Farming might sound like an oxymoron in Singapore but nestle within our shores are a surprising number (some 260 at last count) of farms producing a variety of fruits, vegetables, and dairy products.
And as we work towards our 30 by 30 vision to produce 30 per cent of our nutritional needs locally by 2030, these farms will be integral in helping us achieve this ambitious goal.
This is crucial as the PAP Government is determined to strengthen Singapore’s food security, especially during this era of supply chain disruptions.
Also, why buy imported produce — which are never as fresh as we want them to be — why not go direct to the source and support our burgeoning agriculture industry?
1. Sky Greens
Flip a plot of land 90 degrees, and Sky Greens would be what you end up with — a vertical farm with hydroponic growing racks as tall as 9 metres that looks like a backdrop for a sci-fi movie.
Bookings are essential for the farm tour, during which you will be able to view the vertical farming system up close, take a sneak peek into the control room responsible for optimising growth conditions, and taste some of the organic produce on offer.
What to buy: Leafy vegetables such as Nai Bai, Cai Xin, Xiao Bai Cai, and Chinese Cabbage
2. Hay Dairies
As far as farms are concerned, the one and only goat farm in Singapore is a contender as the GOAT of farms.
Entry is free, and you can purchase hay (S$5 per packet) to feed over 800 goats lazing around the compound.
Ideally, the best time to visit is between 9 to 10:30 am when the milking session takes place. That is because for city dwellers like us, watching goats queue up to their “rightful place” at the milking parlour is a sight to behold and not something we see every day.
What to buy: Fresh milk and handmade goats milk soap
3. Bollywood Farms
If there is one farm to rule them all, this is it. Located on 10 acres of land in the Kranji countryside, Bollywood Farms is long considered the Disneyland equivalent of farms since it is filled with attractions that cater to just about everyone.
Besides an educational farm tour, you can sign up for a cooking class, visit a museum to learn about the history of food and agriculture, and tuck into a wholesome meal at their on-site café for a farm-to-table experience.
What to buy: Chemical-free vegetables, herbs, fruits (mainly bananas and papayas), and locally sourced eggs and fish (weekends only)
4. Dairy Folks
Why hop on a plane to Holland to see Holstein Friesians cows when there is a herd of them right here in Singapore.
Tucked away in a forgotten corner of Lim Chu Kang is an actual cow farm that has been around since 1936.
Visiting the farm is free, and with no official tour, you can pop in anytime to feed and pat the cows.
What to buy: Fresh milk and ice-cream
5. BEE Amazed Garden
Bees get a bad reputation as pesky, dangerous insects despite their importance to our environment. That is perhaps why a bee farm, hidden in plain sight in Yishun, is hoping to change our perception of bees.
Signing up for the garden tour, you will be able to observe the bees up close, learn more about honeybees and beekeeping and taste some locally produced honey.
What to buy: Honey and more honey
Cover Photo Credit: SFA/URA
