Speech by MOS Maliki Osman at the G20 Agriculture Ministers Meeting (AMM)

May 8, 2015

On behalf of the Singapore delegation, I would like to thank the Government and the people of Turkey for the warm hospitality and excellent hosting of the G20 Agriculture Ministers Meeting.

Singapore is honoured to participate in the G20 process this year upon Turkey’s invitation. We support and commend the work of the G20 on food security and nutrition and the priorities as set forth by the Turkish Presidency. In particular, we agree that sustainable food systems and reducing food loss and waste are important focus areas to achieve our goal of ensuring food security and nutrition across the world.

Reducing food loss and waste

According to the Food and Agriculture Organisation of the United Nations (FAO), one-third of food meant for human consumption is either discarded or lost every year. 

Singapore recognises the importance of reducing food loss and waste holistically by reduction, redistribution and recycling to ensure sustainable food systems. We are committed to actively pursue ways to minimise food loss and waste along the food supply chain.  

To reduce post-harvest food loss, we collaborate with industry and research institutions in developing technological innovations for post-harvest processing and packaging. The government also promotes test-bedding and adoption of innovative technology for food waste reduction and recycling, such as converting food waste into other edible products. For example, we support recycling trials such as on-site food waste treatment systems and innovative food applications such as the conversion of soya bean waste into okara floss for human consumption.  

At the local processing and retail end, we are working with the industry to develop good practice guides on reducing food waste along the supply chain for food manufacturing and food and beverage (F&B) retail establishments. We have also made changes to our legislation to require mandatory reporting of waste data and waste reduction plans, including food waste, by large commercial premises starting with hotels and shopping malls. This will draw greater management awareness of the amount of waste generated and highlight areas for reduction.

At the community level, there is good work done by non-profit voluntary food distribution organisations such as Food Bank Singapore and Food from the Heart which redistribute unsold or excess food to welfare homes and needy families. We will continue to encourage food manufacturers and F&B establishments to generously support these efforts as we achieve the dual objectives of reducing food waste and caring for our less fortunate.

To complete the value chain, it is critical that consumers be engaged and educated. Singapore is looking into developing a comprehensive public education outreach programme targeted at schools, retailers and community. As individuals, we each have a part to play in minimising food wastage, such as by planning our food purchases beforehand, and not purchasing or ordering more food than we need. We call for continued education and dialogue on best practices to reduce food wastage at all stages of the value chain.

Singapore’s contributions to food security

As a city state, Singapore does not have significant agricultural production. Nevertheless, we aspire to play a role in global food security by addressing the aspects of the food production value chain where we can contribute to. 

Research & Development (R&D) has a central role in ensuring food security. This is not just by increasing agricultural outputs sustainably amidst global challenges such as climate change, but also in increasing food safety and quality, reducing food loss and waste, and improving access to nutritious food. By coordinating research priorities across geographical, institutional and disciplinary boundaries, R&D can create opportunities for technological innovation and economic change.

In the area of upstream research and commercialisation of agricultural technologies, Singapore offers an enabling environment for leading agricultural companies to conduct their research activities. Given our good R&D infrastructure, a robust Intellectual Property regime, pro-enterprise tax and financial environment, we welcome companies to set up their facilities and conduct agricultural R&D in Singapore. For example, in 2011 Bayer CropScience set up a rice research laboratory in Singapore which uses cutting-edge productivity-enhancing technologies to develop new varieties and hybrids.

Singapore also supports efforts to boost agricultural productivity and production. R&D and innovation will be key to attracting talent into the agriculture sector. For example, a local company’s R&D efforts saw the setting up of Singapore’s first commercial vertical vegetable farm, providing sustainable solutions to our challenge of limited land and labour. It has transformed our agricultural landscape and inspired other entrepreneurs to actively carry out R&D for the design of farming systems. Such innovation can only happen with strong help from the government. In 2014, the government launched an Agricultural Productivity Fund which includes support for innovative R&D efforts to maximise farm productivity in Singapore.

The younger generation must be inspired with new possibilities in agricultural technology and farm management systems. In turn, their fresh ideas will aid the transformation of our traditional agricultural landscape into a high-technology, intensive and sustainable farming one. 

Food safety is integral to food security

Food safety is an integral part of food security. It is a shared responsibility and requires the combined efforts of governments and industry. Singapore has in place a robust and integrated food safety system based on a risk assessment framework to ensure that imported food is safe for consumption. The Singapore government also actively engages and partners our industry in food safety matters through regular dialogues and joint government-industry taskforces.

It is important to take a preventive and long-term approach to address animal and plant health, which underlies food safety. Animal or plant disease outbreaks and other biosecurity concerns pose a serious threat to global food security and public health, especially if spread across borders. There would also be economic and international trade consequences.

Prompt sharing of information on disease situations and reporting of outbreaks is critical in aiding the prevention and control of livestock diseases by countries. It is a collective responsibility and we encourage members to enhance surveillance and information exchange of livestock diseases of economic and public health significance.

Free and open trade and investments in food

Singapore also believes that a universal, rules-based, open, non-discriminatory and equitable multilateral trading system under the World Trade Organisation (WTO) is a cornerstone to achieving food security. Trade-distorting measures such as export bans which are not consistent with WTO rules will affect production and threaten livelihoods in food importing and exporting countries, and in developed and developing nations.

Besides ensuring free and open trade of agricultural products, G20 members and their private sector partners can play an enhanced role in agricultural investment throughout the entire food value chain, for example, in better infrastructure and logistics. 

Conclusion

To conclude, Singapore supports the G20 Agriculture Ministers Meeting Communiqué, the post-Meeting development of a G20 Action Plan on Food Security and Sustainable Food Systems, and the ongoing work on the Implementation Plan for the G20 Food Security and Nutrition Framework. This good work can drive improved food security policy coherence and effectiveness.

As a practical means of supporting the G20 food security and nutrition effort, Singapore hopes to contribute in a small way by organising a training programme focusing on food security to be held in Singapore in October later this year. We welcome your officials to Singapore as we strengthen our networks to ensure greater food security for our respective citizens.

Thank you, Mr Chairman.