Singapore bolsters food security with China, Japan, South Korea cooperation agreements

Food security is a key concern for Singapore, given how the small, trade-dependent nation cannot fully insulate itself from food supply disruptions arising from climate change, disease outbreaks and geopolitical developments.

Like energy, the Republic strengthens its food security by diversifying import sources to reduce reliance on one source.

To this, the Ministry of Sustainability and the Environment (MSE) on Friday (Oct 30) announced that the country has strengthened cooperation with China, Japan and South Korea — through the exchange and renewal of three bilateral agreements.

"The agreements will deepen collaboration in key areas such as sustainable agriculture and food systems, agricultural research and development, and smart farming," the ministry said.

Agriculture, food security cooperation with China

The agreement with China, first signed in December 2023, was renewed for another three years.

It provides a framework for both countries to collaborate in agricultural research and development, agri-trade, food security, and emergency preparedness.

Apart from a joint working group on agricultural cooperation by authorities from both countries to identify areas for cooperation and advance joint initiatives, the agreement has also led to agri-food research on the indoor speed breeding of leafy vegetables.

Both countries are also working to deepen collaboration in agricultural research and development.

"The MOU will continue to provide a framework for Singapore and China to collaborate in agricultural research and development, agri-trade, food security, and emergency preparedness," MSE said.

Agriculture, food sector agreement with Japan

Meanwhile, Singapore and Japan renewed their agreement on agriculture and food sector, with the two countries marking their 60th year of diplomatic relations this year.

MSE said that the renewed cooperation agreement will provide a framework for Singapore and Japan to strengthen cooperation in agriculture and food technologies, food security and emergency preparedness, and the international commerce of food.

Beyond exchanging expertise and best practices, the two countries are also encouraging closer links among their environmental-related government agencies, companies, local authorities, and research and academic institutions.

They will also share experiences in areas such as disease management, food stockpiling and emergency response planning.

Smart farming cooperation with South Korea

The Republic will also begin cooperation with South Korea on smart farming, following the upgrade of bilateral ties to a strategic partnership in 2025 .

"The MOU will provide a framework for Singapore and the Republic of Korea to promote cooperation in the field of smart farming, including technical and industrial cooperation, as well as exchanges to support improvements in productivity and resource efficiency," MSE said.

It added that cooperation will take place through the establishment of a joint committee on smart farming, co-chaired at the officials' level.

This, the ministry said, will provide a platform for the two countries to exchange information, views and expertise on smart farming.

鉴于新加坡这个小国依赖贸易，无法完全避免气候变化、疾病​​爆发和地缘政治发展带来的粮食供应中断，粮食安全是新加坡关注的重点。

与能源一样，共和国通过进口来源多元化来加强粮食安全，从而减少对单一来源的依赖。

对此，韩国可持续发展与环境部（MSE）于周五（10月30日）宣布，韩国已通过交换和续签三项双边协议，加强了与中国、日本和韩国的合作。

该部表示：“这些协议将深化在可持续农业和粮食系统、农业研究与开发以及智慧农业等关键领域的合作。”

与中国的农业、粮食安全合作

该协议最初于 2023 年 12 月与中国签署，现已续签三年。

它为两国在农业研究与开发、农产品贸易、粮食安全和应急准备方面的合作提供了框架。

除了两国当局成立农业合作联合工作组，以确定合作领域和推进联合倡议外，该协议还促成了叶类蔬菜室内快速育种的农业食品研究。

两国还在努力深化在农业研究和开发领域的合作。

“该谅解备忘录将继续为新加坡和中国在农业研究与开发、农产品贸易、粮食安全和应急准备方面的合作提供框架，”MSE表示。

与日本的农业、食品部门协议

与此同时，新加坡和日本续签了农业和食品领域的合作协议，今年是两国建交60周年。

MSE表示，重新签署的合作协议将为新加坡和日本加强在农业和食品技术、食品安全和应急准备以及国际食品贸易方面的合作提供框架。

除了交流专业知识和最佳实践外，两国还鼓励加强与环境相关的政府机构、公司、地方当局以及研究和学术机构之间的联系。

他们还将分享在疾病管理、食品储备和应急响应计划等领域的经验。

与韩国开展智慧农业合作

2025年，随着双边关系升级为战略伙伴关系，韩国也将开始与韩国在智慧农业领域开展合作。

“该谅解备忘录将为新加坡和韩国在智慧农业领域促进合作提供框架，包括技术和产业合作，以及支持提高生产力和资源效率的交流，”MSE表示。

声明还补充说，双方将通过成立一个由官员共同主持的智慧农业联合委员会来进行合作。

该部表示，这将为两国交流智慧农业方面的信息、观点和专业知识提供平台。