The Agri-Food and Veterinary Authority (AVA) has launched a second tranche of S$10 million in funding under its Food Fund programme yesterday with an aim to maximise local farm productivity.
Two new categories have been introduced - a Challenge Call for R&D projects to tackle specific challenges faced by the industry; and an Open Call for all other R&D projects to allow new ideas and innovative projects to surface.
Under the Challenge Call, applicants for the funding can submit proposals for R&D projects on topics, such as achieving consistent fish fry production for commonly farmed species.
Applicants can also submit proposals for R&D projects that maximise local farm productivity in any of the three key food items of eggs, fish and leafy vegetables under the Open Call category.
AVA chief executive officer Tan Poh Hong urged companies to take this opportunity and apply for the funds, saying it is the agency’s aim to help as many companies as possible to raise their productivity level and enhance food supply resilience for Singapore.
The inaugural launch in December 2009 attracted 48 applications, of which the AVA awarded about S$6 million to 15 projects. Interested companies can visit the AVA’s website www.ava.gov.sg for more information.
