Extent to Which Farm-to-Table Recognition Programme Has Increased Consumers’ Preference for Local Produce
Ministry of Sustainability and the EnvironmentSpeakers
Summary
This question concerns Ms See Jinli Jean’s inquiry into the Farm-to-Table Recognition Programme's (FTTRP) impact on consumer preference and measures to improve the affordability of local produce. Minister Grace Fu Hai Yien noted that participation has grown to over 100 businesses since 2023, though isolating its specific impact on demand is difficult. To enhance affordability, the Singapore Food Agency co-funds technology through the Agri-food Cluster Transformation Fund and facilitates long-term commercial contracts via industry federations. The Minister also highlighted retail initiatives like "SG Farmers’ Market" at FairPrice to provide quality local produce at competitive price points for consumers.
Transcript
9 Ms See Jinli Jean asked the Minister for Sustainability and the Environment (a) whether the Ministry will be evaluating the extent to which the Farm-to-Table Recognition Programme has increased diners’ preference for local produce; and (b) whether the Ministry will consider more measures to improve the affordability of local produce for new local food and beverage enterprises.
Ms Grace Fu Hai Yien: The Farm-To-Table Recognition Programme (FTTRP) was launched in March 2023 to encourage food businesses to use local produce in their food. It is challenging to attribute consumers' dining preference for local produce solely to FTTRP as there are other factors, such as publicity.
We have received positive feedback from participating food establishments on the benefits of FTTRP. This is reflected in the growing industry adoption of FTTRP which has steadily increased from 11 food businesses in March 2023 to over 100 food businesses as of February 2025. These include McDonald's Singapore, which uses local eggs; Resorts World Sentosa, which uses local eggs, leafy vegetables and beansprouts; and Chilli Api Catering, which uses local eggs and beansprouts. We welcome more food businesses to join FTTRP. The Singapore Food Agency (SFA) will continue to monitor the impact of FTTRP and gather feedback from participating businesses in assessing its effectiveness in promoting local produce demand.
SFA has also been working closely with farms to increase their productivity and provide quality produce at competitive prices. This includes co-funding the adoption of productive technologies through the Agri-food Cluster Transformation Fund and working closely with the Singapore Agro-Food Enterprises Federation Limited (SAFEF) to facilitate long-term commercial contracts between farmers and food businesses. Through the efforts of SAFEF and its partners, some locally-grown vegetables and fish are now sold at selected FairPrice outlets under the brand names "SG Farmers' Market" and "The Straits Fish" respectively, with encouraging public response.