Strawberries take Singapore towards self-sustainability

Singapore

SUSTENIR Agriculture's launch of the first commercialised locally grown strawberries in Cold Storage One North takes Singapore a step closer towards self-sustainability.

Through the use of Controlled Environment Agriculture (CEA) methods, Sustenir proves that strawberries, which typically grow in colder climates, can be cultivated locally as well.

This same method is also used to grow its other non-native produce such as kale, arugula and basil, in perfectly clean conditions that are free from pesticides, contaminated soil and any form of air pollution.

"With the launch of our strawberries, and with the rest of our products, we no longer have to rely on imports from other countries," said Benjamin Swan, co-founder and chief executive officer of Sustenir Agriculture.

"Our farms are not susceptible to weather conditions that determine the taste of the strawberries we eat or the yield of the strawberries for that season. Consumers will no longer have to wait for strawberries to be in season. As part of Sustenir's dream, our customers will also get to enjoy fresher fruits with much longer shelf-life," he added.

Sustenir's Splendid Strawberries are available all year round at select Cold Storage stores.

To improve its current methods, Sustenir also opened its new research and development laboratory at JTC LaunchPad at One North.

The lab will explore more efficient and sustainable agri-tech solutions as well as serve as a facility for collaborations with other companies.

"These milestones are proof of Sustenir's progress as it builds up its urban farming expertise and transforms the way crops are grown in Singapore," said Senior Minister of State for Trade and Industry Koh Poh Koon, who gave a speech at the event.

"With technology, the opportunities (for a self-sustaining Singapore) are there. It is only left to our imagination to see how they can be capitalised, to do more with less, and to get ourselves more self-sufficient."

Sustenir is currently also expanding to Hong Kong, and is set to begin operations there in the third quarter of 2018.