MPs to push for food resilience in Parliament as prices rise due to climate, geopolitical crises

Four People's Action Party (PAP) parliamentarians from the Government Parliamentary Committee (GPC) on sustainability and the environment will introduce a private member's motion in Parliament aimed at enhancing Singapore's food resilience and reducing food waste through collaboration between the government and civil society. The motion, to be debated starting September 8, calls for stronger partnerships to ensure affordable food access amid global challenges such as climate change and geopolitical tensions. The MPs, Poh Li San, Nadia Ahmad Samdin, Valerie Lee, and Ng Shi Xuan, are set to outline specific strategies to bolster local food production, streamline food import policies, and improve the efficiency of food redistribution systems. The motion follows growing concerns over rising food prices driven by factors such as disrupted shipping routes in the Strait of Hormuz and the effects of El Niño on crop yields. According to Poh Li San, the GPC chair, Singapore faces increasing pressure to address food insecurity as global supply chains become more volatile. She highlighted that Singapore generates nearly 800,000 tonnes of food waste annually, averaging around 128 kilograms per person. This level of waste exceeds domestic food production, which stood at 16,600 tonnes of vegetables and 3,800 tonnes of seafood in 2025. The GPC members emphasized the importance of integrating food resilience into broader policy discussions, particularly as Singapore prepares to assume the ASEAN chairmanship in 2027. Nadia Ahmad Samdin proposed placing food resilience at the forefront of regional dialogues, suggesting a diversified approach to local farming through a portfolio of different types of farms. This would aim to create a more resilient and adaptable food production system capable of withstanding environmental shocks. The motion also seeks to address gaps in current food waste reduction efforts. While existing legislation, such as the Good Samaritan Food Donation Act, allows businesses to donate surplus food without legal risk, the volume of food rescued annually remains low. According to Poh, approximately 2.4 million kilograms of food are recovered yearly by organizations like The Food Bank Singapore and Food Rescue Sengkang, representing just 0.3 percent of total food waste. To improve this, the GPC aims to push for better coordination among food rescue groups and increased support for digital platforms that facilitate food redistribution. Valerie Lee, another GPC member, will focus on strengthening supply chains to minimize food waste throughout the distribution process. Meanwhile, Ng Shi Xuan will highlight the potential of alternative proteins to diversify Singapore's food sources and reduce reliance on traditional imports. Both areas are seen as critical components of a comprehensive strategy to build a more sustainable and self-reliant food system. The GPC has conducted extensive consultations with stakeholders, including community gardeners, academics, and representatives from food rescue organizations. Their findings indicate that improving public awareness about the journey of food, from research and development to final consumption, is essential to fostering a culture of reduced waste. Nadia Ahmad Samdin stressed that without a deeper understanding of food production processes, wastage is likely to continue rising. The motion also proposes tracking food loss and food waste separately to develop targeted interventions. Food loss, which occurs before food reaches consumers, can often be mitigated through improved storage and transportation methods, while food waste typically results from consumer behavior and retail practices. By distinguishing these categories, policymakers can design more effective solutions tailored to each stage of the food supply chain. As the debate approaches, the GPC members anticipate a thorough discussion on the practical steps required to implement their recommendations. They hope to secure government commitment to supporting local food producers, investing in technological innovations, and expanding the capacity of food rescue initiatives. With Singapore's food security increasingly under threat from both natural and human-made factors, the motion represents a crucial step toward ensuring long-term stability in the nation's food system.