Reflections from an Aspiring Farmer: What’s Holding Back Singapore’s Food Future

As someone who has spent the past few years closely watching Singapore’s urban agriculture scene—and who dreams of one day becoming a farmer myself—it truly pains me to see one disheartening story after another of farms shutting down, sometimes just a year after they begin. Each closure feels like a loss not just for the company, but for the dream of a more self-sustaining, food-secure Singapore.

I've realised certain uncomfortable truths.

1. The unrealistic focus on technology 

Despite only using 1% of our land for agriculture, we push high-tech farming instead of allocating more land. This approach is fundamentally flawed: high-tech farms require massive capital and operating costs that exceed profit margins, making them uncompetitive against regional producers using natural sun and rain. We're building expensive, energy-intensive facilities while ignoring what matters most—produce quality. 

Proposed Solution: 

Prioritise quality over technology. Engage directly with farmers to understand their challenges, and design policies that support sustainable best practices while providing adequate resources and infrastructure. Technology should be applied selectively—only when it demonstrably enhances produce quality and operational efficiency, rather than being treated as the default solution. Additionally, it is worth re-examining how Singapore might responsibly expand its agricultural land use to strengthen long-term food resilience.

2. Overly-centralized control of farming policies 

The Singapore Food Agency’s guidelines on setting up a farm are discouraging, primarily due to the extensive regulations and high setup costs required before planting even a single seed. While it is important to ensure that farming practices adhere to high standards, the current framework seems more suited to those with capital rather than those with genuine farming expertise. A re-evaluation of these policies is necessary to attract more authentic farmers. 

Proposed Solutions: 

To strengthen Singapore’s food resilience, it is essential to engage a broader segment of the population in food production. 

Two potential strategies are: 

• Democratize Farming: Encourage aspiring farmers by simplifying entry requirements, while ensuring that any produce undergoes rigorous quality testing before reaching the market. Additionally, establish a marketplace for these farmers and offer support for marketing and distribution, easing the burden on them.

• “Hawker-Centre” Model for Farming: Develop designated “ready-to-grow” farming lots across Singapore, available for public bidding. By creating controlled environments for farming, this model lowers the barriers to entry for new farmers, allowing them to focus on improving produce quality. Furthermore, provide comprehensive marketing and distribution solutions to help these farmers succeed financially and sustainably. 

3. Outdated distribution channels

Current supply chains are designed to support existing business models and are ill-suited for the future of local agriculture. Supermarkets continue to dominate the retail landscape, controlling the majority of fresh produce sales and consumer purchasing habits. As profit-driven entities, their priorities lie in efficiency and margins rather than national food security or sustainability. The high listing and placement fees imposed by these retailers further marginalise small and independent farmers, turning the system into a commercial barrier rather than an enabler of genuine local production.

Proposed Solution:
Drawing inspiration from software-as-a-service (SaaS) models, Singapore can explore developing peer-to-peer agricultural marketplace where farmers sell directly to consumers. Such a platform would foster a virtuous ecosystem—empowering small-scale farmers to improve the quality of their produce with the assurance of a ready market, while consumers gain access to a wider variety of locally grown, fresher, and more sustainable food options. This decentralised approach would reduce dependence on traditional retail channels and promote a more inclusive, resilient food economy.

4. Shortage of agricultural talent

Singapore’s farming culture has been largely absent since the 1970s. Like many from my generation, I did not grow up in a farming environment—my exposure to agriculture was limited to the produce sold in wet markets, with little understanding of how it was grown. This disconnect has only widened over generations. Yet, modern farming presents a renewed opportunity. While the core principles remain the same, today’s methods leverage technology, information, and access to high-quality resources that were once unavailable. Encouragingly, a new generation of young farmers is emerging—driven by a shared desire to strengthen Singapore’s food resilience. It is crucial that we nurture and support this group, as they are essential to building a sustainable agricultural future.

Proposed Solution:
We must invest in developing a new generation of farmers by providing training, tools, mentorship, and resources—regardless of age or background. By implementing the earlier recommendations on policy reform, land use, and distribution, we can create an ecosystem where aspiring farmers can thrive.

These reflections stem from my personal experiences and observations. As I continue developing my own insect farm, my hope is to contribute meaningfully to Singapore’s journey toward greater food resilience and sustainability.

My Journey to Bernie's Bug Farm

Eight years ago, I stumbled upon a 2013 report by the Food and Agriculture Organization titled “Edible Insects – Future Prospects for Food and Feed Security.” It talked about a future where the world’s population would hit 9 billion by 2050, and how our current food systems simply wouldn’t be enough to feed everyone. One of its boldest ideas was that insects could be the answer — a sustainable source of food and feed.

I was fascinated. Even though I had never tasted a bug in my life, the logic behind it made sense to me. From that moment, a small idea took root — one day, I wanted to start an insect-related business.

Back then, insect farming wasn’t even allowed for human consumption in Singapore, and honestly, I wasn’t sure anyone would care about such an idea. So I tucked that dream away and went on with life. But it never really left me — it kept buzzing at the back of my mind.

Fast forward to May 2025, I graduated with a Diploma in Urban Agriculture Technology. Part of the reason was a desire for a career switch, but deep down, it was that same persistent dream pushing me forward. Around the same time, something remarkable happened — the Singapore Food Agency finally approved 16 species of insects for human consumption. The doors were finally open.

But as I looked around, I realised the market still wasn’t ready. Changing people’s minds — and tastes — takes time. Food is deeply personal, tied to culture and memory. Yet, I see that as an opportunity, not a setback. It gives me time to perfect my craft and build something meaningful.

So today, I’m starting small — Bernie’s Bug Farm. My first species is the humble mealworm. They’re friendly little creatures — don’t need much space, eat voraciously, and yes, they poop a lot. That poop, known as frass, is actually a fantastic organic fertilizer, and it’ll be my first product.

At the same time, I’ve made it a point to eat what I farm. I fry up my mealworms and eat them almost daily — partly to understand the product, but also to embrace what it means to truly believe in what I do.

My journey will be slow, and yes, it’s completely self-funded. Maybe I won’t see my big dream fully realised — but I’ll be grateful for every step of the way.

In 2026, you’ll start seeing Bernie’s Bug Farm Frass available online. I feed my mealworms only human-grade food, because I eat them too — which means their frass is top quality. Good for humans, great for plants.

Thanks for following along — I’ll share more updates as this journey unfolds.

Your Voice for a Sustainable Food Future

The world’s food systems are at a breaking point. Farmland is shrinking due to unsustainable practices, food waste is skyrocketing amid global inequality, and climate change threatens harvests worldwide. But here in Singapore, the stakes are even higher.

With just 1% of land available for farming and over 90% of our food imported, we are dangerously vulnerable. Supply chain disruptions, geopolitical tensions, and environmental crises could leave us exposed. At the same time, our local farmers struggle to survive—caught between rising costs, limited space, and the urgent need for sustainable solutions.

This is not just a challenge—it’s an opportunity. Singapore has always defied the odds. Now, we must pioneer the future of food.

Introducing Singapore Farmer—Your Voice for a Sustainable Food Future

My name is Bernie, and together with my friend Shing Shian, we’re launching Singapore Farmer, an independent blog dedicated to reshaping how Singapore grows, eats and thrives.

We’re not here to just report—we’re here to ignite change.

• Deep Investigations – We go beyond headlines to uncover the real struggles and breakthroughs of local farmers.
• Sustainable Solutions – We spotlight innovations that balance economic survival with environmental responsibility.
• Community & Solidarity – Farmers shouldn’t fight alone. We’re building a movement to unite growers, policymakers, and consumers.

Singapore’s food security depends on the choices we make today. Will we remain at the mercy of global supply chains? Or will we take control, support our local farmers, and build a resilient, sustainable food system? Together, we won’t just adapt to the next agricultural revolution—we’ll lead it. 

Join us. Get involved.