Singapore awards land to innovative vegetable growers
The tender for 12 land parcels for vegetable farming was launched on 17 August 2017 and closed on 26 October 2017. This was the first time that AVA tendered out land using the Fixed Price tender method, where the land price is fixed upfront and the tenderers compete solely on concept. The method would ensure that the tenderers with the best concept proposals win. Concept proposals were evaluated by a Tender Evaluation Committee (TEC) comprising both external experts with deep knowledge in agriculture sciences and technology, as well as relevant Government agencies. The TEC assessed the proposals based on the following criteria: production capability, production track record, relevant experience & qualification, and innovation & sustainability.
10 land parcels were awarded to eight companies. These companies submitted proposals that incorporated productive and innovative farming systems, such as greenhouses with automation and smart controls; multi- tier hydroponic systems using LED lights and data analytics to optimise growing conditions; and multi-storey farms that use automated soilless cultivation system and robotics.
“These proposals have the potential to optimise scarce land, reduce reliance on unskilled labour and bolster Singapore’s food security. We look forward to the contributions of these companies in transforming the local farming sector into one that is productive, innovative and sustainable,” said Mr Melvin Chow, AVA’s Group Director, Food Supply Resilience.
AVA will tender more land for vegetable farming in 2Q 2018 and from 2019 onwards.