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Ms Fu outlined how these events show that sustainability can strengthen supply chain resilience and economic stability, while addressing the effects of climate change.<\/p>\n
While the Middle East conflict has shown how trade could be disrupted, sustainable practices \u2014 such as converting palm oil waste into organic fertiliser \u2014 can reduce reliance on fossil fuel markets, she said.<\/p>\n
With Southeast Asia a major exporter of agricultural products to the European Union, sustainable practices can enhance the reputation of such products and help companies secure long-term market advantage.<\/p>\n
While rising temperatures and droughts could affect crop yields, sustainable practices such as crop rotation, regenerative agriculture, and responsible land-use can help maintain ecological balance while sustaining consistent produce, Ms Fu said.\u00a0<\/p>\n
The use of “climate-smart” technologies can also mitigate the impacts of extreme weather events, she added.<\/p>\n
However, Ms Fu warned of emerging risks due to the geopolitical backdrop, where trade barriers are erected along with sustainability standards.<\/p>\n
She also highlighted the risk of “the weakest link” \u2013 referring to how sustainability measures can unravel if a single supplier is problematic.<\/p>\n
“Robust sustainability requires traceability along the chain of activities, with increasing public scrutiny on the weakest link.<\/p>\n
“Non-compliance by a single supplier could jeopardise the entire ecosystem. Collective responsibility and concerted action by all are therefore essential for sustainable businesses,” she said.<\/p>\n
Amid these challenges, Ms Fu said regional cooperation will be key: “We can emerge stronger if we adapt, coordinate and cooperate quicker.”<\/p>\n
Last week, the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) members held a special meeting on agriculture and forestry in response to the Middle East situation.<\/p>\n
During the meeting, member states reaffirmed the need for regional cooperation to safeguard food security, supply chains and keep markets open, she said.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n
Efforts are also underway to strengthen collaboration on issues such as transboundary haze, with Ms Fu urging countries to remain vigilant to heightened risks of haze in light of weather predictions.<\/p>\n
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She said the region has the opportunity to develop a green ecosystem to strengthen resilience and accelerate decarbonisation, including through initiatives such as the ASEAN Power Grid, a regional carbon neutrality strategy and a circular economy framework.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n
Singapore, which will assume the ASEAN chairmanship next year, will continue advancing these efforts.<\/p>\n
Domestically, the country has launched the Singapore Food Story 2, which includes a new pillar to enhance global partnerships. It has also signed agreements with partner nations, such as Australia and New Zealand, to ensure the continued flow of goods even amid disruptions. \u00a0<\/p>\n
The country has commissioned a study on climate change in the region and its impact on agriculture, making use of the results from its third National Climate Change Study.<\/p>\n
This study will be completed later this year and the findings will be shared with ASEAN.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n