The Local Farm’s Post

Progress Doesn’t Require Scaling Up; It Requires Grounding Down. Reading CNA’s recent article on high-tech farming in Singapore highlights that, while ambitious solutions are inspiring, they often face challenges with high costs and complex technologies. These efforts can sometimes overshadow the core mission: connecting local food production to consumers in a sustainable, accessible way. The “bigger is better” mindset, though well-intentioned, can occasionally lose sight of what truly matters—supporting local farmers and building community resilience from the ground up. The government’s commitment to the “30 by 30” goal is crucial and aligns with a future-focused vision for Singapore’s food security. High-tech farming solutions are an essential part of this vision, but building a robust ecosystem will take time. As we see it, a balanced approach—one that includes both cutting-edge technologies and community-centered initiatives—is key to developing a sustainable food system. At The Local Farm (TLF), we believe that real progress doesn’t necessarily require scaling up; it requires grounding down. Rather than focusing solely on complex, high-cost solutions, we prioritize practical, community-driven actions that strengthen local farms, foster fair trade, and ensure farm-fresh produce reaches all Singaporeans. Through our Farmpack for Good program, we’re not just bridging farms to consumers; we’re bringing nutritious, local food directly to underserved families. This approach complements high-tech initiatives by meeting immediate needs and building resilience at the grassroots level. As Lionel Wong, Founder of Upgrown Farming, aptly puts it, “(High-tech) farming is not the devil here; it’s just a tool – and knowing how to use this tool is the responsibility of the business owner.” Technology has immense value, but it’s about using it thoughtfully within the ecosystem it serves. As Leonardo da Vinci wisely noted, “Success lies in relentless execution of the basics.” For us at TLF, that means focusing on consistent, effective actions rather than grand gestures. Programs like Farmpack for Good empower corporates to meet ESG goals while directly supporting both farmers and underserved communities. These programs provide a sustainable complement to Singapore’s high-tech ambitions, emphasizing grounded actions that deliver real impact. The journey to food resilience is more than meeting the 30 by 30 goal; it’s about cultivating an ecosystem where local farmers thrive, and consumers recognize the value of buying local. Real change happens with consistent, impactful steps that empower farmers and nourish families. At TLF, our commitment is simple yet profound: No Farmers, No Food. Each small, sustainable step counts. 👉 https://lnkd.in/gGrFciTZ #TheLocalFarm #FoodSecurity #NoFarmersNoFood #FarmersMindset #Sustainability #Gardenasia #TitoyMorchoo #GiveBetter #FarmpackForGood

For 24 years we've been a part of the Foodwise (formerly CUESA) Farmers' Market organization in San Francisco. In addition to providing a platform for us to sell our cheese direct to consumers every Saturday at the SF Ferry Building, we appreciate the non profit's focus on educating customers on why supporting local agriculture is so important. In advance of Earth Day '24, here is an excerpt from a recent article on regenerative farming we're proud to have been a part of. What is Regenerative Agriculture? California Farmers Share Their Values and Practices Selina Knowles, Communications Coordinator Many farmers market shoppers may be familiar with the term “organic” as a way of indicating food that is grown with ecological farming practices, in accordance with USDA organic standards. In recent years, the term “regenerative” has been rising in popularity, but many shoppers may have questions about what this term means, how it differs from organic, and how it is regulated.  For Earth Day and SF Climate Week, we asked farmers at the Ferry Plaza Farmers Market to share what “regenerative” means to them, how it complements or differs from organic certification, and what regenerative practices look like on their farms. Defining Regenerative Organic As we face climate change, the biodiversity and carbon containment prioritized in regenerative practices are more essential than ever. Animal welfare looks like grass-fed, pasture-raised animals, which have access to safe shelter. Social welfare means paying farmworkers a living wage and providing safe working conditions.  The options for Regenerative Organic Alliance Approved Certifying Bodies is growing, making certification more accessible. However, small farms in particular are still grappling with the time and financial cost of taking the steps to become certified. Some opt to farm according to the regenerative ethos without third-party certification. Point Reyes Farmstead Cheese Company Point Reyes Farmstead Cheese Company is owned and operated by the Giacominis, a third-generation ranching family. The Giacominis view regenerative farming as a holistic approach to agriculture that improves the health of the land over time. Plus, healthy pastures directly impact the flavor of their cheeses. On their pastures in Point Reyes, the family leverages on-farm nutrient cycles. They focus on rotational grazing to improve pasture quality and sequester carbon. They also use their own herd’s waste as natural fertilizers, in the form of both dry compost and liquid fertilizer, to nourish the soil.   “While we recognize the value of certification programs like Regenerative Organic Certification, our focus remains on implementing regenerative practices that benefit our farm, the environment, and our community,” says farmer Lynn Giacomini Stray. “We prioritize practical outcomes and continuous improvement over formal certification.”

Integrated food system project launched to boost agriculture: Niël Terblanché In an exciting development for Namibia’s agricultural sector, the Ministry of Agriculture, Water and Land Reform (MAWLR), in collaboration with the World Food Programme (WFP) and other partners, launched the Bernafay Farm Integrated Food System Project. The initiative was inaugurated on 30 April by Ndiyakupi Nghituwamata, the executive director of MAWLR, at the Bernafay Resettlement Farm just outside Stampriet in the Hardap Region. The project, which represents a significant investment of nearly N$1.4 million, aims to revitalize local agriculture through the development of an orchard with over 200 fruit trees, alongside expansions into horticulture and lucerne production. “This initiative is part of a broader effort to enhance food security and agricultural sustainability in the region,” Nghituwamata Nghituwamata praised the support of the WFP and its partners, including the Namibia Diamond Trading Company (NDTC), DeBeers Group Namibia, and Namibia Desert Diamonds (NAMDIA). She reiterated the critical role of such collaborations in uplifting agricultural activities nationwide. “This project is a testament to what we can achieve when public and private sectors unite for a common purpose,” she said. Ericah Shafudah, WFP Namibia deputy country director, gave the assurance of the WFP’s commitment to supporting the Bernafay community in its journey towards self-sufficiency. “Our vision is for Farm Bernafay to be a productive, sustainable, and independent project within five years,” Shafudah stated. She stressed that the initiative would involve a phased approach, starting with fruit and horticulture production, followed by poultry and fodder production. The project not only aims to increase food production and reduce post-harvest losses but also focuses on involving women and youth in agriculture, promoting the consumption of healthy diets, and practising climate-smart agriculture techniques. “We are currently in the final stages of finalizing our Country Strategic Plan 2025-2029, which will focus on Sustainable Food Systems, Accelerated Human Capital Development, and Service Provision,” Shafudah added. Significant contributions have been made by various partners, with DeBeers Group donating N$300,000 for irrigation systems and water tanks, while the NAMDIA Foundation provided N$150,000 for community training on value addition and equipment provision. The WFP contributed N$200,000 towards conducting baseline studies, purchasing agricultural inputs, and establishing the orchard. Shafudah said the transformative project is set to empower 14 families, comprising approximately 108 individuals from previously disadvantaged communities who benefited from MAWLR’s resettlement program in 2002. Jassop Johannes, the chairperson of the Bernafay Farm Integrated Food System Project,…

Yesterday, I had the privilege of speaking with Alexander Olesen , the CEO and co-founder of Babylon Micro-Farms . His company is at the forefront of hydroponic farming, a sustainable and innovative solution to some of the most pressing challenges in modern agriculture, including food security, climate change, and urban farming. Babylon Micro-farms has developed a groundbreaking hydroponic system that enables businesses, individuals, and communities to grow fresh produce locally, reducing the environmental impact of food production. This technology not only slashes the food miles from thousands to mere feet but also helps produce food in environments where traditional farming is not feasible. During our conversation, Alexander explained how the controlled environment of hydroponics allows for year-round crop growth with significantly fewer resources compared to conventional methods. By harnessing technology, Babylon Micro-farms is empowering a new generation of urban farmers, offering a viable solution to combat food insecurity and climate changes. One of the key topics we discussed was the importance of making sustainable farming accessible to everyone. Babylon Micro-farms is dedicated to driving down the costs of their systems so that local communities, businesses, and even refugee camps can benefit from nutritious, locally produced food. Health-conscious consumers are increasingly concerned about food quality and safety, and Babylon Micro-farms provides clean, pesticide-free produce right at the source. Alexander also shed light on the benefits of vertical farming, which maximizes space by growing crops in vertically stacked layers. This method offers a sustainable alternative to traditional farming, reducing the need for large plots of land and cutting down on food waste. By promoting local food production, Babylon Micro-farms is helping reduce supply chain waste and contamination, a significant issue in large-scale agriculture. As an immigrant entrepreneur, Alexander shared his personal journey of navigating the challenges of building a business in a new country. From securing funding to navigating complex immigration systems, his experiences highlight the resilience and innovation that immigrant entrepreneurs bring to the table. He emphasized the importance of mentorship, community support, and staying true to the vision of making a positive impact on the world. Despite the challenges brought by the COVID-19 pandemic, Babylon Micro-farms has seen unexpected success, and Alexander remains optimistic about the future. The company’s long-term goal is to expand the reach of micro-farms, making them affordable and accessible to even more communities worldwide. By revolutionizing the food industry, Babylon Micro-farms is not just providing clean, nutritious food but also playing a key role in creating healthier food systems for future generations. #urbanfarming ,#verticalfarming #agriculture

Empowering Communities and Securing the Future of Agriculture The future of agriculture in Africa depends on the strengthening of its value and supply chains, with an inclusive approach that not only addresses the challenges of food security but also enhances the livelihoods of those who are central to the industry—smallholder farmers. At Nexus24, we are committed to creating a sustainable ecosystem where farmers, especially women and youth, are key players in transforming the agricultural landscape. Smallholder Farmers as the Backbone of Agriculture Smallholder farmers are the backbone of Nigeria’s agricultural sector. However, they often face significant challenges, including limited access to markets, low productivity, and inadequate infrastructure. By connecting farmers to buyers through our robust supply chains, we enable them to maximize their productivity and income while contributing to national and global food security. Empowering Women and Youth in Agriculture Women and youth are often the most underrepresented groups in agricultural decision-making, yet they are central to driving change in rural communities. Empowering these groups is vital for achieving long-term sustainability in agriculture. We actively involve women and youth in our operations, providing them with opportunities in farming, supply chain management, and leadership roles. By equipping them with the right tools and resources, we are helping to build a more inclusive agricultural economy. The Role of Technology and Innovation Innovation is at the heart. From sustainable farming practices to modern storage facilities and digital platforms for market access, we aim to provide our farmers with the tools they need to thrive in a rapidly evolving global market. By leveraging technology, we are optimizing every part of the value chain—from sourcing to distribution—to ensure that high-quality products reach consumers efficiently and cost-effectively. A Holistic Approach to Food Security Food security is not just about meeting the immediate demand for food; it’s about creating a resilient food system that can withstand challenges. We are building a sustainable supply chain that supports food production, improves access to nutritious food, and creates economic opportunities for communities across Nigeria and beyond. By working hand-in-hand with farmers, we are contributing to food security in Africa and ensuring that our children and future generations can thrive. Why This Matters The stakes are high. As the population grows and the demand for food increases, it is essential to build a food system that works for everyone, from the farmers who grow the crops to the consumers who rely on them. We are proud to lead the way by advocating for equitable growth, environmental sustainability, and economic resilience in African agriculture. Together, we can build stronger, more resilient communities while contributing to global food security.

"Community-Supported Agriculture (CSA) in India: A Model for Sustainable Farming" 🌾🌱 Introduction: Community-Supported Agriculture (CSA) represents a transformative approach to food production and distribution, fostering a direct connection between farmers and consumers. In India, where agriculture plays a vital role in livelihoods and food security, CSA is gaining momentum as a model for sustainable farming. This blog explores the principles of CSA, its benefits for farmers and consumers, and its potential to build a resilient and inclusive agricultural community in India. #CSA #SustainableFarming #CommunitySupportedAgriculture 🚜 Understanding Community-Supported Agriculture: At its core, CSA is a partnership between farmers and consumers, where consumers purchase shares or subscriptions directly from the farm in exchange for a regular supply of fresh produce. This model promotes transparency, accountability, and mutual support, as consumers share in the risks and rewards of farming. CSA emphasizes local and seasonal produce, reduces the carbon footprint of food transportation, and strengthens the connection between people and the land. #LocalProduce #FarmToTable 🥕🍅 The Benefits of CSA for Farmers: For farmers, CSA offers financial stability, as they receive upfront payments from subscribers at the beginning of the growing season, providing capital for seeds, equipment, and labor. CSA also reduces market uncertainty, as farmers have a guaranteed market for their produce, regardless of fluctuations in prices or demand. Additionally, CSA fosters a sense of community and collaboration among farmers and subscribers, creating a support network for sharing knowledge, resources, and experiences. #FarmerSupport #FinancialStability 🌾💰 The Benefits of CSA for Consumers: CSA provides consumers with access to fresh, locally grown produce, promoting health, nutrition, and culinary diversity. By purchasing directly from farmers, consumers can learn about the origins of their food, the farming practices used, and the seasonal rhythms of agriculture. CSA encourages conscious consumption, as subscribers develop a deeper appreciation for the effort and care that goes into growing their food. Moreover, CSA fosters a sense of belonging and community, as subscribers engage in farm visits, volunteer work, and social events, strengthening ties with their food and the people who produce it. #HealthyEating #LocalHarvest 🍏🥬 Fostering a Sustainable Farming Community: CSA embodies the principles of sustainability, promoting ecological stewardship, social equity, and economic resilience. By supporting small-scale, diversified farms, CSA helps preserve agricultural biodiversity, protect natural resources, and mitigate the impacts of climate change. CSA also promotes food sovereignty, empowering communities to control their food systems and reduce dependence on corporate agribusiness. #Sustainability #FoodSovereignty #CSAMovement #SustainableFuture 🌱🌾🌍

High-tech agriculture doesn't necessarily require high capital or operating costs. When Israel began its agricultural journey in the deserts, adopting the same practices as the Netherlands would have led to failure. Instead of copying their methods, Israel focused on understanding its unique climate, characterized by extremely low humidity and significant temperature variations between day and night. By building brilliantly simple, "low-tech" plastic greenhouses (constrating the "high-tech" glass greenhouses), Israel grew a variety of high-quality crops for global export. About 20 years ago, Japan experienced a surge in indoor farming, with many new farms emerging, but none survived the test of time. In Singapore, Netatech started our first indoor farm 13 years ago, focusing on strawberries. At the time, a kilogram of strawberries cost $60, but within two years, the price dropped to $20 per kilogram—illustrating the volatility in agriculture. We learned that understanding our local climate and leveraging the free resources nature provides is crucial. Our innovative solutions should be built upon these natural advantages. In Singapore, with 365 days of sunlight and ample rainfall, we have unique opportunities to devise our own agricultural methods, instead of copying those from cooler climates. These insights come from my 16 years in precision agriculture, transitioning from computer and control engineering in FMCG automation to exploring innovative solutions for the perishables market. I hope we can learn from past mistakes and create distinct food production systems that align with Singapore's specific conditions.

The third webinar in Cool Farm Alliance and SAI Platform's Regen Reflections webinar series that I have the pleasure of hosting with Robyn Cooper, was a stunning deep dive into soil biology, corporate-farmer relationship building and commonalities between large and smallholder farming contexts when it comes to transitioning supply chains to regenerative agriculture. Our presenters exceeded very high expectations. Highlights below. Kelly Rincon of Sustainable Food Lab described the North Dakota Trusted Advisors Program. This pioneering program enables a cluster of companies that all buy from the region to share the costs of providing incentive payments to farmers and supporting agronomic soil health capacity building. Harold Perry of PERRY FAMILY FARMS LLC supplying potatoes to McCain Foods, PepsiCo and others shared close-up and microscopic pictures of the root zones of plants and insects. We almost felt like we could smell the clover in the soil. Harold defined, regenerative agriculture in terms of building up the soil resilience and health so that the plant biology and soil biology can interact synergistically and need less intervention from humans. He said, when you get this right, the plant regulates itself and can get what it needs from the soil. “It is a simpler system if you can make it work,” Niek Engbers van Keulen of McCain Foods described the company's close collaboration with growers driven by their motivation to restore soils. He also described McCain's “farms of the future” where they trial practices to help growers with the learning process, some financial incentives and DNA soil barcoding. This is an innovative practice to measure soil micro-biological diversity and learn about correlations between practices, microorganisms and performance. Julie Reneau of Nestlé Nespresso SA and Myriam Sainz Stuyck of TechnoServe described the 20-year old AAA program that reaches 155k farmers of whom 90 percent are smallholders. Julie described how the company's 650 field agronomists work with the farmers on improved practices which help farmers receive a premium reward for their efforts. As a partner in the project, Technoserv builds the business case for farmers by charting the regenerative transition curve, modeling year-by-year costs and productivity to show the size of the payoff and how long it will take. Week-long farm co-design workshops with farmers, suppliers, technical experts and commercial as well as sustainability teams, are an essential element. Nespresso has seen a shift in mindsets in farming communities. One of the innovative farmers who started the transition to regenerative coffee farming on her own eight years go found her neighbours thinking she was crazy. Now the neighbours see her as visionary. Huge thanks to these talented presenters/practitioners. These are the types of programs that in combination with quantification tools like the Cool Farm Tool can chart the path to a liveable future. We're getting there.

World Economic Forum (WEF) acting as catalyst to Transform Agriculture through Innovations and Technology!! WEF has been at the forefront of promoting sustainable agriculture, launching several initiatives to address the pressing challenges of food security, environmental sustainability, and economic viability. It is our privilege that our founder Deepak Pareek who was awarded as "Technology Pioneer' by the WEF was amongst the initial few who raised this key topic at various meetings of WEF at Davos, Dalian, Tianjin, New York, and Dubai. 1. Food Action Alliance (FAA) One of WEF’s flagship initiatives, the Food Action Alliance, is a multi-stakeholder platform that brings together a wide range of partners, including governments, businesses, farmers, and NGOs, to accelerate action on food systems transformation. The FAA focuses on scalable, sustainable solutions that improve both agricultural productivity and environmental outcomes. For instance, the Alliance supports projects that enhance soil health, optimize water use, and reduce greenhouse gas emissions, while also boosting farmer incomes and resilience. 2. Innovation for Agribusiness Value Chains WEF is leveraging technology and innovation to create more sustainable agribusiness value chains. Through the "Innovation with a Purpose" platform, it is identifying and promoting technologies that can transform agricultural practices. An example is the use of blockchain for supply chain transparency, which not only improves food safety but also ensures fair trade practices. This initiative helps smallholder farmers gain better access to markets and financial services. 3. Tropical Forest Alliance (TFA) TFA, an WEF initiative, aims to reduce deforestation and promote sustainable land use. By fostering partnerships between governments, businesses, and civil society, TFA works to eliminate deforestation from global supply chains. For example, the Alliance has been instrumental in promoting sustainable palm oil production in Southeast Asia, helping to protect vital ecosystems while supporting local economies. 4. AI for Agriculture Innovation (AI4AI) WEF's AI4AI initiative aims to harness artificial intelligence to revolutionize agriculture by enhancing crop management, optimizing resource use, and streamlining supply chains. AI4AI seeks to improve productivity, conserve resources, and reduce environmental impact. The initiative also focuses on providing data-driven insights to help farmers. Through collaboration with tech companies, agricultural stakeholders, and policymakers, AI4AI promotes the adoption of AI solutions, ensuring they are accessible and beneficial to farmers worldwide. The WEF’s multifaceted approach to sustainable agriculture encompasses a blend of innovation, collaboration, and practical solutions. By engaging a diverse range of stakeholders and leveraging cutting-edge technologies, WEF is playing a crucial role in shaping a more sustainable and resilient agricultural future.

WEF has 10 different centers. Not much information is available on their involvement in India. How effective is WEF in terms of shaping national and international level policies? It would be good to know more about WEF’s initiatives and activities in India, especially in Agriculture. As for WEF initiatives in Agriculture listed above, are there any concrete examples of actions taken and their outcomes. The evaluation of international forums like WEF is critically important not only for the WEF itself but also the expected beneficiaries of the WEF program. The WEF’s website does not say much about in which countries and in which topics its 10 centers are most effective! Just looking for more information about WEF at this time. Thanks.