Reply from SLA and URA, Straits Times Forum 3 May 08;
WE REFER to the letter 'Capitalise on limited farmland' by Mr Anthony Leong Chee-Hong (April 22). As the writer correctly pointed out, Singapore cannot be entirely self-sufficient in food supply due to our limited land resources. Currently, local production accounts for 7 per cent of our leafy vegetable consumption, 15 per cent of our fish consumption and 30 per cent of our egg consumption.
This is achieved through the use of modern intensive farming technologies to maximise production and optimise land use. The Government will continue to allow farming as long as land is available and the private sector finds it commercially viable.
While our main objective is to make sure that identified agriculture uses are met, we also recognise that our farms can offer an additional recreational, food and beverage and educational experience to visitors, and at the same time supplement the farmers' income.
Opening up of farms to visitors should not be done at the expense of our limited farm land. Hence, public visitor amenities allowed within farms today are kept small scale so that they do not displace the primary agricultural functions of these farms.
In considering such proposals, we also ensure that they would not compromise food safety and animal and plant health. This approach allows us to optimise the use of our limited land resource and at the same time capitalise on the recreational and educational potential of farming activities.
Teo Jing Kok
Deputy Director, Lease Management & Sales
Land Operations Group
Singapore Land Authority
Lim Eng Hwee
Director (Physical Planning)
Urban Redevelopment Authority
