You can easily find a wide range of pots that will fit your plant and aesthetic needs. You may experience intermittent slowness when accessing our SFA website on 22 Feb 2021 between 11am to 3pm due to system maintenance works. SFA has organized a webinar, Building a Food Resilient Future, on 13 Oct 2020 to provide Qualified Persons and relevant professionals with an understanding of the growing local agri-food / tech sector and the opportunities it offers. Singapore News - Republic Polytechnic (RP) is paving the way for the future of Singapore's high-tech urban farming. Organic fertiliser (compost): Once a week, Chemical fertiliser: Once every two weeks, Urban Farming – A First-Timer’s Guide To Starting Your Own Garden In A HDB Flat. If you need a pot in a pinch, literally any soil-filled container with small holes at the bottom will do the trick. – MetroFarm is an online magazine which provides information about Urban Farming. When to harvest: Once a leaf reaches around 20-30CM and has a rosy tinge on its tips, it’s ready to be cut at the base and used. Find out more and apply for a plot on the National Parks website. Typical plants grown in Singapore include chilis, tomatoes, long beans, salad leaves, and pandan. But far from being a sunset industry facing obsolescence, the sector is actually in the midst of a rejuvenation. A sustainable urban farm, supplying the freshest Microgreens, grown organically without pesticides or artificial nutrients. Image credit: Aquaculture Centre of Excellence. You will need to apply for a farm licence when your leasehold has been successfully tendered or tenancy land has been approved for farming. SINGAPORE — Singapore’s agriculture sector is no longer what it once was. Click here for more information on submission of Farm Business Proposal. When it comes to starting an urban farm, creating a good-looking set-up isn't usually top on the to-do list. You can have your plants along your HDB corridor but a. should be left unobstructed for emergencies. This ensures that the plant has sufficient water without drowning the roots and causing rot. Image credit: @noahgardencentre_sg. Maintenance level: 5/5, these need more attention as they have to be watered daily, pruned, fertilised and checked for insects. Singapore launches $45m agritech fund to boost urban food production. 219 Kallang Bahru, #04-00 Chutex Building, Singapore 339348. Image credit: @noahgardencentre_sg. In such a highly urbanized country, land is a scarce commodity, so the question is whether sustainable urban and high-tech farming can be scaled enough to fill the gap. READ: Raising the roof - cultivating Singapore’s urban farming scene. UrbanSproutz enables Healthy & Sustainable Living. Click here for more information on submission of Farm Business Proposal. It provides 20 pages of information and resources on starting and running an urban farm. Where to buy the seeds/ baby plant: Nurseries and even supermarkets like Giant and Fairprice. Step 1: Submit a Farm Business Proposal here to SFA for evaluation. ComCrop is Singapore’s urban farming pioneer, and we grow food on rooftops near where communities live by reinvigorating marginalized spaces and embracing marginalized workforces to grow and harvest the highest quality pesticide-free produce in Singapore. Click here for the Application Information for Licence for Farm. Additional Conditions for Dairy Cattle Farm, Apply for a Pesticide Operator Certificate, Animals and Birds (Composition of Offences) Rules. Nine multi-storey carpark rooftops in Singapore to be converted to urban farms Citiponics co-founder Danielle Chan at the local agri-tech firm's carpark rooftop farm … The licence fee payable is S$100 per annum. Singapore’s first and only commercial rooftop farming company. Urban farming in Singapore PHOTO: ... have developed technologies to make urban farming productive. You can have your plants along your HDB corridor but a clear width of 1.2M should be left unobstructed for emergencies. Self-watering pots are also becoming increasingly popular as it takes the guesswork out of how much to water your plants and are great for people who frequently travel. The opens in a new windowUrban Redevelopment Authority (URA) has drawn up these guidelines for farm operators who are interested to include visitor amenities on their farms: Development Charge or differential premium will be levied for the visitor amenities. , these need more attention as they have to be watered daily, pruned, fertilised and checked for insects. Partners or competitors. Eco-Ark, a high-tech modular fish farm in operation off Singapore's coast. In November 2018, the couple started a small urban agriculture business, aptly called The Farmers, right in their own front yard. How did the idea to start The Farmers come about? Phone: 6514 0510, The opinions expressed by our users do not reflect the official position of TheSmartLocal.com Existing tenants who wish to apply for renewal of tenancy for another term should write to SFA 3 months before the existing tenancy expires at: Singapore Food Agency Singapore Office A sunny balcony is the perfect spot for your herbs, Common for a first venture, herbs are fairly easy to grow and can flourish quickly under the right conditions. Urban farming is a trend that appears to be here to stay, and is even catching on at airports, shipping containers and rooftops.I recently attended a lively session at the Southern Sustainable Agriculture Working Group Conference in Lexington, Kentucky, where one urban farmer gave aspiring urban agrarians a taste of what it takes to start your own urban farm. Use a watering can for plants that need a good dousing and a spray bottle for plants like succulents and airplants that don’t need frequent watering. Urban farming Singapore For a rough guide: Up to 70 days: Lettuce, long beans, and cucumbers. Consider local zoning codes and how they may apply to the type of urban farm you have in mind. This starter-pack to HDB gardening is for anyone who has ever failed to keep a cactus alive and wondered how the auntie living next door has somehow grown a mini-forest at her doorstep. , you’ll need to water, prune, and check your plants daily for any weeds or pests that may try to share your leafy friends! Before you set about planting your garden, you need to ensure a safe environment for you and your neighbours to prevent any complaints – nobody likes walking through a jungle to get to their home. While it takes a few months to enjoy the fruits of your labour, there’s nothing more satisfying than when it’s time to harvest. Scott and I had been at our respective jobs for just over three year when we decided that we wanted some change. Planting the seeds of technology. 80-120 days: Tomatoes, garlic and onions. All rights reserved 2012 — 2020 TheSmartLocal.com, Contrary to popular belief, no one naturally has a green thumb. We are dedicated to creating social change through community-centric agriculture. But don’t be disheartened because here’s everything you need to know from what plants to grow to the tools you’ll need to get started with urban farming. To apply for a Licence for Farm, please follow the following steps indicated in the table below: Step 1: Submit a Farm Business Proposal here to SFA for evaluation. Now in selected supermarkets near you: Strawberries grown in a Singapore vertical farm. Find out more and, This is one of the handiest plants to grow because you can harvest aloe vera gel for its healing properties and treat minor cuts and burns, or turn it into a face mask for some pampering. Look for a potting mix that has lightweight expanded clay aggregate (LECA) pellets – they help to “open up” the soil and ensure that excess water is able to drain away. or its staff. If you can avoid buying expensive equipment at the start, do it. Some opt for vertical systems, some opt for normal planters and pots. Maintenance level: 2/5, place them on a sunny window-sill in a plastic container with moist soil and that’s it! I caught up with Justine to ask about their interest in agriculture as well as their journey into urban farming in Singapore. You have to submit your development plans for the proposed visitor amenities, together with your business proposals to SFA for endorsement before submission of the Development Application to URA. This guide also introduces each of the government agencies and departments overseeing the necessary permits should you wish to contact them to make specific enquiries. We have bird nests developing at the farm—so literally we have birds and bees. Maintenance level: 2/5, as a desert plant, it can go without frequent watering – just once every 2 weeks will do. You actually need to, yours – even if that means killing a few of your plant friends along the way. A copy of the company’s business profile which has been issued by ACRA. This starter-pack to HDB gardening is for anyone who has ever failed to keep a cactus alive and wondered how the auntie living next door has somehow grown a mini-forest at her doorstep. There’s no need to splurge on a fancy one, even a sturdy kitchen spoon can work in a pinch. These edible plants need a sunny spot that gets at least 6 hours of sun daily so your corridor is perfect for that but if your home. You have to submit these plans SFA for clearance and BCA for building plan approval: You have to engage an Qualified Person (Architect or Professional Engineer) to assist you in the submission of your farm plans. Best viewed on IE9 and above, latest Chrome, Firefox and Safari. One of the fastest harvests you can have, microgreens are ready when the first leaves start to appear, which will take roughly 1-3 weeks depending on the variety. Edible Garden City helps cities become more self-sufficient by growing food in under-utilised spaces like rooftops, beneath viaducts, and everywhere in between. These edible plants need a sunny spot that gets at least 6 hours of sun daily so your corridor is perfect for that but if your home has a balcony, you can even have them indoors. Your Qualified Person has to submit the farm plans to SFA for clearance and to BCA for building plan approval using opens in a new windowe-submission (Corenet system). You can get baby or mature aloe plants from nurseries. Existing leasehold farm owners who want to apply for an extension of their existing land leases should write to: Commissioner of Lands, Singapore Land Authority Vertical Farming. We’re all in this to make the world a better place, and for that you … You can also grow your plants in Community or Allotment Gardens that can be found in your neighbourhood. Step 1: Submitting a Farm Business Proposal; Step 2: Applying for a Licence for Farm; View All Services Singapore 307987. – Start a Farm in the City is a joint production of NCAT and ATTRA. Singapore 608550. Yes, a specialized license must be obtained to run your agricultural business in Singapore. But don’t be disheartened because here’s everything you need to know from what plants to grow to the tools you’ll need to get started with, Before you set about planting your garden, you need to ensure a safe environment for you and your neighbours to prevent any complaints – nobody likes walking through a jungle to get to their home. Grow Microgreens now! Curry leaves, parsley, chives, thyme and basil are just some that can be used in many recipes. A sunny balcony is the perfect spot for your herbs 52 Jurong Gateway Road Where to buy the seeds/ baby plant: Nurseries and even supermarkets like Giant and Fairprice. ... with proof-of-concept farms that showcase Singapore's agtech providers can be a logical start. Step 2: Upon receiving SFA's approval on the submitted Farm Business Proposal, the applicant is to submit a Licence application here within 3 months from the date of approval notification. They usually come in different materials like terracotta, stone or plastic. A conceptual ‘floating ponds’ typology could allow us to locate fish farms anywhere within the urban … Step 2: Upon receiving SFA's approval on the submitted Farm Business Proposal, the applicant is to submit a Licence application here within 3 months from In the letter, you will be informed of: You need to make the required payment by the stated due date to signify acceptance of the new terms of tenancy. The ‘farm’ is really Ms Ong’s parents’ home in Yio Chu Kang, where the couple – he is 31 and she is 27 – grow vegetables in the garden and on a patch of land outside the house. Harvest times vary with the crop you’ve chosen. Urban areas like Hougang and Tampines are among the preferred destinations for establishing agricultural businesses in Singapore. On the sidelines of a visit to an R&D laboratory belonging to Sustenir Agriculture, which developed a method to grow strawberries here, Senior Minister of State for Trade and Industry Koh Poh Koon said government agencies will need to see how best they can change … and has a rosy tinge on its tips, it’s ready to be cut at the base and used. Richer in nutrients and minerals as compared to regular soil, organic soil is better at facilitating drainage while retaining moisture. As the industry continues to grow, the local government is striving to find ways to support new and existing farmers. Jack Ellis. Test Soil. You will be informed in writing if your request for renewal of tenancy has been approved. Some of the ideas featured include commercial rooftop farming and placing farms in under-utilised spaces such as under a viaduct; both of which have been piloted in Singapore. It’s also a plant that can help purify the air in your home. Choose herbs that you commonly use in your cooking or try some new ones for inspiration! Nurseries and even supermarkets like Giant and Fairprice. #14-01 Being at the intersection of urban farming and start-ups is exciting. We are sorry for the inconvenience caused.The SFA online feedback form will not be available from 24 Feb 2021, 9pm to 12am. Your plant babies deserve to be in pretty pots. You don’t need large plots of soil to grow your own produce, pots and styrofoam boxes can easily get the job done. For more information on the Licensing Conditions, please refer to the respective attachments below: Last updated on Tuesday, February 9, 2021. When to harvest: Herbs have a relatively fast germination rate of about 7-30 days, which means you can harvest in about another month once there’s sufficient foliage. February 18, 2021. Herbs have a relatively fast germination rate of about 7-30 days, which means you can harvest in about another month once there’s sufficient foliage. Less is actually more when it comes to fertilising your plants. They usually come in different materials like terracotta, stone or plastic. Not to be confused with sprouts, these tiny greens are usually used as garnishes and even considered as superfoods – they contain. Self-watering pots are also becoming increasingly popular as it takes the guesswork out of how much to water your plants and are great for people who frequently travel. Due to their popularity and usefulness in building social cohesiveness, (there’re few things more humbling and relaxing than gardening, after all) community gardens are one of the easiest ways for eco-conscious Singaporeans to start urban farming. Food Infra Development & Management Division Your plant babies deserve to be in pretty pots Edible Garden City They’ve played a big part in raising awareness on sustainable urban gardening and farming in Singapore and their work have seen ornamental gardens transform into beautiful and productive ones full of food, ordinary lawns and into flourishing food forests, and barren rooftops into lush herb and vegetable farms. You can easily find a wide range of pots that will fit your plant and aesthetic needs. Pro tip: Look for a potting mix that has lightweight expanded clay aggregate (LECA) pellets – they help to “open up” the soil and ensure that excess water is able to drain away. Animals and Birds (Prevention of Avian Disease ... Control of Plants (Cultivation of Plants) (Lice... Retail outlets (for sale of farm and non-farm products like souvenirs), Visitor centre But before you plan to start your gardening and farming journey, you need to know how farming can be done successfully in the challenging climate of Singapore and Asia. We apologise for any inconvenience caused. There are weeds and new kinds of animals that are native to Singapore that have just started emerging because you’ve introduced nature to this really concrete context. As per licence application requirement, you have to be the lessee or tenant of the farmland or the premises approved for farming use. If you are thinking of setting up a land-based farm in Singapore, take a look at our Starting a Farm : An Industry Guide. You can also grow your plants in Community or Allotment Gardens that can be found in your neighbourhood. 80-120 days: Tomatoes, garlic and onions. Organic Farming in Singapore is gaining new traction in recent years. The creation of agricultural companies is supported by the Plant Control Act and the Animals and Birds Rules which provide for the requirements of starting such business in the city-state. Cindy Jones, the owner of Colorado Aromatics, and a small herb farm in Colorado says, “Starting a small farm is a lot of physical work and there is little equipment available to help growers on a small scale so much of the work is by hand […] Most nurseries also carry young chilli, tomato and lime plants. Email: michelle_thoo@sfa.gov.sg. When to harvest: Harvest times vary with the crop you’ve chosen. Photo by Fasiha Nazren Working out of the front yard. While the amount and frequency depend on what you’re growing, follow this general guideline to ensure that your plant doesn’t grow rapidly but weak: Organic fertiliser (compost): Once a week , place them on a sunny window-sill in a plastic container with moist soil and that’s it! Urban farming Singapore Image adapted from: @ourseaofgreen, @ediblegarden. Where to buy the seeds/ baby plant: You can get baby or mature aloe plants from nurseries. Chemical fertiliser: Once every two weeks. Singapore is well-positioned to be the next great place for urban agriculture, given our deep research and development expertise in engineering and manufacturing, pro-business environment and global connectivity. To ensure that your plants have the highest survival rate, here are some everyday plants we recommend for beginners that can thrive in Singapore’s climate. Prompted by greater awareness of organic foods, and improvement in organic farming techniques. You actually need to nurture yours – even if that means killing a few of your plant friends along the way. Short-term tenancies of land for farming are on a 1-year to 3-year term. Urban gardens . Nurseries and even supermarkets like Giant and Fairprice. It’s also a plant that can help. If you don’t have time to do grocery … Grow vegetables in your home garden is a wonderful approach to start with. Common for a first venture, herbs are fairly easy to grow and can flourish quickly under the right conditions. You’ll also get an opportunity to make some like-minded new friends with which to share your hobby. When to harvest: One of the fastest harvests you can have, microgreens are ready when the first leaves start to appear, which will take roughly 1-3 weeks depending on the variety. Maintenance level: 4/5, you’ll need to water, prune, and check your plants daily for any weeds or pests that may try to share your leafy friends! Revenue House 55 Newton Road, #12-01 People living in urban areas often do not get fresh fruits and vegetables and this is the one of the key reasons why they prefer to grow crops themselves. If you need a pot in a pinch, literally any soil-filled container with small holes at the bottom will do the trick. The leading supplier of organic non-GMO Microgreens seeds, Grow Kits and all your Urban Farming Essentials in Singapore. You don’t need fancy tools or lots of space to get started but you’ll need lots of time and effort to sow and reap your rewards. You also have to produce a fresh security deposit equivalent to 3-month of the annual land rent either in: You have to go to the SFA office to execute the new Tenancy Agreement and also produce a cashier order to the Commissioner of Stamp Duties for payment of stamp fees for the Tenancy Agreement. (For use as a museum or education centre to showcase farm-related exhibits like its local history), amount of payment for the annual land rent and other charges. Call it a social movement or Singapore’s solution to sustainable self-sufficiency, but urban farming in our garden city is growing to new heights. A farm means any land or premises, whether enclosed by fencing, is used for the keeping, rearing, breeding or boarding of animals or birds for commercial purposes or the cultivation of plants for commercial production. If you are looking for space, check out your local utility agencies, parks and recreation departments, or research existing vacant lots. Contrary to popular belief, no one naturally has a green thumb. Gardening can be a therapeutic practice to weave into an otherwise hectic lifestyle. Back to basics. This is one of the handiest plants to grow because you can harvest aloe vera gel for its healing properties and treat minor cuts and burns, or turn it into a face mask for some pampering. The result of a collaborative agreement between the Agri-Food and Veterinary Authority of Singapore (AVA) and a local firm, Sky Greens, this venture aims to popularise urban farming techniques that are also environmentally friendly. Find Appropriate Land. , as a desert plant, it can go without frequent watering – just once every 2 weeks will do. Contrary to popular belief, no one naturally has a green thumb. You can pretty much grow microgreens from any vegetable seed you can find like bok choy, broccoli, spinach, chia and arugula. Please see Webinar Presentation Slides and compiled Questions and Answer for more information”. It’s quite rare to find seeds in Singapore. A meeting can be arranged together with your Qualified Person to find out more about the requirements for the design of the farm and submission of farm plans to SFA and BCA for approval. Singapore, a global hot-bed for urban farming, now has strawberries too.