood science experiments with this simple guide to growing mung bean sprouts, a staple in urban farming for beginners. In just three to four days, you can harvest your own sprouts, enjoying the fruits of your labour in a variety of dishes. Check out these step-by-step instructions on growing mung beans.
GET A SELF-WATERING INDOOR GROWING SYSTEM
Kickstart your urban farming venture with ease by opting for a self-watering indoor growing system like Click and Grow. It’s the perfect solution for those who have limited space, lack a garden, or simply want to add a touch of greenery to their indoor environment. These innovative systems come in a variety of sizes and styles, accommodating everything from lush herbs and vegetables to vibrant flowers and fruits, all year round — no soil or natural sunlight required.
TRANSFORM URBAN SPACES INTO THRIVING FARMS
Singapore’s hidden potential lies in its unused spaces, which can be transformed into vibrant indoor urban farms. If you’re looking to pioneer your own agricultural venture, consider submitting a tender to rent these underutilised areas. With leases available for up to three years, the opportunity to cultivate a personal crop sanctuary in the city is within reach.
Mr Clarence Chua envisions a future where rooftop spaces become key agricultural assets.
“Most rooftop spaces can’t be used commercially and clearing the paperwork is challenging. We hope this will change as we’d like to see all commercial buildings able to rent out space cheaply, so that Singaporeans can experiment with growing their own crop – and maybe cultivate a beehive too!”
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