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Who can apply for funding?
The funding is only available to local farms as the ACT Fund is one of the ways SFA encourages our local farms to adopt technology and build up their capabilities.
To apply for funding, you must have a farm in Singapore with a valid farm licence issued by SFA.
New farms that have not obtained their licences must have an in-principle approval from SFA to operate a farm at the premises stated in their farm licence application.
For details on the eligibility requirements, see How to apply for funding.
What is supported by the ACT Fund?
The ACT Fund aims to transform our agri-food sector into one that is highly productive, climate-resilient and resource-efficient by supporting:
- Capability Upgrading
For example, you can get funding for farming equipment and systems for small-scale pilot trials to raise productivity, improve resource efficiency, or reduce pollution and waste. - Technology Upscaling
For example, you can get funding to set up a large commercial-scale high-tech farm that is highly productive and resource-efficient.
What is funded under “Capability Upgrading”?
You can apply for funding for the following under Capability Upgrading for:
Farming equipment and small-scale trials
Funding can be used for farming equipment and systems on SFA’s pre-qualified list to conduct small-scale pilot trials to raise productivity, resource efficiency, and reduce pollution and waste.
The pre-qualified list of equipment and systems ranges from aeration systems to post-harvest equipment.
You can apply more than once provided the equipment funded in each application is different. The funding cannot be used for the repeat purchase of equipment that has been funded before.
Expenses for SG C&G and SG GAP Certification
Funding can be used to defray the costs related to obtaining Singapore Clean & Green Urban Farms (SG C&G) certification or Singapore Good Agricultural Practices (SG GAP), such as the purchase of equipment and certification-related fees. For more details, you can refer to the Application Guidelines for Capability Upgrading.
Farms that are SG C&G or SG GAP certified adopt standards that use resources to produce food efficiently and sustainably.
The funding is a one-off sum of $15,000 for qualifying consultancy fees ($10,000) and certification-related fees ($5,000).
Energy efficiency audit
You can also apply for funding of up to $50,000 for energy efficiency audits under Capability Upgrading.
- One of the key resources farms use is energy. An energy efficiency audit helps farms establish their baseline energy consumption and identify areas for improvement.
- Energy audits should be conducted by NEA-accredited Energy Services Companies (ESCOs). Below is a non-exhaustive list of ESCOs in alphabetical order that provide energy efficiency audit services to farms:
- CBM Solutions Pte Ltd
- Comfort Management Pte Ltd
- C&W Services (S) Pte Ltd
- Data-Talk Energy Consultants Pte Ltd
- EES Consultants Pte Ltd
- ENGIE South East Asia
- Siemens Pte Ltd
- 6-Sigma Automation Pte Ltd
- The National Environment Agency (NEA) maintains the complete list of accredited ESCOs and their contact details.
For more details, see How to apply for funding.
What is funded under “Technology Upscaling”?
You can apply for up to $6 million for farming technology or systems and for farm-related infrastructure costs.
The funds can be used:
- to purchase large commercial-scale, automated and advanced farming technology solutions that will be integrated with agri-input production, post-harvest and waste treatment technologies
- to defray infrastructure and building costs that will be incurred to install the farming system(s) for setting up new farm sites or retrofitting indoor spaces within ready industrial spaces for farming
Cash advancement of up to 20% of the maximum amount funded is available to successful applicants. For more details, see How to apply for funding.
How to apply for funding?
Step 1: Ensure you qualify
To apply under the ACT Fund:
- Your farm must be a local farm with a valid licence from SFA.
- You should have secured a farm site for the implementation of the proposed farming system to be funded.
- Your farm should be free from unauthorised or illegal activities for at least 1 year before the date of application.
- New farms that have not obtained their licences must have an in-principle approval from SFA to operate a farm at the premises stated in their farm licence application.
Step 2: Decide what you would like to apply for
There are two components: Capability Upgrading and Technology Upscaling. Each component has its own requirements, application guidelines and templates.
If you have any questions or need any help deciding which component is suitable for you, contact us at SFA_Incentives@sfa.gov.sg.
Step 3: Download the relevant documents
5-10 minsDetailed information on each component, including the funding requirements, terms and conditions, application deadlines, and supporting documents required can be found in the documents.
| Component | Documents |
|---|---|
| Capability Upgrading – Farming Equipment and Small-Scale Trials | |
| Capability Upgrading – C&G or GAP certification | |
| Capability Upgrading – Energy Efficiency Audit | |
| Technology Upscaling (TU) |
Step 4: Get your CorpPass (if needed)
15-20 minsUse the table below to determine if you need a CorpPass.
| Component | CorpPass Required? |
|---|---|
| Capability Upgrading – Farming Equipment | Yes |
| Capability Upgrading – C&G or GAP certification | No |
| Capability Upgrading – Energy Efficiency Audit | No |
| Technology Upscaling | Yes |
If you do not have a CorpPass account, please refer to the CorpPass Guide for instructions on how to set one up.
Step 5: Prepare your application and submit
VariesFollow the instructions in the Application Guidelines for the component which you are applying for.
Submit your application along with all supporting documents as directed in the Application Guidelines.
All applications, except for Capability Upgrading – C&G/GAP certification and Energy Efficiency Audit, must be submitted through the Business Grants Portal using your CorpPass.
Step 6: SFA reviews your application
12 to 20 weeksAssuming the application is complete, then SFA will take around 12 - 20 weeks to process your application. During this time, SFA may contact you to clarify the information submitted.
Step 7: Accept Letter of Officer
1 monthIf your application is approved, you will receive a Letter of Offer via Business Grants Portal (BGP) or email for Capability Upgrading - C&G/GAP certification and Energy Efficiency Audit.
The LOF will state the conditions of support and the amount of grant awarded.
You must acknowledge receipt and accept the LOF within the timeline indicated in the LOF, otherwise, the application will be considered invalid.
Step 8: Apply for cash advancement (if needed)
4 weeksTo help successful applicants defray the upfront costs, cash advancement of up to 20% of the maximum funded, is available under the TU component.
Download the Guidelines for Cash Advancement for more details. Assuming your application is complete, SFA will take around 4 weeks to process your application.
Background on the ACT Fund
The $60 million ACT Fund was introduced in April 2021 to support local farms in adopting technology and advanced farming systems along the farm-to-fork value chain. The results of projects funded contribute towards a vibrant agri-food ecosystem and our food security.
