Singapore – With climate change threatening food security worldwide, companies like SGP Foods are pioneering agricultural sustainability through innovative technologies. Based in Singapore, this leading sustainability firm advocates reducing carbon emissions and promoting food security – two of humanity’s most pressing challenges.
SGP Foods’ chairman, CEO and founder Pek Yun Ning understands the critical need for change. “As a species, our very survival depends on protecting the natural environment,” she said.
Pek first grasped the urgency of these issues at a blockchain conference in Silicon Valley, where she met SGP’s future CTO Jonah Crawford. Together, they brainstormed ways to enhance Singapore’s food security and devised solutions to test locally and regionally.
In April 2020, Pek and Crawford incorporated SGP Foods in Singapore to tackle climate change effects and ensure food security through green logistics and digital infrastructure. The company’s approach incorporates plant-based protein additives, deforestation-free cooking oils, low-emission eggs and high-intensity vegetable production. Proprietary agriculture and resource optimization technologies enable SGP Foods to accurately track emissions.
SGP’s Vertical Farming Innovation
SGP Foods first launched VertiStacks, a vertical farming system well-suited for space-scarce countries like Singapore. With customizable growth settings, VertiStacks enables successful indoor and outdoor harvesting, saving considerably on water, fertilizer, labor and land.
This IoT technology exemplifies SGP’s commitment to agricultural innovation. Vertical farming can increase yields in small spaces, providing cities with fresh, local produce while minimizing transportation miles and emissions. For countries facing rapid urbanization, solutions like VertiStacks are critical for maintaining food security.
Advancing Sustainable Allied Fibre Crops
More recently, SGP Foods has focused on growing sustainable, multipurpose Allied Fibre crops in Thailand and Mexico using American seeds. Pek is particularly excited about the company’s work with Allied Fibres. “In the context of the Allied Fibres Programme, our intervention has increased productivity,” she said.
The climate-resilient Allied Fibre plants sequester carbon in the soil, curb erosion and enrich organic matter, reducing greenhouse gases emitted by food production. Their seeds provide protein-rich meal for bakeries and noodle makers, healthy oils that replace soy, cottonseed and olive oils, natural fibers for livestock feed, furniture and textiles – all while generating less waste.
“Food waste is a problem at both production and consumption levels,” Pek explained. “Our product contains 20% protein, which converts into tofu, helps reduce malnutrition and avoids agricultural waste.”
Maximizing Quality and Efficiency Through Technology
SGP Foods harnesses advanced technologies like blockchain, AI and automation to boost the efficiency and quality of Allied Fibre-derived foods and products. From seed oils to furniture fibers, these plant-based solutions are cost-effective and environmentally sustainable.
“Innovation is driven by data and blockchain technologies that can be enhanced with AI, which automates processes in various ways,” said Pek. “These cutting-edge technologies ensure data integrity, accuracy and value-added insights for success.”
Partnerships to Achieve Progress
No single organization can tackle issues as complex as food security and climate change alone. “We can reduce greenhouse gases, feed growing populations and create circular economies through collaborations across the food system,” Pek emphasized.
She advocates for policies, funding and partnerships that boost technological innovation, attract investments and expand markets. SGP Foods has collaborated with local academic institutions on food and climate research. By engaging with industry changemakers worldwide, the company helps decision-makers enhance organizational performance and resource efficiency.
Monetizing Sustainability Through Carbon Credits
With Singapore’s carbon tax in effect since 2019, SGP Foods helps companies capitalize on emission reductions through carbon credits. “As commercial and industrial activities also contribute to the crisis, businesses and regulators must work together to create a sustainable net-zero economy,” said Pek.
Using software and data technologies, SGP Foods enables real estate, manufacturing, shipping and other sectors to create carbon offset programs, identify efficiency gaps, produce sustainability reports and earn revenue from carbon credits.
For instance, SGP’s carbon project in Mexico involves sustainably farming Allied Fibre crops to generate credits by absorbing carbon. The company’s monitoring systems accurately track carbon accounting, ensuring reliable credit pricing.
“Carbon credits reduce greenhouse gases and incentivize emission cuts,” Pek explained. “Discovering hidden opportunities opens up a new world of possibilities.”
By increasing carbon credit holdings, companies can offset their emissions in alignment with climate agreements like the Paris Accord. SGP Foods helps establish Singapore as a carbon trading hub through technology integration, research, education and decarbonization strategies.
The Road Ahead
Thanks to solutions from sustainability champions like SGP Foods, the future of food looks brighter and greener. “Integrity and trust are essential as we move forward,” said Pek. “Our technology and software enable precise carbon tracking and reporting, resulting in reliable prices.”
She notes SGP Foods is currently developing a carbon trading platform and more sustainable agri-tech innovations that benefit farmers, companies and the planet. With climate-smart agriculture and collaborative action, Singapore and beyond can achieve lasting food security.
