23 FEBRUARY 2010

Question No. 334
Question by: Mr Teo Siong Seng

Mr Teo Siong Seng asked the Minister for National Development if the Government would set aside affordable land and adequate funding to develop purpose-built hubs or wholesale and research and development centres to assist SMEs in the traditional trades of orchid and tropical ornamental fish farming and the import and sale of fruits, vegetables and fresh seafood so as to improve their productivity and competitiveness, in line with the Economic Strategies Committee's recommendations.

Answer

1     The Government recognises the importance of the local agriculture industry in supplementing our food supply with local produce such as leafy vegetables, fish and eggs. We have set aside over 700 ha of land in 6 Agrotechnology Parks and more than 500 ha of sea space for fish farming activities.

2      In addition, the Agri-Food and Veterinary Authority (AVA) has established the ornamental fish and plant business clusters, to provide platforms for industry collaboration in areas such as research and development; technology transfer; advisory and extension services; skills upgrading and agri-trade facilitation. Our ornamental fish and orchid industries are renowned worldwide for the quality of their produce.

3      As part of the on-going Concept Plan 2011 review, my Ministry, together with AVA, will identify the longer-term land needs of local farming and exportable agricultural activities such as ornamental fish and orchids.

4      Apart from providing affordable land, AVA also provides support to develop the capabilities of our local agriculture industry. AVA has recently launched a $5 million “Food Fund”. Companies can apply for the fund to improve their farming technology and capabilities. In addition, companies can apply to other agencies such as SPRING for various capability upgrading and business financing schemes.

5      Our agriculture industry has also benefited from the assistance and training in areas such as quality and productivity improvements, provided by AVA’s Aquaculture Services Centre and the Horticulture Services Centre. AVA will continue to work with the industry to maintain Singapore’s competitiveness and market share in the world trade for ornamental fish and plants.

>>back to top