Agri-Food & Veterinary Authority of Singapore Annual Report 2011-12

looking after you Agri-Food & Veterinary Authority of Singapore

5 Maxwell Road, #04-00 Tower Block, MND Complex, Singapore 069110 Tel: (65) 6325 7625 Fax: (65) 6220 6068 Web: www.ava.gov.sg

looking after you

Annual Report 2011/2012

Annual Report 2011 - 2012

...so that you can focus on the good things in life Be it bonding over good food with your loved ones, or basking in Nature’s lush beauty with a furry companion, AVA ensures your peace of mind in enjoying life’s pleasures. We work hard behind the scenes to contribute towards your well-being by sustaining the safety of your food and the health of your pets and plants.

contents: 01 02 06 09 10 12 14 22 36 48 56 68 76 86 89 93

Introduction Chairman’s Statement Board of Directors Senior Management Organisational Chart & Key Roles of Departments Calendar of Events Food Supply Resilience Food Safety Animal Health & Welfare Plant Health Agrotechnology Agri-trade Organisational Excellence Performance Indicators Statistics Financial Report

acknowlegements Special thanks to: Coriander Leaf Pte Ltd Farm 85 Trading Forest Adventure Pte Ltd Hawaii Landscape Pte Ltd Rong-Yao Fisheries Pte Ltd The Tessarina Toh Orchids Woon Leng Nursery for the use of their premises for photography

Photography & Design by Artnexus Design Pte Ltd

vision Safe food, healthy animals and plants for Singapore; trusted and respected globally.

mission

Ensure a resilient supply of safe food; Ensure the health & safeguard the welfare of animals; Safeguard the health of plants; Facilitate agri-trade; and Nurture and inspire staff to be the best we can be!

values (ExCITe) Excellence: We strive to be the best in all that we do.

We seek lifelong learning and continuous innovation.

Care: We value and nurture our staff.

We care for the community and the environment.

Integrity: We serve with professionalism.

We treat our customers fairly and honestly.

Teamwork: We trust and respect each other.

We work as a team and partner our stakeholders to achieve our goals.

awards & accolades ISO17025 SAC-SINGLAS ACCREDITATION AWARD Awarded to: Animal Health Laboratory since January 2006, with seven new tests accredited in FY 2011 Plant Health Laboratory since June 2006, with two new tests accredited in FY 2011 Veterinary Public Health Laboratory since 2000, with nine new tests accredited in FY 2011 SINGAPORE QUALITY CLASS STAR PEOPLE DEVELOPER INNOVATION CLASS MINISTRY OF NATIONAL DEVELOPMENT MINISTER’S R&D AWARD (MERIT) for “Vertical Farming” project MINISTRY OF NATIONAL DEVELOPMENT MINISTER’S AWARD (TEAM) for “AVA’s efforts in the face of radiation threats from Japan” project PRESIDENT’S CHALLENGE AWARD MERITORIOUS DEFENCE PARTNER AWARD NTUC 50 MODEL PARTNERSHIP AWARDS (INSTITUTIONAL CATEGORY) DISTINGUISHED HOME TEAM PARTNER AWARD COMMUNITY CHEST SHARE (SOCIAL HELP AND ASSISTANCE RAISED BY EMPLOYEES) AWARD Gold Award

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chairman’s statement

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he past Financial Year (FY) of 2011 (ending 31 March 2012) was a fruitful and fulfilling one for AVA. I would like to congratulate AVA on the many awards and accolades received during the FY. The success would not have been possible without the commitment and dedication from all in AVA and I extend my sincere appreciation to all AVA staff for their hard work.

OUR SIGNIFICANT ACHIEVEMENTS In March 2011, the Fukushima nuclear accident in Japan caught the world by surprise. AVA responded swiftly. We took decisive measures and coordinated with other agencies in a Whole-of-Government approach to check and test food from Japan for radioactive contaminants and issue timely updates and advisories to the public. AVA’s risk management approach ensured minimal disruption to the market whilst not compromising on food safety. For the speed and professionalism it showed in handling the crisis, AVA received the Minister’s Award (Team) from the Ministry of National Development (MND). This award recognises outstanding MND agencies that have made significant team-based contributions to the ministry and nation.

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looking after you | chairman’s statement

AVA’s robust food safety and biosecurity programmes continue to be endorsed as of a “world-class standard” by the International Advisory Committee of Experts (IACE). The IACE conducted its fifth review of AVA in August 2011 and affirmed AVA’s competency as the national authority for food safety and animal health. Moving forward, AVA will continue to pursue excellence in our capabilities, by exploring opportunities for greater partnership with relevant agencies and the industry.

In terms of organisational excellence, AVA’s efforts were awarded with the Singapore Quality Class (SQC) Star during its Business Excellence (BE) Renewal Exercise. This marks a significant progress over its previous SQC rating. In addition, AVA received renewed certifications for promoting Business Excellence, People Development and Innovation. These are praiseworthy accomplishments, and I look forward to seeing AVA reach even greater heights in its continuous journey towards organisational excellence.

chairman’s statement

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Growing Emphasis on Organisational and Service Excellence To ensure that the organisation stays nimble in its response to changes and challenges ahead, AVA has embarked on various new initiatives to streamline processes, better manage and coordinate customer responses, as well as promote a collaborative and innovative culture of teamwork and excellence. These will continue to make AVA a dynamic workplace for staff, as well as an efficient and effective agency for our customers and Singapore.

AVA’s interdisciplinary team received the MND Minister’s (Team) Award 2011 for its performance in handling the radiation threat from Japan.

These endeavours have borne fruit. In FY 2011, AVA won the Minister’s R&D Merit Award for the Vertical Farming System, a novel crop-growing technique developed in collaboration with the industry to overcome the limitations of local land scarcity.

I am also pleased to note that we are delivering our services more innovatively, such as through electronic platforms that provide greater convenience to customers. For example, the registration of food storage warehouses can now be completed online, and the renewal and registration of dog licences can be paid for via self-service AXS stations.

KEEPING UP WITH THE CHANGING ENVIRONMENT

Reviewing Regulations and Improving Policies There is also room for our regulations and policies to be reviewed and improved by doing things differently. I am heartened by AVA’s commitment to create pro-business changes.

During this journey, the external environment around us constantly changes and many challenges await us. These include increasing expectations from our citizens and industry to be consulted and engaged when the government is formulating, reviewing, and implementing policies and regulations. As a public agency serving Singapore and its people, AVA is paying close heed to these calls.

In FY 2011, AVA won four Quarterly Pro-Enterprise Idea Awards from the Pro-Enterprise Panel (PEP), which assesses government agencies’ suggestions to make changes in rules and processes that benefit businesses by reducing compliance cost. Of these four, one also garnered the overall Annual Best Pro-Enterprise Idea Award (Bronze) for the proposed

(5th from left to right:) Ms Tan Poh Hong, CEO of AVA receives the Minister for National Development’s R&D Award from Minister of State for National Development and Manpower, Mr Tan Chuan-Jin

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chairman’s statement

system that automatically approves certain meat products from selected countries for import into Singapore. This new system benefits more than half of all importers in Singapore, who can save a considerable amount of time and money, and also allows AVA to reallocate its resources more effectively to focus on more value-added services.

Beyond this, AVA has recently established a Smart Regulation framework for the central coordination of the review of rules and regulations in AVA. The framework is expected to help AVA create a regulatory environment that is customer friendlier, as well as introduce policies that are more transparent and less costly, so as to bring added advantages to our stakeholders. The result will be lower regulatory overheads, thus allowing AVA to devote more effort on bringing greater value to the public.

Listening, Engaging, and Collaborating More with Stakeholders AVA will increasingly be more proactive in seeking feedback from stakeholders and in co-creating pro-business solutions with them. Apart from holding regular dialogues with industry partners, AVA also continued to collaborate with them via a number of AVA-industry joint taskforces and working groups to tackle specific issues.

For example, ongoing efforts – by the taskforces formed between AVA and Singapore Food Manufacturers’ Association and Singapore Manufacturers’ Federation – include facilitating the export of locally manufactured food and educating consumers on food safety. The taskforces also reviewed the fee structure for laboratory testing of fishery products to be exported to the EU, thus trimming costs for businesses.

To increase public engagement, AVA has also been listening to the diverse views voiced in the social media community. The official AVA Facebook page was set up in FY 2011 and is now an active and vibrant forum where AVA connects with the public.

STRATEGIES TO NAVIGATE THE FUTURE All the above contribute to AVA’s mission to ensure food safety, animal health and welfare, as well as plant health for Singapore. This mission is imperative to the well-being of our nation, not just today, but also in the future. To navigate the future, AVA has formulated policies and undertaken some key strategic initiatives that would serve to advance AVA’s missions.

Securing a Supply of Safe Food for the Long Term Against a global backdrop of rising food prices and shortages caused by natural disasters, the issue of food security is especially critical to a nation whose food supply is chiefly sustained by imports. Thus, AVA has formulated a food security roadmap for Singapore which took into consideration consultations with the industry and other government agencies. In this coming year, AVA will take a whole-ofgovernment approach to create integrated solutions that address short-term and long-term challenges, as well as potential risks of disruption to food supply as set out in the food security roadmap.

Many consumers have been introduced to the merits of local produce through AVA’s various outreach events, such as this: A cooking station set up at an NTUC FairPrice outlet to demonstrate ways to prepare locally spawned and harvested pompanos.

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looking after you | chairman’s statement

chairman’s statement AVA will intensify efforts to diversify Singapore’s food sources.

With the second tranche of the Food Fund, AVA will co-fund feasibility studies on investments in overseas food zones, overseas contract farming, and sourcing from non-traditional or existing sources that are not currently major exporters to Singapore.

Besides financial support, AVA also played a significant role in linking industry partners with overseas suppliers during overseas trade missions to countries including Brazil in FY 2011. In addition, the development of the Disease-Free Zone in the Jilin city of China, in collaboration with the Chinese authorities, is progressing well with the aim to eventually add an alternative source of safe food for Singapore.

While food diversification is important, local production continues to complement Singapore’s food supply resilience strategies, as it cushions us against abrupt disruptions.

Given space constraints, this can only be achieved through better farmland management; capability and infrastructure upgrading; development of new technologies via R&D; as well as competency training. Therefore, in addition to the Food Fund, AVA works closely with local farms on the research and development of hi-tech farming methods that can help to increase yield.

For example, AVA’s recent collaboration with local fish farm, Rong-Yao Fisheries Pte Ltd, saw the successful spawning of pompanos (golden promfrets) on a commercial scale in tropical waters for the first time. With the added local supply, the availability of pompanos would be less restricted by the seasonal harvests from overseas.

To complement the efforts to increase productivity, local farms also need the support of consumers. I am sure many grocery shoppers have been introduced to the merits of local produce through AVA’s various outreach events. Through collaborations with retailers and chefs, these events have raised consumer awareness on the new source of pompanos from our own farms, as well as on AVA’s Singapore Quality Egg Scheme, a voluntary quality assurance scheme for local egg farms.

AVA

Strengthening Food Safety and Biosecurity Defences AVA’s response to food safety crises such as the Fukushima nuclear accident is a hallmark of AVA’s responsiveness and competency. In another case of note, AVA conducted a timely recall and suspension of Taiwan-manufactured beverages after phthalate plasticisers were tested in the products. AVA took a holistic approach in monitoring and managing the situation, extending tests on associated food products, and issuing public advisories to keep consumers updated. In staying diligent to ensure the continued safety of our food supply, AVA has to seek to further build synergies through increased coordination and collaboration, and continue to develop new testing capabilities.

AVA also remained vigilant in ensuring Singapore’s freedom from important animal and plant diseases. Through operationreadiness exercises such as Exercise Gallus in March 2012, AVA successfully tested our emergency preparedness and responsiveness in the event of an outbreak of bird flu. The test showed that our all our contingency processes continue to be effective.

Becoming the First Responder for Animal Issues In FY 2011, AVA was appointed as the first agency to pilot the First Responder Protocol on Animal Related Feedback.

Under the new protocol, AVA is tasked to handle all animalrelated feedback, coordinate inter-agency inputs as required, and close the loop with an effective response to members of the public. This new role is just one of the several challenges that AVA is set to overcome. I have full confidence that AVA has positioned itself well to tackle them and work towards its vision of “Safe food, healthy animals and plants for Singapore; trusted and respected globally”.

IN APPRECIATION I would like to express my heartfelt thanks to retired AVA Board members – Mr Frankie Chia, Dr Lee Tung Jean, Mr Huang Hong Peng, and Prof K Satkunanantham – for their many significant contributions to AVA during their years of service.

At the same time, I would also like to welcome Mr Tan Kok Yam, Mr Eugene Wong, and Mr Felix Soh, all of whom will become members of the AVA Board starting 1 April 2012.

Finally, my thanks once again to the leadership and staff of AVA, for your dedication and professionalism in serving Singapore. I wish you another successful year ahead.

AVA’s robust food safety and biosecurity programmes continue to be endorsed as of a “world-class standard” by the International Advisory Committee of Experts (IACE). IACE members were impressed with AVA’s laboratory testing and analysis capabilities, after a briefing at AVA’s Veterinary Public Health Laboratories.

Koh Soo Keong Chairman

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board of directors

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[1] CHAIRMAN MR KOH SOO KEONG xx Managing Director, EcoSave Pte Ltd xx Executive Director, KS Energy Ltd xx Director, Noel Gifts International Ltd xx Director, Zerust Singapore Pte Ltd xx Director, ECS Holdings Ltd xx Director, Northern Technologies International Corporation xx Director, ABL Asia Pte Ltd xx Chairman, Ascendas Funds Management (S) Ltd [2] PROF ZHOU WEIBIAO xx Director, Food Science and Technology Programme, Department of Chemistry, National University of Singapore (NUS) xx Council Member, Singapore Institute of Food Science and Technology xx Member, Nominations Advisory Committee, International Union of Food Science and Technology xx Member, Food Standards Committee, SPRING Singapore xx Member-at-large, Executive Committee, International Society of Food Engineering [3] MS TAN POH HONG xx Chief Executive Officer, Agri-Food and Veterinary Authority xx Board Member, Singapore Corporation of Rehabilitative Enterprise (SCORE) xx Director, AgriFood Technologies Pte Ltd xx Member, Liquors Licensing Board xx Member, National Biosafety Committee

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looking after you | board of directors

[4] MR PETER CHIA xx Chief Operating Officer, Temasek Life Sciences Laboratory Ltd xx Chief Executive Officer, Temasek Life Sciences Ventures Pte Ltd xx Director, Bioforest Pte Ltd xx Director, EPIC Bio Pte Ltd xx Director, JOil (S) Pte Ltd xx Director, Tridel Biosciences International Pte Ltd xx Director, UBC Biologicals Pte Ltd (till Aug 2011) [5] DR AZLINDA ANWAR xx Scientist, Duke-NUS Graduate Medical School xx District Councillor, South West CDC 5th Council xx Member, Hong Kah North PCF Executive Committee [6] MRS LEE AI MING xx Senior Partner, Rodyk & Davidson LLP xx Independent Director, Keppel Land Ltd xx Independent Director, K-Reit Ltd xx Independent Director, HTL Holdings Ltd xx Member, Singapore Copyright Tribunal xx Member, Steering Committee for IP Competency Framework

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[7] MR YEO GUAT KWANG xx Director, Workplace Safety & Health and All Nationalities, NTUC xx President, Consumers Association of Singapore xx Executive Secretary, Amalgamated Union of Statutory Board Employees [8] COL (DR) KANG WEE LEE xx Chief of Medical Corps, Singapore Armed Forces [9] MR TEO ENG CHEONG xx Chief Executive Officer, International Enterprise (IE) Singapore xx Chairman, IE Singapore Holdings Pte Ltd xx Independent Director, Ascendas Funds Management (S) Ltd xx Board Member, Council for Private Education xx Member, Air Traffic Rights Committee xx Board of Director, ASEAN Infrastructure Fund Ltd

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[10] MR FRANKIE CHIA (till 31 Mar 2012) xx Managing Partner, BDO LLP xx Chairman, Public Accounting Practice Committee of Certified Public Accountants of Singapore (ICPAS) xx Council Member, Institute of ICPAS xx Member, Disciplinary Committee of ICPAS xx Member of Education Sub-Comm. of the Financial Reporting Committee of ICPAS xx Panel Member, Strata Board Title [11] DR LEE TUNG JEAN (till 31 Mar 2012) xx Director, Energy Division, Ministry of Trade and Industry [12] MR HUANG HONG PENG (till 31 Mar 2012) xx Deputy Chief Executive Officer (Food & Beverage), Fraser & Neave Ltd xx Director of Fraser & Neave Holdings Berhad Group xx Director of China Dairy Group xx Alternate director of Asia Pacific Breweries Ltd xx Director of South Pacific Brewery Ltd xx Director of Myanmar Brewery Ltd

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board of directors [13]

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[13] PROF SATKUNANANTHAM S/O KANDIAH (till 31 Mar 2012) xx Director of Medical Services, Ministry of Health xx Chairman, Specialist Accreditation Board xx Registrar, Singapore Medical Council xx Professor, Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, NUS xx Board Member, Duke-NUS Graduate Medical School xx Director, MOH Holdings Pte Ltd xx Member, Bioethics Advisory Committee xx Board Member, National Research Foundation (till 30 Jun 2011) xx Board Member, National Environment Agency (till 31 Mar 2012) [14] MR TAN KOK YAM (w.e.f 1 Apr 2012) xx Director Manpower, Ministry of Defence xx Director, Singapore Technology Engineering-Electronics (e-Services) Pte Ltd xx General Secretary, SAF Reservist Association xx Vice President, NS Resort & Country Club [15] MR FELIX SOH (w.e.f 1 Apr 2012) xx Digital Media Editor, Singapore Press Holdings Ltd xx Consulting Editor, My Paper

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[16] MR WONG HIN SUN EUGENE (w.e.f 1 Apr 2012) xx Founder and Managing Director, Sirius Venture Capital Pte Ltd xx Chairman, Singapore Venture Capital Association xx Chairman, CrimsonLogic Pte Ltd xx Director, Sirius SME Growth Partners I Ltd xx Director, Sirius Growth Partners I Pte Ltd xx Director, Sirius Capital Management Pte Ltd xx Independent Director, Q & M Dental Group (Singapore) Ltd xx Non Executive Director, Ajisen (China) Holdings Ltd xx Non Executive Director, Grand Team Technologies Ltd xx Non Executive Director, Japan Food Holdings Ltd xx Non Executive Director, Jason Marine Ltd xx Non Executive Director, IE Singapore Board xx Non Executive Director, Sirius Angel Fund Pte Ltd xx Non Executive Director, Sirius Management Services Pte Ltd xx Non Executive Director, Sirius Growth Capital Pte Ltd xx Non Executive Director, Sirius Investment Inc xx Non Executive Director, Paradise Group Holdings

looking after you | board of directors | senior management

senior management

MS TAN POH HONG xx Chief Executive Officer

DR CHEW SIANG THAI xx Director-General for Agri-Food & Veterinary Services xx Deputy Chief Executive Officer (Regulatory Programmes & Operations Group)

AVA

MR LEE KWONG WENG xx Deputy Chief Executive Officer (Corporate & Technology Group)

Department Directors

DR PHILIP CHEW HONG xx Technology & Industry Development

DR CHOO LI NAH xx Communications & Corporate Relations

DR PAUL CHIEW xx Laboratories

MS JOYCE NG xx Corporate Resource Management

MS SEAH HUAY LENG xx Food Establishment Regulation

DR WONG HON MUN xx Agri Establishment Regulation

DR TAN LEE KIM, KIM xx Planning & Organisational Excellence

DR YAP HIM HOO xx Regulatory Administration

MRS TAN-LOW LAI KIM xx Food Supply Resilience

DR ASTRID YEO xx Quarantine & Inspection

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organisational chart & key roles of departments

Chief Executive

Corporate & Technology Group

Planning & Organisational Excellence Department

Corporate Resource Management Department

• Horizon scanning

• Financial management and procurement

• Strategic planning and policy • Emergency planning • Corporate statistics • Organisational Excellence

• Human resource management • Information communication technology management • Corporate administration and facilities management • Legal services

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Communications & Corporate Relations Department

• Media relations • Corporate publications

Technology & Industry Development Department

• Technology development and transfer -- Horticulture

• Community outreach -- Food safety and supply -- Responsible pet ownership • Customer relations

-- Aquaculture -- Post harvest • R&D planning • Technical assistance and services

• International relations

looking after you | organisational chart & key roles of departments

Food Supply Resilience Department

• Food supply policy and planning -- Source diversification -- Local production • Agricultural land management • Fishery ports management

organisational chart & key roles of departments

AVA

Officer

Regulatory Programmes & Operations Group

Regulatory Administration Department

• Policy, legislation and programme review • Risk assessment -- Food safety -- Animal health -- Plant health • Food source accreditation • Enforcement of legislations

Quarantine & Inspection Department

• Import control -- Food -- Animals -- Plants

Food Establishment Regulation Department

• Local food establishments regulation -- Food factories -- Slaughterhouses

• Quarantine services

• Food factories grading

• Export facilitation

• Technical assistance and services

Agri Establishment Regulation Department

• Local farms regulation • Animal welfare • Animal management

Laboratories Department

• Testing and diagnostic services -- Food safety -- Animal health -- Plant health • R&D of new test methodology

• Export facilitation

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calendar of events

April 2011

The Food (Amendment) Regulations 2011 came into operation on 15 April 2011, with revised and new requirements in areas relating to food additives, food labelling, import permit declaration, specific limits for cadmium, as well as standards for food containing certain ingredients, and special purpose foods containing phytosterols, phytostanols, and their esters.

May 2011

On 24-25 May 2011, Singapore attended the 6th Steering Committee Meeting of the ASEAN-Asian Vegetable Research and Development Centre Regional Network on Vegetable Research and Development (AARNET) in Brunei Darussalam.

July 2011

On 1 July 2011, AVA began allowing travellers to import ornamental fishes for personal use via parcel posts, without subjecting them to requirements imposed for commercial imports.

AVA visited Brazil from 7 to 15 July 2011 to gain a better understanding of Brazil’s poultry and pork industries, as well as to explore avenues to diversify Singapore’s sources of table eggs.

The new AVA Quality Assurance Scheme (AQUAS) opened for application in July 2011, after five rounds of consultative sessions with the ornamental fish industry.

AVA, together with Intellectual Property Office of Singapore, attended the 4th East Asia Plant Variety Protection Forum Meeting on 24-26 May 2011, in Makassar, Indonesia.

AVA’s annual Food Safety Awards Night was held on 22 July 2011. The Guest-of-Honour, Minister of State for Trade and Industry & National Development, Mr Lee Yi Shyan graced the event, and presented one Gold and 10 Bronze awards to winners.

AVA supported the 12th Aquarama, which was opened by Dr Mohamad Maliki Bin Osman, Senior Parliamentary Secretary for National Development & Defence on 26 May 2011. It attracted the participation of more than 120 companies and agencies from 23 countries. AVA set up a booth to showcase our achievements and recent developments.

August 2011

June 2011

To increase consumer awareness of the Singapore Quality Egg (SQES) logo, AVA collaborated with local egg farms and NTUC FairPrice to organise “The Amazing Egg Trace” event on 21 June 2011. Point-of-Sale materials were installed in the supermarkets to provide information on the SQES, and the freshness of local eggs.

AVA’s R&D project on Vegetable Vertical Farming (VF), which was a collaboration between AVA and the private sector, won the Merit Award under the Minister for National Development’s R&D Award. The Award was presented by the Minister of State for National Development and Manpower, Mr Tan Chuan-Jin, at the inaugural Urban Sustainability R&D Congress on 27-28 June 2011. AVA put up a booth at the Congress to showcase the award-winning VF project.

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looking after you | calendar of events

AVA launched the second tranche of the Food Fund on 1 August 2011. Another $10 million was committed to the second tranche, with new categories such as R&D Challenge Call and R&D Open Call being introduced.

The International Advisory Committee of Experts concluded its review of AVA’s food safety and biosecurity programmes on 25 August 2011, and found them to be of world class standard.

September 2011

In September 2011, Agrifood Technologies Pte Ltd, a subsidiary of AVA, signed a Memorandum of Understanding with Jilin Food Zone Development Co Ltd, to develop a robust food safety and regulatory system in the Sino-Singapore Jilin Food Zone.

calendar of events October 2011

On 6-7 October 2011, Dr Mohamad Maliki Osman, Senior Parliamentary Secretary for Defence and National Development, accompanied by AVA CEO, led a five-member delegation to attend the 33rd Meeting of the AMAF and 11th Meeting of the AMAF+3 held in Jakarta, Indonesia. The delegations also attended the 1st ASEAN-India Ministerial Meeting on Agriculture and Forestry, which was held on 8 October 2011 in Jakarta, Indonesia.

AVA

December 2011

To promote locally produced pompanos and other fishes to consumers, AVA worked with NTUC FairPrice to set up cooking stations in selected supermarkets in December 2011, where chefs demonstrated ways to cook pompanos.

January 2012

On 14 October 2011, the revised veterinary conditions for the import of sheep and goats to be used for slaughter at premises other than a licensed slaughterhouse came into effect.

AVA was awarded the Singapore Quality Class (SQC) Star by SPRING Singapore. Our certifications for the People Developer and the Innovation Class were also successfully renewed in January 2012 with improved scores.

On 29 October 2011, AVA successfully bred pompano on a commercially viable scale at Rong-Yao Fisheries Pte Ltd in Singapore.

February 2012

By end-October 2011, payment options for all AVA services were made available at more than 790 AXS stations island-wide.

On 27-29 February 2012, AVA hosted a benchmarking study visit for four officers from the Ministry Of Marine Affairs And Fisheries Of Indonesia.

AVA introduced e-GIRO statements in October 2011 to provide our customers with the option of receiving their monthly GIRO statements electronically.

March 2012

November 2011

The registration of food storage warehouses commenced on 1 November 2011. The objective is to help enhance food traceability and enable AVA to promptly notify warehouses should there be a need for immediate recall of affected products in the event of a major food crisis.

On 11 November 2011, AVA received the overall Annual Best Pro-Enterprise Idea Award (Bronze) for introducing automatic approval for the import of meat and meat products from selected countries into Singapore.

On 1 March 2012, AVA was appointed as the agency to pilot the First Responder Protocol on Animal Related Feedback. As a first responder, AVA will analyse and coordinate the efforts of relevant agencies to address public feedback on animal issues.

On 22 March 2012, AVA successfully conducted “Exercise Gallus VI”, the sixth operational exercise to test our emergency preparedness in responding to an outbreak of bird flu.

The first AVA Ambassador Day was held on 24 March 2012 to recognise the efforts of AVA’s Food Safety Student Ambassadors and RPO Ambassadors.

A local egg promotion was held in March 2012 in collaboration with Cold Storage and the three local egg farms.

The annual Responsible Pet Ownership (RPO) Roadshow was held at the Singapore Expo on 12-13 November 2011, with Mr Tan Chuan Jin, Minister of State for National Development as the Guest-of-Honour. The RPO Roadshow was supported by AVA’s RPO Partners and included activities and seminars that attracted more than 5,000 people.

AVA annual report 2011 / 2012

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AVA

DISP I N FO

looking after you & the abundance of food we enjoy

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Food Supply Resilience

Food Safety

Animal Health & Welfare

Plant Health

Agrotechnology

Agri-trade

2011 / 2012 Organisational Excellence

Just as a mother has the best interests for her child, AVA also has your well-being at heart. We ensure resilience in Singapore’s food supply, so that you can enjoy an abundance of safe food, always.

food supply resilience Enhancing Resilience in Singapore’s Food Supply

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o ensure a resilient supply of safe food for Singapore, AVA has in place strategies and programmes to maintain an adequate and stable supply of food, while mitigating food safety risks. AVA adopts a diversification strategy to facilitate a steady flow of a wide variety of safe food at stable prices into Singapore. While diversifying our overseas food supply, we also seek to enhance the productivity of local farms through R&D and capability development. Additionally, AVA continues to educate consumers on the use of liquid eggs, egg powder, and frozen meat as viable alternatives to shell eggs and chilled meat. To complement the efforts of local farms in increasing productivity, we also encourage consumers to choose local produce and support our farmers.

SOURCE DIVERSIFICATION Singapore imports more than 90 percent of her food. To enhance supply resilience, AVA partners the private sector in food sourcing and facilitates the development of potential overseas sources. By buying from many sources, Singapore is better buffered against potential food shortages and price volatility.

AVA continued to engage key stakeholders to enhance source diversification. Meeting were held with four major supermarket retailers between November 2011 and March 2012. Issues on food supply challenges, potential new sources, consumer trends, and the plans in place to mitigate any supply disruption were discussed.

Food Sourcing Missions AVA adopts a targeted approach to scout for new sources of safe and quality food for Singapore. As part of Singapore’s food diversification strategy, study visits and mission trips were made to explore new sources and strengthen existing trading ties.

AVA visited Brazil from 7 to 15 July 2011 to gain a better understanding of Brazil’s poultry and pork industries, as well as to explore avenues to diversify Singapore’s sources of table eggs.

Brazil is one of Singapore’s sources for beef, chicken, fruits, pork, and sugar. This sourcing mission underscored Singapore’s continued interest in Brazil as a food supply source, especially for pork and poultry products, in the face of increasing international demand.

Through this study trip, AVA gained good insights into Brazil’s export capabilities for meat and meat products, its slaughterhouses’ ability to maintain high food safety and quality assurance standards, as well as Brazil’s regionalisation plans for freedom of key animal diseases and supporting contingency plans.

AVA maintains an adequate and stable supply of safe food for Singapore.

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looking after you | food supply resilience

Brazil also expressed interest to export Brazil’s table eggs to Singapore, which are currently not available here. AVA has begun working with Brazil’s Ministry of Agriculture, Livestock and Food Supply on the import of Brazilian eggs to Singapore.

AVA’s Chief Executive Officer (CEO), Ms Tan Poh Hong, and AVA officers visited Brazil from 7 to 15 July 2011 to gain a better understanding of Brazil’s poultry and pork industries, as well as to explore avenues to diversify Singapore’s sources of table eggs.

AVA and a private sector representative attended the “Chinese High Quality Fruits Promotion Fair” from 21 to 24 October 2011 in Nanning, China. The fair aimed to promote the development of fruit trade between China and ASEAN countries. Four regions in China – Guangxi autonomous region, Jiangxi, Shanxi and Shaanxi provinces – were featured in this fair. Useful information obtained during the trip was shared with industry members upon return.

To facilitate bilateral trade and cooperation, the SingaporeIndonesia Agri-business Working Group (AWG), formed in June 2010, aims to increase the export of Indonesian fruits, vegetables, and fish to Singapore.

In FY 2011, two AWG meetings were held to discuss the progress made since 2010, as well as future work plans for 2012 on information exchange, capacity building, business matching, and food fairs that strengthen bilateral trade and cooperation.

Promoting supply from Indonesia AVA continued to work closely with relevant stakeholders to facilitate the supply of vegetables from Indonesia. Efforts were made to explore new sources and strengthen bilateral trade and cooperation.

In FY 2011, two Agri-business Working Group meetings were held with the aim to facilitate the supply of vegetables from Indonesia to Singapore.

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AVA FOOD FUND Besides diversifying our overseas food sources to ensure our food supply resilience, AVA also promotes local food production to minimise the impact of supply disruptions.

In December 2009, AVA introduced the Food Fund to support food diversification efforts and local farm capability development to enhance productivity.

A total of $10 million was committed to the first tranche of the Food Fund. Since then, $6 million has been awarded to 15 projects. Of these, two projects on food diversification and one project on farm capability have been completed. The food diversification projects yielded good insights into the potential of Vietnam and Cambodia for contract farming of fish and rice, respectively. A local fish farm made use of the Food Fund to successfully install a water quality monitoring system to minimise mortality rate due to poor oxygen levels in the water.

The new Challenge Call category is designed for projects such as achieving consistent fish fry production for commonly farmed food-fish species, such as trevallies, pompanos, tilapias, snappers, and mullets that are affordable by consumers.

To boost local farm capability development, three new subcategories were created to meet the varying needs of different farms: 1. Basic Farm Capability Purchase of basic equipment (e.g. automatic feeders, generators, workboats).

2. Advance Farm Capability Purchase of advance equipment, machinery and farming systems (e.g. irrigation systems, cold chain facilities).

3. Technical Boosters Trial usage of seeds or fish fry that are from new sources, or of better quality.

AVA and participants from the industry engage in a lively discussion on the Food Fund during a briefing/consultation session.

Second Tranche of Food Fund Another $10 million was committed to the second tranche of the Food Fund on 1 August 2011. The second tranche of the Food Fund was accompanied by several changes. A R&D Challenge Call was introduced to tackle specific challenges in poultry waste management and consistent production of quality fry for commonly farmed fish species. Other R&D projects involving egg, fish, and vegetable production are considered under the Open Call category.

To effectively communicate the details to the industry, and help the industry tap on the Food Fund, AVA held two briefing sessions in August 2011 for interested applicants.

FACILITATING FOOD IMPORTS AVA adopts a risk-based approach in managing the delicate balance between ensuring a stable supply of safe food on one hand, while mitigating food safety risks on the other. This enables us to facilitate food imports without comprising food safety.

Establishment of Disease-Free-Zone On 21 May 2010, AVA signed an agreement with the Jilin government to establish and maintain a Foot and Mouth Disease-Free-Zone (DFZ) in Yongji County within the Jilin Province of China. The establishment of DFZs is part of AVA’s regionalisation approach, to allow imports from DFZs within infected countries, subject to meeting AVA’s conditions for the establishment of stringent control disease and surveillance programmes.

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The establishment of the DFZ and development of the integrated pig farm project are progressing well in collaboration with the Chinese authorities.

With the establishment of this DFZ, Jilin will become a source of pork for Singapore. The DFZ supports Singapore’s commercial companies’ joint venture to develop an integrated pig farm to supply pork to Singapore. AVA and Jilin City have formed a working group to provide technical advice, as well as to monitor and review the progress of the DFZ development. The establishment of the DFZ and development of the integrated pig farm project are progressing well in collaboration with the Chinese authorities.

Import Risk Assessments Through sound risk management, AVA has enabled food to be brought in from diverse sources. In FY 2011, AVA carried out risk assessments on the following in support of AVA’s food supply resilience and diversification efforts: • Notifiable Avian Influenza in imported frozen wild game meat from the United Kingdom (UK).

• Bovine Spongiform Encephalopathy (BSE) in imported farmed and wild deer from the UK. • BSE in imported bone-in veal from the Netherlands and Canada.

• BSE in imported bone-in beef from the United States (US).

STAYING ALERT AGAINST EMERGING THREATS & ISSUES AVA’s horizon scanning function scans and analyses the global food supply situation on a regular basis to help AVA anticipate threats that could impact our food supply.

Emphasis is placed on global food supply and price changes, possible production limitations (such as disease, abrupt weather events, and depleting resources), and other external developments. Key factors that drive global food supply and demand are analysed to assess their impact on Singapore’s food supply situation. This process is complemented with feedback from the industry.

In addition, we identify and monitor global food supply and demand trends that would unfold in the longer term. We feed these global perspectives into AVA’s strategic planning, so as to enhance AVA’s preparedness and awareness of potential future challenges as we develop our programmes and policies.

As a result, bone-in veal from the Netherlands, Canada, and US were allowed into Singapore in FY 2011, following AVA’s assessment that the risk of BSE in these products are negligible.

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At the Singapore Food Expo in May 2011, AVA conducted cooking demonstrations to educate the public on the uses of frozen meat, liquid egg, and egg powder.

RAISING CONSUMER AWARENESS OF ALTERNATIVE FOOD PRODUCTS AND LOCAL PRODUCE Singapore has limited sources for chilled meat and shell eggs.

To enhance food supply resilience, AVA continued to educate consumers on food alternatives. During the FY, efforts were made to raise the awareness on the use of egg powder and liquid egg as an alternative to shell eggs. AVA also continued our public education programme on frozen meat to encourage consumers to take to this value-for-money alternative. In addition, we intensified our public education on local produce by highlighting these foods’ quality and freshness.

Alternative Food Products AVA continued to educate the public on the uses of frozen meat, liquid egg, and egg powder through collaboration with the People’s Association (PA). Under PA’s Singapore Culinary Journey Programme, AVA organised a cooking demonstration

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session to train culinary trainers from PA on the proper handling methods for frozen meat, liquid egg, and egg powder.

Subsequently from August 2011 to March 2012, these PA trainers conducted a total of 47 classes at various community centres to approximately 1,000 residents.

In addition, AVA also participated in various events to spread our public education messages on these food alternatives.

These include participation in the Singapore Food Expo in May 2011 and Asia Food Expo in November 2011, where 56 sessions of cooking demonstrations were conducted using frozen meat, liquid egg, and egg powder, and liquid egg sample packs were distributed to visitors during the demonstrations.

The two events reached out to more than 20,000 people. AVA also participated in community events, such as the Rivervale Community Centre’s Open House to conduct cooking demonstrations for the residents.

Local Produce Besides helping our farms to increase their productivity, our support to local farms also includes encouraging consumers to buy local produce by raising public awareness of their quality and freshness.

To increase consumer awareness of AVA’s Singapore Quality Egg Scheme (SQES), we worked with NTUC FairPrice to put up Point-of-Sale materials in the supermarkets to provide information on the SQES, and drive home the message that local eggs are the freshest consumers can find in markets here.

Local Eggs and the Singapore Quality Egg Scheme The quality of eggs produced by local chicken layer farms is assured under AVA’s Singapore Quality Egg Scheme (SQES).

All three local chicken layer farms are currently registered under this Scheme, which requires them to ensure that their facilities are hygienic and quality control monitoring systems are well maintained at all times. The eggs produced undergo monthly inspection and freshness tests by AVA to verify their quality. The date of production and farm code are also stamped on every egg to ensure traceability.

Local Fish In collaboration with Rong-Yao Fisheries Pte Ltd, AVA has for the first time successfully bred pompano in tropical waters on a commercially viable scale in Singapore. To promote locally produced pompanos and other fishes to consumers, the “SG Fish” brand was launched in December 2011. At the same time, AVA worked with NTUC FairPrice to set up cooking stations in selected supermarkets, where chefs demonstrated ways to cook pompanos.

To increase consumer awareness of the SQES logo, AVA collaborated with local egg farms and NTUC FairPrice to organise “The Amazing Egg Trace” event on 21 June 2011.

Through it, reporters were given the opportunity to track the time taken for local eggs to reach our retail shelves from the moment they are laid. Point-of-Sale materials were installed in the supermarkets to provide information on the SQES, and drive home the message that local eggs are the freshest consumers can find in markets here.

Another local egg promotion was held in March 2012 in collaboration with Cold Storage and the three local egg farms.

Besides putting up Point-of-Sale materials on SQES and local eggs at Cold Storage supermarkets, free egg rings were given to buyers of local eggs, and SQES brochures were distributed to consumers. A cooking demonstration using local eggs also took place at the Cold Storage Guthrie House outlet.

Media advertisements educating the public on the SQES and encouraging consumers to choose local eggs complemented the promotional event.

To promote locally produced pompanos and other fishes to consumers, the “SG Fish” brand was launched in December 2011.

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2011 / 2012 Organisational Excellence

Have peace of mind while you savour the mix of flavours, friendship, and culinary fun. You can count on AVA to ensure that food is safe and wholesome for you and your friends.

food safety Keeping Food Safe for Consumption

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ingapore imports more than 90 percent of the food it consumes. To ensure all locally produced and imported food products are safe for consumption, AVA adopts a science-based risk analysis approach that is based on international standards. AVA sets and enforces food safety standards for all food entering the Singapore market, from production to just before retail. As food safety is a shared responsibility, AVA also engages the industry and public to do their part in keeping food safe for consumption.

To safeguard public health, AVA has in place high food safety standards, and robust monitoring and inspection programmes to ensure that these standards are maintained. We closely monitor each stage of the food production chain – from the conditions at farms, slaughterhouses, and food processing establishments (both local and overseas), to testing of food samples at the point of import or at local establishments.

Only those that pass our stringent tests and inspections are permitted for sale and consumption.

REGULATING FOOD IMPORTS Accreditation of Sources Product and Country Approval Within the FY, AVA approved the import of new products, namely, meat, processed meat, and processed egg products from four countries to Singapore. The approval process was based on the assessment of the exporting countries’ veterinary services, legislation, animal disease status and control measures, national residue and microbiological monitoring programmes, as well as the regulatory system for the production of the export products to Singapore.

As at March 2012, 36 countries were approved by AVA to export meat, processed meat, processed egg, canned meat, and table hen eggs to Singapore.

Meat and Egg Processing Establishments In the FY, AVA conducted inspection visits to Malaysia, Ireland, France, China, and Thailand to accredit their establishments for the export of meat, processed meat and processed egg products to Singapore. During the FY, AVA accredited 147 new establishments from 14 new and existing AVA approved countries for the export of such products to Singapore. These included frozen pork, chicken, and beef, as well as processed chicken and pork, and liquid and dried egg products.

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AVA lifted the suspension on import of deboned beef from Ireland after conducting an evaluation and inspection visit.

Poultry and Pig Farms By the end of the FY, AVA accredited 231 overseas poultry and pig farms for the export of live poultry, shell eggs, and pigs to Singapore. The accredited farms comprised 127 chicken broiler farms and 56 duck broiler farms from Malaysia; a pig farm from Indonesia; and 46 layer farms from seven countries.

Suspension and Resumption of Supply Sources AVA suspends food sources that pose significant hazards, and reinstates them after they have rectified the hazards. In FY 2011, a total of 34 overseas poultry farms were suspended for failing to meet our food safety standards. Reasons for suspension included the detection of Salmonella Enteritidis (SE) and drug residues, as well as major non-compliance with export conditions.

During the FY, AVA lifted the suspension on imports of chilled/ frozen beef and processed beef products from Denmark to Singapore following OIE’s official recognition of its “negligible risk” status for Bovine Spongiform Encephalopathy (BSE). AVA also lifted the suspension on import of deboned beef from France and Ireland, following an evaluation and inspection mission.

Issuance of Licences and Permits Meat and Seafood As at the end of FY 2011, there were a total of 2,774 licensed traders for meat and seafood, to whom 20,816 meat permits and 187,516 seafood permits were issued.

During the FY, AVA reviewed and allowed automatic approval of permits for certain meat and meat products imported from Australia, New Zealand, and Brazil. This facilitated cargo clearance, as it enabled traders to obtain their cargo clearance permits almost immediately.

Fruits, Vegetables, and Processed Food There were a total of 1,088 licensed importers for fresh fruits and vegetables to whom 217,827 permits were issued in FY2011. In addition, there were a total of 10,188 registered importers for processed food to whom 318,080 permits were issued.

Surveillance and Monitoring AVA has comprehensive surveillance programmes in place to monitor food safety hazards in primary produce and processed food. Import consignments are subjected to systematic inspections and laboratory testing for pathogens, and chemical contaminants and residues.

Meat and Meat Products AVA inspected 72,958 meat consignments with a total weight of 273,834 metric tonnes valued at $1.17 billion.

We continued with the surveillance of Listeria monocytogenes in ready-to-eat products, and E. coli O157 in processed beef products and manufacturing cuts (such as beef trimmings). A total of 2,202 samples were tested for Listeria monocytogenes, and 2,444 samples were tested for E. coli O157. Fourteen meat consignments were rejected due to contamination with Listeria monocytogenes. No consignment was found to be contaminated with E. coli O157. A total of 123 consignments (0.17 percent) were rejected, mainly for Salmonella.

Seafood and Seafood Products AVA inspected 4,253 consignments of seafood with a total weight of 4,219 metric tonnes valued at $51.2 million. A total of 21 consignments (0.49 percent) were rejected due to microbial contamination.

In the inspection of seafood, the focus was on high-risk products, i.e. cooked and pasteurised crabmeat, cooked prawns, oysters, and smoked seafood. These consignments were detained upon arrival for inspection and laboratory testing. Their respective accompanying health certificates from the countries of origin were also checked.

We continued to monitor imported fresh seafood at our fishery ports for adulteration with chemical preservatives (i.e. formaldehyde and boric acid). A total of 1,008 samples were tested and two samples were found to contain a high level of formaldehyde. The importers of these consignments were fined for these violations and their subsequent consignments were monitored under hold-and-test inspection.

Egg Products A total of 593 consignments of processed egg products, comprising of liquid egg, egg powder, as well as preserved and salted duck eggs, were inspected. Ten consignments of salted duck eggs were rejected, mainly for adulteration with sudan dye, an industrial colouring prohibited in foodstuffs.

Two consignments of preserved duck eggs were rejected due to dioxin, an environmental pollutant.

Fruits and Vegetables AVA continued its inspections of imported fresh fruits and vegetables throughout the FY. In total, 10,048 of consignments of fresh fruits and vegetables from 31 countries were inspected and screened, as part of hold-and-test procedures and routine inspections, for pesticide residues, radioactivity, preservatives, toxic chemicals, and microbial contaminations. Of these, 169 consignments from the hold-and-test procedure were rejected.

The overall violation rate from samples of hold-and-test and routine inspections hovered at 5.03 percent. We collaborated with our counterparts in other countries to provide effective remedial actions on pesticide residue violations.

Imported fresh longans are routinely subjected to stringent hold-and-test inspection for the presence of sulphur dioxide.

In FY 2011, the inspection procedures for fresh longans were reviewed. With effect from 17 October 2011, importers with good track records and high compliance rate could be exempted from the hold-and test procedure. In the FY, a total of 182 longan consignments were inspected and all of them passed the laboratory tests.

In August 2011, as a result of fruitful collaboration in a jointtaskforce between AVA and representatives of the fruits and vegetables industry stakeholders, AVA implemented two enhancements to the import inspection procedures.

Previously, importers with consignments that require inspection had to deliver their entire shipments to the Pasir Panjang Wholesale Centre (PPWC) directly after customs clearance. The two enhancements allow importers to make alternative arrangements with AVA for post-entry inspections.

Firstly, they can now choose to submit only the targeted fresh fruits and vegetables for inspections at PPWC, and proceed to distribute the remaining non-targeted consignments.

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Secondly, they have the option to arrange for inspection to be conducted at their own premises. For importers whose warehouses are located away from PPWC, this option helps to minimise possible interruptions in the logistics management of their shipments, thereby ensuring the freshness and quality of the imports. As of January 2011, about seven percent of post-entry inspections of imported fresh fruits and vegetables were conducted at importers’ premises.

In addition, all trimmed, shaved, and polished coconuts, which were regulated as fresh fruits in the past, will be regulated as minimally processed coconuts with effect from 1 April 2012.

This will align the control of all minimally processed coconuts under processed food and facilitate the import declaration of these products.

Following a review, all trimmed, shaved, and polished coconuts, which were regulated as fresh fruits in the past, will be regulated as minimally processed coconuts.

An AVA officer collecting samples from the targeted consignments of vegetables at importers’ premises for inspection.

Processed Products In FY 2011, a total of 8,333 consignments of imported processed food were inspected and sampled for laboratory analyses. Of these, 144 consignments were rejected due to the presence of non-permitted food additives, excessive additives, and contaminants. In addition, 2,888 inspections were conducted on 51,548 food items from retail outlets, and 6,071 food samples were taken for chemical, microbiological, and physical analyses.

A total of 588 summonses/ compound fines, 464 written warnings, and four verbal warnings were issued for noncompliances with Food Regulations during the FY. We investigated 141 complaints on food importers and took appropriate enforcement actions where irregularities were detected. Some of these cases involved labelling infringements and food contamination with foreign matter.

In line with our objective of securing food safety at source, AVA reviewed its import requirements for fruits and vegetables from Malaysia. From 1 March 2012, ready-to-eat minimally processed fruits and vegetables imported from Malaysian producers must be certified by Malaysia’s Ministry of Health.

The certification is in accordance with the Food Safety Assurance Guidelines for Ready-to-Eat Minimally Processed Fruits and Vegetables, that was jointly developed by Malaysia and Singapore.

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REGULATING LOCAL FOOD PRODUCTION Farms As at end of FY 2011, there were 119 licensed coastal fish culture farms, three layer farms, 46 vegetable farms, and nine land-based food fish farms.

Local poultry farms continued to be monitored monthly for drug residues and SE in chicken and quail eggs. One local poultry farm was detected with SE. Eggs from these flocks were sent to an AVA-approved liquid egg processing plant before being allowed for human consumption.

Market-sized food fish from local coastal farms were tested regularly for drug residues, heavy metals, chemical contaminants, and microbiological pathogens. The Vibrio species of bacteria was periodically detected in samples collected in FY, which is common as the bacteria are ubiquitous in the marine environment. Farmers were advised to improve harvesting practices on their farms, particularly rapid chilling of fish with sufficient ice during harvest and transport.

Crystal violet, a triphenylmethane industrial dye known to be anti-parasitic, was detected in transhipped marketsized sea bass from one of the local coastal food fish farms.

We immediately issued a suspension order to the farm and lifted it only after two consecutive negative detections of triphenylmethane were achieved in tests.

Local oyster farms continued to be monitored weekly for Norovirus, Hepatitis A, as well as monthly for heavy metals, toxins, and microbiological pathogens. Monthly inspections of the farms’ depuration units were also conducted to ensure that the units were operational. One local oyster farm was suspended from sale of oysters following repeated positive detections of norovirus in the post-depurated oyster samples.

Suspension was lifted after the post-depurated samples were tested negative for norovirus.

Animal feed used by all food-producing farm animals are regularly tested for antibiotic residues, chemical contaminants, melamine, and microbiological pathogens. During the FY trace amounts of antibiotics were detected in feed samples collected from goat, fish, and layer poultry farms. Our investigations showed that these feed were imported and the manufacturer was the source of the contamination. End-product testing of milk, fish, and eggs was carried out to ensure that these contaminants were not found in the food produced by the farms before they are sold for public consumption.

Local vegetable farms are encouraged to adopt the Good Agricultural Practice standard, under the voluntary Good Agricultural Practice for Vegetable Farming (GAP-VF) Certification Scheme. In the FY, AVA audited and approved seven vegetable farms for GAP-VF certification renewal.

As of 31 March 2012, there were 131 local food processing establishments that were awarded with the A grade, 605 with the B grade, 430 with the C grade, and 64 with the D grade, under AVA’s Food Factory Grading Scheme. The remaining 201 new food establishments were not due for grading. A total of 460 (32%) of all these establishments obtained HACCP certification.

Abattoir and Slaughterhouses As of FY 2011, there was one pig abattoir, as well as 10 chicken and four duck slaughterhouses. A total of 313,112 pigs, 46.5 million chickens, and 5.9 million ducks were slaughtered at these premises. All pigs slaughtered at the abattoir were inspected by AVA, of which 379 pigs (0.12% of total pigs slaughtered) and 189,078 partial organs (about four percent of the estimated total number of organs) were condemned as unfit for human consumption.

Enforcement actions were taken against poultry slaughterhouse operators who failed to comply with AVA’s licensing conditions. In FY 2011, a total of 30 warning letters were issued. Composition fines amounting to $3,300 were also imposed for hygiene infringements and cold chain violations.

Special Permits for Religious Institutions In FY 2011, a total of 88 permits were issued to religious bodies and institutions to slaughter 2,389 goats and 3,316 sheep for religious purposes. Inspections were carried out during arrival of the animals, in animal holding pens and skinning/cutting area, as well as during slaughtering, to ensure animal welfare and all sanitary facilities were acceptable.

AVA audited and approved seven local vegetable farms under the GAP-VF Scheme.

Local Food Establishments At the end of FY 2011, there were 1,431 local food processing establishments licensed by AVA. These establishments included slaughterhouses, other food processors, and cold stores for meat and fish products.

During FY 2011, AVA received 256 license applications and issued 187 licenses. A total of 1,010 site inspections were carried out on food processing establishments to evaluate the new licence applications; changes in layout for existing premises; and suitability of the location for food usage.

AVA conducts annual on-site audit assessments on licensed local food establishments to determine their grading status, and provides on-site advice to help them improve and upgrade their premises. In FY 2011, a total of 1,447 audit inspections were carried out on these local food establishments.

Food Processing Establishments AVA regularly inspects local food establishments to ensure that proper hygiene practices are observed. In FY 2011, AVA made 6,408 inspection visits to food establishments that were involved in manufacturing meat, fish, egg, and other processed foods, as well as cold stores. A total of 6,286 processed food samples were taken for laboratory analysis. Of these, 160 were found to be unsatisfactory, and 10 were found to be unfit for human consumption. We issued 77 summonses/compound fines, 305 written warnings, and 885 verbal warnings for noncompliance with the Sale of Food Act and the Wholesome Meat and Fish Act. A total of 294 complaint cases of unwholesome and improperly labelled pre-packed processed food were investigated, and appropriate enforcement actions were taken for contraventions in hygiene practices and other offences.

For the “Formula One” race in 2011, AVA officers conducted thorough factory inspections at food establishments that were involved in supplying foods prior to and during the event. AVA officers also collected random samples from the food establishments. Laboratory test results of the samples collected from these establishments were satisfactory.

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Registration of Food Storage Warehouses AVA commenced the registration of food storage warehouses on 1 November 2011. This move will help enhance food traceability and enable AVA to promptly notify warehouses should there be a need for immediate recall of affected products.

As of 31 March 2012, a total of 204 food storage warehouse applications were received and registration for 105 warehouses was completed. AVA conducted 41 inspections on the warehouses and provided operators with advice on Good Warehousing Practices (GWP) for the maintenance and improvement of warehouse hygiene and operations.

LABORATORY CAPABILITIES Laboratory testing is a critical component in AVA’s food safety monitoring and surveillance programmes. AVA’s Veterinary Public Health Laboratory (VPHL) plays a key role in enforcing our stringent food safety standards. The state-of-the-art laboratories at VPHL are capable of detecting a wide range of food-borne hazards, particularly those of current and emerging importance.

In FY 2011, the VPHL carried out approximately 1.79 million analyses on 59,811 samples of imported and locally-produced food products. The laboratory analyses covered pathogens, antibiotics, growth promotants, hormones, pesticide residues, chemical additives, and contaminants, which are harmful to public health.

The VPHL also provides analytical services to the local food industry, as well as government departments and statutory boards. In addition, VPHL extended its commercial testing services to Brunei, Indonesia, and Malaysia during the FY. As an import/export testing and certification laboratory, VPHL ensures that its tests are accredited according to international standards. The laboratory continued to be accredited by the Singapore Accreditation Council-Singapore Laboratory Accreditation Scheme (SAC-SINGLAS) and is ISO/IEC 17025 certified since year 2000. With nine new methods accredited

by SAC-SINGLAS in FY 2011, the total number of accredited methods was raised to 211.

The registration of warehouses will help enhance food traceability and enable AVA to promptly notify warehouses should there be a need for immediate recall of affected products in the event of a major food crisis.

As part of the laboratory quality system, VPHL took part in relevant inter-laboratory Proficiency Testing Schemes organised in various countries, including the UK, EU, Sweden, Canada, New Zealand, and Australia, and continued to excel in these programmes. We also participated in new schemes in the FY, such as those provided by Asia Pacific Laboratory Accreditation Cooperation and European Commission-ASEAN reference laboratories.

Enhancing Testing Capabilities Faced with an ever-increasing list of food contaminants and new emerging food pathogens, VPHL continued to keep abreast of cutting-edge technology and constantly upgrades its existing capability with the acquisition of laboratory equipment and development of new testing method. During the FY, VPHL developed/enhanced 40 methods in the areas of chemical contaminants; drug residues; pesticide residues; food-borne toxins; food and nutrition chemistry; food quality and authentication microbiology; and genetically modified material analyses.

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The PLEX ID system in AVA’s Veterinary Public Health Laboratory is used for non-targeted microbial identification in food products.

Non-Targeted Testing for Early Detection of Food-borne Hazards In FY 2010, we set up facilities for the establishment of nontargeted testing capability at VPHL to enhance our strategic preparedness to safeguard food safety and public health.

These facilities would enable AVA to carry out analytical scans on targeted food from high risk sources, so as to detect early signals of the possible presence of uncommon or unanticipated contaminants.

In FY 2011, AVA conducted the evaluation of non-targeted testing methods for the detection of pesticides, veterinary drugs, food additives, food-borne toxins, microbial pathogens and chemical contaminants in unprocessed food products. Databases consisting of the masses and mass spectral properties of about 10,900 compounds were built to aid in the mass screening for a wide range of food-borne hazards. Procedures were also developed to facilitate nontargeted analysis of microbial pathogens using PCR-TOF-MS

technology. Preliminary comparative study has demonstrated that food-borne hazards, that otherwise would not be targeted under the conventional food safety testing techniques, were detected and identified using our non-targeted testing methodologies.

We will continue to further build up and optimise our nontargeted analytical workflow in FY 2012 and to enhance the features of these databases, with the aim to eventually incorporate the non-targeted testing capability into AVA’s food safety testing routine.

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STAYING ALERT AGAINST EMERGING THREATS & ISSUES AVA keeps a watching brief on the global food safety situation by monitoring and identifying potential food and health issues that could threaten our local population. By keeping abreast of the latest developments in animal and plant health, zoonotic diseases, and the food standards of developed countries, we ensure that our policies and control programmes stay current and relevant. AVA also conducts risk assessments to evaluate food safety risks.

Codex Alimentarius Commission To stay abreast of food safety developments in the international arena, AVA participated in Codex Alimentarius Commission (Codex) meetings during the FY, where topics such as food additives, food contaminants, pesticide residues, food labelling, nutrition and foods for special dietary uses, animal feeding and food, and import and export certification system were discussed.

At the 34th Codex Alimentarius Commission, 31 new or revised Codex standards or related texts, as well as many new or revised provisions for additives and Maximum Residue Limits (MRL) for pesticides and veterinary drugs, were adopted for country reference.

Horizon Scanning AVA scans open information sources to detect overseas reports of food safety incidents, food recalls, as well as industry practices or new food technology, which can lead to unsafe food.

Horizon scanning supports AVA’s food safety surveillance programmes by providing early alerts on incidents that impact the safety of food in Singapore, so that prompt mitigation measures can be implemented. During the FY, our scanning efforts alerted us to the plasticiser incident in Taiwan, and helped us to keep abreast of the developments on radioactive contamination in food in Japan.

RISK AND SAFETY ASSESSMENTS AVA has in place a system to assess the risks posed by various food items and to manage food safety incidents.

AVA will implement appropriate risk-mitigating measures, in accordance to the risk that the food items pose. As part of risk assessment, AVA also conducts surveillance of food products and food contact materials that are available in Singapore.

Food Chemicals and Food Contact Materials AVA conducted risk assessments on the dietary exposures of food chemicals in our daily food intake. Our assessments of the following chemicals: ethyl carbamate; perfluorooctanoic acid; perfluorooctane sulfonate; and nitrate showed that the current levels of these chemicals in food do not pose a health risk to the general population in Singapore.

AVA also conducted safety assessments on food-contact materials and articles to ensure that they are safe for foodcontact applications. During the FY, AVA assessed the safety of melamine-type food wares, stainless steel cookware, and nylon food utensils that are available in Singapore’s market.

Based on the migration levels of chemicals from these foodcontact articles, they were found to be safe for use.

The safety and suitability of 10 new food ingredients and 15 new food additives for use in general and special purpose foods were assessed. The scope of three existing food additives was assessed and proposed to be increased, based on available safety information.

Food (Amendment) Regulations 2011 The Food (Amendment) Regulations 2011 came into operation on 15 April 2011, and brought into effect the following changes: • Provision to use new food additives, and to use existing food additives in more food categories.

• Incorporation of specific limits for cadmium in dried mushroom, as well as cocoa and cocoa products.

• Incorporation of new/revised food standards for foods containing sweetening agents, irradiated foods, wholegrain, frozen meat and fish, fats and oils, fat spread, natural mineral water, infants’ food/infant formula, special purpose foods containing phytosterols, phytostanols and their esters.

• New requirements in the area of food labelling: net quantity declaration of pre-packed foods, drained weight declaration of food packed in liquid media, weight declaration of frozen foods, allergen labelling, and date-marking of ready-to-eat minimally processed fruits and vegetables.

• Revised requirements for import permit declaration: food products with no brand name at the time of application for import permit will have to be declared using either the name of the overseas manufacturer or the intended brand names.

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FOOD INCIDENTS MANAGEMENT In the event of unexpected food safety incidents, AVA has in place a crisis management structure to enable quick response to the threats. Through swift response, AVA was able to deal with past incidents effectively and assure public confidence in the food available in Singapore.

Nuclear Crisis Incident in Japan Following the earthquake and tsunami in Japan on 11 March 2011 and the resulting radiation leakage from the damaged Fukushima Daiichi nuclear power plant, high levels of radioactive contaminants were detected in food from Fukushima and its neighbouring prefectures.

AVA assessed the risk of radioactivity from various types of food to determine where AVA’s sampling and testing efforts should be focused. Imports of milk and milk products, seafood, meat, fruits, and vegetables from Fukushima, Ibaraki, Tochigi, and Gunma prefectures were subsequently suspended. In addition, imports of fruits and vegetables from Chiba, Kanagawa, Tokyo, and Saitama prefectures were also suspended.

From 15 March 2011 to 31 March 2012, AVA tested 7,213 samples of food products including seafood, vegetables, fruits, meat, and alcohol. AVA also worked with the Japanese authorities to impose the requirement for a certificate of origin (COO) to accompany each shipment of Japanese products entering Singapore. With AVA’s continual risk assessment and review of our sampling programme, we gradually lifted the restrictions on food consignments from some regions in Japan while ensuring they are safe for consumption. In December 2011, AVA scaled down the testing of food products from areas further away from Fukushima, in light of the satisfactory test results obtained for such products.

Phthalates Contamination in Taiwan Following reports in May 2011 of Taiwanese food manufacturers replacing palm oil with chemical plasticisers (DEHP) as a cheaper alternative of emulsifier, AVA took the precautionary measure of inspecting and sampling a variety of Taiwan manufactured products including fruit juices, energy drinks, tea beverages, jam and jelly, as well as confectionery products.

More than 2,300 samples were tested, and 18 samples were found to be contaminated with phthalates.

As prolonged consumption of such plasticisers would result in detrimental health effects, AVA suspended the import of the contaminated products. In addition, from 1 August 2011 to 29 February 2012, every consignment of affected product imported from Taiwan was required to be accompanied with a certificate of inspection issued by Taiwan’s Bureau of Standards, Metrology and Inspection. This requirement was lifted on 1 March 2012, when investigation by Taiwan authorities showed that the affected products have been destroyed and manufacturers’ premises have been tested to be free of plasticizer contamination. This was supported by AVA’s surveillance results.

Food-borne Disease Outbreak Caused by E. coli O104 in Germany In May 2011, following reports of a food-borne disease outbreak in Germany linked to shiga toxin, producing E.coli (STEC) O104, AVA implemented hold-and-test inspection on cucumbers, tomatoes, and leafy vegetables (including sprouts) imported from the European Union (EU).

AVA assessed the risk of radioactivity from various types of food imported from Japan to determine where AVA’s sampling and testing efforts should be focused.

Investigations by German authorities traced the source of the E. coli O104 outbreak to sprouts and lifted the health warning on eating raw lettuces, tomatoes, and cucumbers. This led AVA to lift the hold-and-test inspection procedures on tomatoes, cucumbers and leafy vegetables from the EU on 28 June 2011.

Sprouts from the EU continued to be subjected to hold-andtest procedures until 31 August 2011, when it was also lifted in view that there was no reports on new cases of E.coli O104 in the EU. During the period June to August 2011, all the 158 samples tested negatively for STEC.

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STAKEHOLDER ENGAGEMENT AND COLLABORATION AVA engages the local food industry through regular meetings, workshops, and dialogue sessions to share information, and foster collaboration and mutual understanding.

Dialogue Sessions and Taskforces AVA held annual dialogue sessions with local food associations, namely the Singapore Food Manufacturers’ Association (SFMA), Singapore Manufacturers’ Federation (SMa), Seafood Industries Association Singapore (SIAS), Meat Traders’ Association (MTA), Poultry Merchants’ Association (PMA), and Eggs’ Import/Export Trading Association (EIETA). These dialogue sessions provided an effective platform for both AVA and the industry to discuss matters that are beneficial to trade and the public. Arising from the dialogue sessions, two joint taskforces were formed to look into specific matters.

Briefings, Workshops, and Training Courses AVA conducts regular industry training courses in order to upgrade the industry’s food safety and hygiene procedures.

During the FY, AVA conducted training on food safety according to HACCP System, as well as the pre-requisites for GMP and GWP. A total of 340 participants from 160 companies attended these sessions. Concurrently, AVA collaborated with SPRING Singapore Accreditation Council to conduct briefings on HACCP Accreditation and Funding Schemes, as well as with Inland Revenue Authority of Singapore on the Productivity and Innovation Credit scheme. In addition, five on-site industry training sessions were conducted at licensees’ premises to a total of 39 participants.

A joint taskforce for consumer education on food safety was formed to explore how AVA and industry can work together to strengthen public education initiatives on food safety.

Ideas and suggestions were generated from the taskforce during the FY, which will be further discussed during planning of consumer education programmes.

Another joint taskforce between AVA, SMa and SFMA was set up to look into facilitating the export of locally produced food.

In FY 2011, the taskforce discussed and agreed to rephrase the clause “free for sale in Singapore” in the Free Sale Certificate so as to differentiate products for human consumption from animal feed and pet food. AVA subsequently amended the clause to read as “…… for sale in Singapore and for export for human consumption” with effect from 1 August 2011.

To help the industry comply with the new requirement for their warehouses to be registered, AVA developed a set of guidelines on GWP, after considering feedback received through dialogue sessions with SFMA, SMa, Housing and Development Board, JTC Corporation, Singapore Logistics Association, and Container Depot Association Singapore.

In addition, AVA held five focus group discussions with food associations, major food importers, and existing warehouse operators at the drafting stage of the guidelines. An electronic consultation exercise, which allowed industry members to submit their comments online, was also conducted from 20 June to 15 July 2011.

AVA explained the registration requirements to industry members and provided them with guidance on the registration process through two briefing sessions on 7 and 10 October 2011.

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looking after you | food safety

During the FY AVA officers conducted training sessions on food safety, Good Manufacturing Practices, and Good Warehousing Practices.

To help local Chinese sausage processors develop and establish a holistic self-regulatory approach to food safety by incorporating HACCP-based quality assurance programme and systems, AVA published a guide on GMP for Chinese sausages during the FY. Like the guide on GMP for roasted meat published last FY, the one for Chinese sausages also took reference from international standards and local “A” graded processors where observations and on-line monitoring were made.

AVA also gave lectures on “International Food Standards – Codex Alimentarius”, “Singapore Food Legislation and Role of Government Agencies” and “Food Labelling and Advertisement” to students from the Singapore Polytechnic – Massey University Food Technology Degree Programme on 4 April 2011.

Collaborations with Other Agencies The Advisory Committee on the Evaluation of Health Claims, comprising reputable experts from government bodies, tertiary institutions, and the industry, was formed in August 2009. In FY 2011, six applications were received and evaluated by the Advisory Committee.

SHARED RESPONSIBILITY IN FOOD SAFETY Through the Food Safety Awards Night and public education programmes, AVA continues to emphasise the importance of the industry and consumers’ roles in ensuring food safety.

Food Safety Awards Night AVA’s annual Food Safety Awards Night was held on 22 July 2011 to give recognition to companies that have consistently achieved high standards in food hygiene, processing, and sanitation. Guest-of Honour, Minister of State for Trade and Industry & National Development, Mr Lee Yi Shyan presented one Gold and 10 Bronze Awards to winners of the Food Safety Excellence Scheme.

Food Safety Partners who have worked hand-in-hand with AVA to educate consumers on food safety, and have maintained good food safety practices in their factory premises, were also recognised. Acelink Logistics Pte Ltd and Abbott Manufacturing Singapore Pte Ltd were welcomed aboard as new Food Safety Partners in 2011. AVA also renewed the Food Safety Partner status of seven companies, namely Chop Hup

Chong Food Industries Pte Ltd; Cold Storage Singapore (1983) Pte Ltd; KSB Distribution Pte Ltd; NTUC Fairprice Co-operative Ltd; Seo Eng Joo Frozen Food Pte Ltd; Thong Siek Food Industry Pte Ltd; and Pfizer Pte Ltd (Nutrition Division).

Food Safety Public Education To ensure food safety from farm to fork, all parties in the food chain from government to food industries to consumers must play a role. While food industries and the government continue to work together to ensure food sold in Singapore is safe for consumption, it is also important to ensure consumers are equipped with good food safety knowledge so that food is safe at the point of consumption.

In FY 2011, AVA focused its food safety public education activities on programmes in school and at work. Food safety talks and learning journeys were conducted to educate students on the importance of selecting, handling, and storing food safely while consuming food in school. A Food Safety Student Ambassador Programme was launched to encourage students to learn and share food safety messages through projects and events. A total of 25 Food Safety Student Ambassadors enrolled in the programme and were recognised for their efforts on the first AVA Ambassador Day held on 24 March 2012.

Mr Koh Soo Keong, AVA Chairman (front row, 4th from left to right); Mr Lee Yi Shyan, Minister of State (MOS) for Trade & Industry and National Development; and Ms Tan Poh Hong, AVA CEO, with the award recipients of the Food Safety Excellence Award 2011.

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AVA’s food safety public education efforts were extended to the workplace in FY 2011 to reach out to working adults. Talks were conducted to educate them on the proper ways of storing, handling, and selecting food.

A new workplace programme was also created to reach out to working adults. Talks were conducted at various companies to educate working adults on the proper ways of storing and handling food in the pantry and selecting food when eating out. In total, 30 learning journeys and 40 school and workplace talks were conducted, reaching out to a total of 34,603 people.

AVA also continued with efforts to educate consumers on food safety at home and while shopping. Exhibitions and mascot tours were held at public libraries in June and October 2011.

A puppet show was developed in collaboration with Ngee Ann Polytechnic to complement the exhibitions and mascot tours at the libraries. Mascot tours and games were also conducted at 60 supermarket outlets across all parts of Singapore. In addition, community events were supported by food safety advertisements on newspapers, magazines, and trains from August 2011 to January 2012.

AVA also reached out to travellers to inform them of the restrictions on animal, plant and food items that could be brought into Singapore through a targeted mass media campaign that included outdoor advertising, such as bus hangers and lamp post banners at the Tuas and Woodlands checkpoints during key travel periods. We also launched advertisements on Tiger Airways and Jetstar Airways’ in-flight magazines, as well as on posters at the budget terminal and ferry terminals. To complement the mass media campaign, AVA also distributed more than 40,000 L-shaped folders with our ‘If in Doubt, Check What’s Allowed’ message at the NATAS Travel Fairs in FY 2011.

AVA’s food safety mascot, Oscar the otter, toured 60 supermarkets across Singapore in FY 2011 to promote food safety awareness.

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looking after you | food safety

VETERINARY PUBLIC HEALTH LABORATORY – PERFORMANCE OUTPUT FY 2011 Functions Performance Indicators No. of samples tested No. of laboratory tests performed

Veterinary Health Certificates

Quality Tests

Import Control

Service & Surveillance

R&D and Quality Assurance

Total

3,317

3,748

31,685

12,220

8,841

59,811

14,254

124,519

1,322,483

317,670

9,663

1,788,589

ONGOING SURVEILLANCE OF FOOD PRODUCTS FY 2011 Meat/ Meat Products

Heavy metals, preservatives & additives (sulphur dioxide, boric acid, sorbic acid, colouring matter), polychlorinated biphenyls, dioxins, radioactivity, betaagonist, nitrofuran, chloramphenicol, other antibiotics, hormones and growth promotants, staphylococcal enterotoxins, E.coli O157:H7, Salmonella, Listeria monocytogenes, Vancomycin Resistant Enterococci, Campylobacter, parasites, anthrax contamination

Seafood/ Seafood Products

Heavy metals, preservatives & additives (sulphur dioxide, boric acid, sorbic acid, colouring matter), formaldehyde, radioactivity, nitrofuran, chloramphenicol, malachite green and its metabolites, other antibiotics, marine toxins, Salmonella spp, vibrio spp, noroviruses, Hepatitis A and other viruses, parasites, histamine, anthrax contamination

Fruits & Vegetables

Pesticide residues, sulphur dioxide, E.coli O157:H7, Salmonella, Listeria, anthrax contamination, parasites, heavy metals, nitrates and nitrites

Processed Food

Microorganisms, bacterial toxins, synthetic organic colours, sudan dyes, para red, non-permitted colours, chemical preservatives, artificial sweetening agents, mycotoxins, heavy metals, migration of metals, antioxidants, 3- monochloro-propane-1,2-diol, 1,3-dichloropropanol, polychlorinated biphenyls, dioxins, non-permitted flavouring agents, acrylamide, formaldehyde, residual chemicals in food-contact articles, migration of chemicals from food-contact articles, ethyl carbamate, N-nitrosamines, mineral hydrocarbons, bromate, pesticide residues, drug residues, radionuclide contaminants, trihalomethanes, screening of irradiated food, adulterants, semicarbazide, benzene and histamine

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AVA

DISP I N FO

looking after you & animal friends we co-exist with

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Food Supply Resilience

Food Safety

Animal Health & Welfare

Plant Health

Agrotechnology

Agri-trade

2011 / 2012 Organisational Excellence

Nothing beats the sight of happy children and healthy animals basking outdoors. With AVA safeguarding animal health and welfare, you can focus on spending quality time with your furry companions.

animal health & welfare Safeguarding Animal Health and Welfare

A

VA has consistently and successfully kept the nation free from major exotic and zoonotic diseases, such as the Foot and Mouth Disease (FMD), rabies, Nipah virus infection, Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza (HPAI), Bovine Spongiform Encephalopathy (BSE), anthrax, and brucellosis. We continue to do so via comprehensive and integrated programmes that ensure both animals and humans in Singapore stay healthy and safe from such threats.

PREVENTING THE INTRODUCTION OF ANIMAL DISEASES AVA exercises a range of strategies to guard against the introduction and spread of animal diseases in Singapore. The regulation of animal imports into Singapore is a key strategy.

In addition, AVA maintains a comprehensive animal disease surveillance programme, which includes the surveillance of local and imported animal populations for harmful pathogens.

AVA also closely monitors the animal disease situation in our trading partners. In the event of an outbreak of a disease of concern, AVA may suspend imports from affected countries to prevent the introduction of the disease to Singapore. When the disease outbreak is over, or when AVA assesses that the necessary risk mitigation measures have been implemented, AVA will lift the suspension from such countries to minimise trade disruption.

Review of Import and Quarantine Conditions Veterinary conditions for the importation of dogs and cats, sheep and horses, as well as goats for slaughter, were reviewed in FY 2011.

Import Conditions for Dogs and Cats AVA imposes quarantine and vaccination requirements on imported dogs and cats based on the assessment of each exporting country’s rabies status and developments in the control of rabies. To support AVA’s animal health programmes, we carry out import risk assessments based on use of effective rabies vaccines, identification of animals and laboratory tests for rabies anti-bodies. This has provided for greater protection from the risk of introduction of rabies, while at the same time allowed for more animals to be exempted from quarantine from approved countries.

In FY 2011, AVA’s risk assessments led to the reclassification of Germany, Finland, and Italy to Category C, and Denmark to Category B.

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looking after you | animal health & welfare

An imported pet dog under quarantine at AVA’s Sembawang Animal Quarantine Station. AVA imposes quarantine and vaccination requirements on imported dogs based on the assessment of each exporting country’s rabies status and developments in the control of rabies.

Import of Ornamental Fishes (except CITES/Koi) via Parcel Posts In late 2010, AVA reviewed the import of ornamental fish delivered by parcel posts. As the majority of imports of ornamental fishes via parcel posts into Singapore were within the permissible allowance given for travellers and were mainly for personal use, AVA removed the need for such imports to be subjected to requirements imposed for commercial imports.

The current import allowance given for travellers to bring in ornamental fish was extended to imports via parcel posts on 1 July 2011.

Import Conditions for Horses AVA included standardised health certificates and captain’s declaration templates in the Veterinary Conditions for the Importation of Horses on 23 September 2011. The templates offer competent authorities of exporting countries a clearer understanding of our health certification requirements, which will in turn increase the rate of compliance.

Import Conditions for Sheep and Goats for Slaughter AVA reviewed the veterinary conditions for the import of sheep and goats, and included a requirement for a slaughter permit if slaughter is not carried out at a licensed slaughterhouse. The slaughter permit fees were also revised, with effect from 14 October 2011.

Import and Handling of Non-human Primates The import of non-human primates (NHP) for research purposes carries some risks of zoonotic disease. AVA worked with the Ministry of Manpower and the Ministry of Health to draw up the guidelines for the handling of NHPs in research institutes to reduce zoonotic disease risk.

Issuance of Licences and Permits In FY 2011, AVA issued 53,077 import licences/permits for animals, birds, eggs, veterinary biologics, and animal products.

Category Pigs, poultry, and eggs Animals (dogs, cats, small mammals, livestock, zoo animals) Biologics Birds Ornamental fishes Eggs (Specific Pathogen-Free eggs, specimens for laboratory tests) Products (blood, sera, urine, clinical specimens) Total

Number of Permits Issued 34,593

AVA monitors imported pigs for swine influenza as part of our animal health surveillance programme.

6,367 130 384 11,031 32 540 53,077

Imported Live Poultry In FY 2011, one consignment of ducks was investigated for high mortality. The mortality was ascertained to be caused by prolonged transport stress as the ducks were loaded two hours earlier than usual.

All imports of poultry (chickens and ducks) and eggs were regularly sampled to test for avian influenza, salmonella and other contaminants. Salmonella Enteritidis (SE) was detected in 17 batches of live chicken samples, and the 17 farms that supplied these chickens were suspended.

Imported Live Pigs AVA continued to monitor imported pigs for swine influenza as part of our animal health surveillance programme. Novel A/H1N1 (2009) strain of influenza was detected in pre-export and abattoir pig samples between May and August 2011.

However, as no significant clinical disease of influenza was observed in the affected farm, the surveillance programme was reviewed and in July 2011, sampling for H1N1 testing from the abattoir and Bulan farm was reduced to twice a month. In order to obtain more in-depth knowledge of the isolated swine influenza viruses, we initiated collaboration with the DukeNUS Graduate Medical School’s Emerging Disease Programme to study the evolution of new strains that can arise from the continuous re-assortment between strains circulating in the Bulan farm.

Local Disease Surveillance Domestic Poultry and Ornamental Birds All local poultry farms were monitored for SE, Newcastle Disease, and Avian Influenza in the FY. One local poultry farm was detected with SE. The infected flocks were treated with organic acids and pro-biotics, and eggs from these flocks were sent to an AVA-approved liquid-egg processing plant. The isolation order imposed on all infected flocks was subsequently lifted after two consecutive rounds of negative testing for SE was achieved.

All ornamental bird farms were monitored in FY 2011 for Avian Influenza and Newcastle Disease. AVA inspected these farms to ensure vigilance in biosecurity and upkeep of good farm management practices.

Livestock Farms During the FY, our local ruminant farms continued to be free from BSE, Bovine Tuberculosis, FMD, Listeria, Brucella, Campylobacter, and Salmonella. A local ruminant farm that was tested positive for E. coli O157:H7 was advised to treat its cattle with pro-biotics. The pasteurised milk produced by the farm was tested to ensure it is safe for human consumption.

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Fish Farms AVA continued to monitor for notifiable and emerging diseases of economic importance to the aquatic animal industry.

Surveillance was conducted on both coastal and land-based fish farms, and results showed that Singapore remained free from Spring Viraemia of Carp, and Epizootic Ulcerative Syndrome in FY 2011.

Since 2002, surveillance results have shown that there had been no positive detections of the following freshwater diseases in local fish farms: Viral haemorrhagic septicaemia, Infectious haematopoietic necrosis, Epizootic Haematopoietic Necrosis, and Infectious Pancreatic Necrosis. In view of the negative detections and absence of susceptible species for these four diseases in Singapore, AVA reviewed and replaced its active surveillance programme for aquatic farms and animals with a passive surveillance programme in October 2011. Instead of actively collecting samples to test for the four diseases, AVA will only test suspect cases (passive surveillance).

AVA also continued to assist farmers to screen imported fry for diseases of concern prior to stocking fish in their farms, under the voluntary Imported Fingerling Surveillance Programme.

ISKNV and VNNV were detected in imported fish fingerlings sampled under the programme. This suggests that imported fish fingerlings could be a source of infection and should continue to be screened prior to stocking on the farm to minimise production losses due to disease. AVA advised affected farmers on how to manage these diseases and encouraged them to cull sick fish to minimise the spread of diseases in local waters.

Farmers were increasingly seeing the value of the programme, and participation from the industry had increased since its implementation in early 2011.

During the FY, two batches of imported koi sampled under our koi import surveillance programme tested positive for Koi Herpes Virus (KHV). Immediate measures were taken to control the spread of the disease and all batches of koi that tested positive were culled. AVA also issued quarantine orders on the farm premises, which was lifted after proper disinfection was conducted.

White Spot Syndrome Virus (WSSV) was detected in crayfish from two ornamental fish farms. AVA imposed quarantine orders to restrict movement of all crustaceans within the premises, and culled all diseased and in-contact crustaceans.

The quarantine order was lifted after proper disinfection and treatment of affected tanks and equipment was completed.

Other diseases surveyed for in freshwater ornamental fish for FY 2011 included Infectious Spleen and Kidney Nervous Necrosis Virus (ISKNV), Goldfish Hematopoietic Necrosis Virus (GFHNV) and furunculosis (caused by Aeromonas Salmonicida).

Marine fish diseases, such as Red Sea Bream Iridovirus (RSIV), ISKNV, and Viral Nervous Necrosis Virus (VNNV) were detected in local coastal food fish farms since the start of surveillance in early 2011. As RSIV is an OIE notifiable virus, AVA imposed movement restrictions on the affected farms, culled the infected and clinically sick fish, and monitored the existing stock. Following the approval of the RSIV vaccine (MSD) for use in Singapore, farms were given the option of vaccinating clean stock prior to stocking.

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looking after you | animal health & welfare

AVA monitors for notifiable and emerging diseases of economic importance to the aquatic animal industry. Surveillance is conducted on both coastal and land-based fish farms.

LABORATORY CAPABILITIES The Animal Health Laboratories (AHL) located at AVA’s Animal and Plant Health Centre (APHC) is the national reference laboratory for the diagnosis of animal diseases and testing of animal vaccines.

In FY 2011, AHL conducted a total of 191,916 laboratory tests to detect and identify diseases in animals, birds and fish.

Besides acquiring new detection techniques to keep abreast of the rigorous import health certification requirements of other countries and thus facilitate agri-trade for stakeholders, AHL also continuously updates and develops new methods to improve upon existing pathogen detection and disease diagnosis protocols.

The Animal Health Laboratories located at AVA’s Animal and Plant Health Centre conducted a total of 191,916 laboratory tests to detect and identify diseases in animals, birds and fish.

in Singapore. Epidemiological surveillance is supported by developments in multi-locus sequence typing (MLST) of Escherichia coli.

Ongoing developments include an ELISA for Koi Herpes Virus (KHV) antibodies, multiplex detection of Avian Influenza antibodies via micro-particle immunoassays, and the development of two new test methods for shrimp diseases – PCR detection for Baculovirus penaei (BP) and Necrotizing Hepatopancreatitis Bacterium (NHP-B).

AHL’s work is underscored by a commitment to quality systems and has been accredited to ISO/IEC 17025 since 2006. Its high laboratory testing standards were reflected in its continued accreditation in the field of chemical and biological testing under the Singapore Accreditation Council – Singapore Laboratory Accreditation Scheme (SAC-SINGLAS). All the animal health laboratories continued to meet the requirements of the ISO/IEC 17025:2005 standards. AHL added seven new accredited tests in the FY, bringing the total to 102 accredited tests. In addition, AHL demonstrated good performance in the 12 inter-laboratory proficiency quality assurance testing programmes administered by internationally recognised laboratories.

Safeguarding Against Bird Flu During the FY, AVA regularly inspected all local poultry farms to ensure that bio-security and biosegregation measures were strictly adhered to, and that all poultry houses were bird-proofed. Samples were also collected monthly for Avian Influenza testing. We collaborated with the National Parks Board (NParks) on the surveillance of HPAI in migratory and wild birds in the Sungei Buloh Wetland Reserves, Pulau Ubin, and Singapore Botanic Gardens. The 321 samples collected tested negative for HPAI. Six swans in the Singapore Botanic Gardens were given booster shots after being vaccinated against HPAI in the last FY. Two cygnets were also vaccinated against HPAI during the FY. Samples were collected from the swans after four weeks for serological tests, and showed seroconversion in the birds.

During the FY, AHL expanded its diagnostic repertoire, to include testing capabilities for the detection of Aeromonas salmonicida, Infectious myonecrosis virus (IMNV), and GFHNV, as well as improved rapid detection of Salmonella spp by the BAX system, serological detection of neutralising antibodies against Japanese Encephalitis Virus, and detection of rabies virus using immunohistochemistry.

In addition, Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR) methods were also established to detect various parasites, such as Leishmania sp. and Babesia gibsoni. The development of the Leishmania sp PCR proved its worth when this testing modality was used as one of the several testing modalities to confirm the presence of Leishmaniasis (a notifiable disease under AVA’s Animals & Birds Act) in a clinically ill bulldog. This detection represents the first case of an animal related leishmaniasis ever reported

AVA collaborates with the National Parks Board on the surveillance of HPAI in migratory and wild birds in the Sungei Buloh Wetland Reserves, Pulau Ubin, and Singapore Botanic Gardens.

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ANIMAL WELFARE AVA safeguards the welfare of animals and prevents animal cruelty through regulation and education. In this role, AVA has to deal with a spectrum of attitudes towards animals, which range from people who find animals a nuisance to those who champion their welfare.

Regulating Pet Retailers and Dog Farms In FY 2011, there were 256 licensed pet shops, as compared to 259 the preceding year. Regular inspections were carried out in pet shops to ensure compliance with licensing conditions and that shop standards were maintained. Thirteen pet shops were issued compound fines for failure to comply with licensing conditions, as compared to 23 in the last FY. AVA grades pet shops to further enhance competencies and standards, and to inform the public of the standard of the pet shop they patronise. The shops are graded according to their compliance with licensing conditions and adoption of best practices. The grades are displayed in the shop and also on AVA’s website. In FY 2011, 99 percent of pet shops graded attained either A or B grades. None was given the D grade.

Enforcement Against Animal Cruelty In FY 2011, AVA investigated 444 complaints of alleged animal cruelty. Of these, two offenders were prosecuted and two others were issued composition fines. No actions were taken in a few cases due to insufficient evidence. For the majority of cases, counselling was provided as appropriate.

Regulating Research Institutions AVA licenses animal research facilities that use animals for scientific purposes. Research facilities are required to comply with guidelines set by the National Advisory Committee for Laboratory Animal Research (NACLAR) on the care and use of animals in research. As at 30 April 2012, there were 26 research facilities with 63 licensed premises. These facilities undergo annual inspection to ensure compliance with licensing conditions. During the FY, AVA streamlined licensing processes for procedural rooms to achieve savings in costs and time for facilities. Going forward, AVA will be working with NACLAR to update the guidelines to be in line with international developments.

Public Education Programme on Responsible Pet Ownership Besides surveillance and regulation, AVA also places importance on educating the public on responsible pet ownership (RPO).

In FY 2011, AVA chose the theme “A Pet is for Life” with the submessages, “Don’t get pets on impulse” (targeting potential pet owners) and “Don’t abandon your pets” (targeting existing pet owners), in its efforts to raise public awareness on RPO, and encourage owners to be responsible for their pets for life.

To reach out directly to members of the public, the annual RPO Roadshow was held at the Singapore Expo on 12-13 November 2011, with Mr Tan Chuan Jin, Minister Of State for National Development as the Guest-of-Honour. The RPO Roadshow was supported by AVA’s RPO Partners (i.e. Animal Lovers League, Action for Singapore Dogs, Animal Concerns Research & Education Society, Cat Welfare Society, House Rabbit Society, Housing Development Board, National Parks Board, Noah’s Ark CARES, Singapore Kennel Club, and the Society for

AVA carries out regular inspections at pet shops to ensure compliance with licensing conditions and that shop standards were maintained.

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looking after you | animal health & welfare

(8th from left to right:) AVA Chairman, Mr Koh Soo Keong; Minister of State for National Development, Mr Tan Chuan Jin; AVA CEO, Ms Tan Poh Hong; with animal welfare groups who participated in the annual Responsible Pet Ownership Roadshow 2011.

the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals) and included activities, such as dog obedience training demonstrations, mock-up vet clinics, competitions, and seminars that attracted more than 5,000 people.

We organised a RPO art competition that attracted over 4,000 participants. Winners were presented their awards at the RPO Roadshow 2011. The winning artwork were reproduced on pocket calendars distributed to schools and at public events.

were made available to the public, one of which was done in collaboration with Nanyang Polytechnic. Three photography contests were also held via the site.

AVA also attended and supported community and industry related events, such as Singapore Kennel Club’s National Day Dog Walk, ACRES Animal Welfare Forums, Singapore Press Holding’s Fun by the Beach, among others.

A mass media campaign was launched to drive visitorship to the RPO Roadshow and spread the theme of the year.

This included newspaper and online advertisements, free postcards, and bus hangers.

Besides the roadshow, AVA also continued to develop RPO awareness in the young through a total of 26 school talks and 26 Learning Journeys for 20,252 students throughout FY 2011.

We engaged teachers and students in RPO activities through our RPO Ambassador Programmes, which included training and learning opportunities in RPO events or projects. A total of 75 Student Ambassadors enrolled in our Ambassador Programme. Their efforts were recognised on the first AVA Ambassador Day held on 24 March 2012.

AVA also tapped on the use of a puppet show, in collaboration with Ngee Ann Polytechnic, to spread RPO messages at the libraries.

AVA’s microsite, Pet Central, at www.petsforlife.com.sg, was revamped. A blog was added and two new electronic games

AVA organised a RPO art competition that attracted over 4,000 participants.

Winners were presented their awards at the RPO Roadshow 2011.

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ANIMAL MANAGEMENT Licensing of Dogs All dogs above three months of age have to be licensed by AVA for rabies control. In 2011, AVA issued 59,007 dog licenses.

Officers carried out inspections at various premises to ensure that dogs were licensed. Enforcement was carried out on errant dog owners who did not comply with the dog licensing rules and conditions.

AVA continued to loan animal traps to residents and organisations facing stray cat and dog problems, and to accept stray animals surrendered to the Centre for Animal Welfare and Control (CAWC) by members of the public. CAWC received 7,811 public feedback on animal nuisance in FY 2011.

It also took in 4,523 stray animals, including 1,523 dogs.

In addition, AVA piloted a re-homing programme for impounded stray dogs in August 2011, with support from the Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals and other Animal Welfare Groups (AWGs). This was followed by a review of the re-homing fee in November 2011. Impoundment fees, as well as fines on straying and unlicensed dogs, were waived to members of the public claiming impounded stray dogs.

First Responder Protocol To ensure that public feedback on immediate animal-related issues are handled effectively and efficiently, AVA was appointed as the first agency to pilot the First Responder Protocol on animal-related feedback. Under the new protocol, AVA will take the lead in coordinating the efforts of relevant agencies (including the National Environment Agency, and Housing and Development Board) in responding to public feedback on animal related issues.

Working with animal welfare groups, AVA piloted a re-homing programme for impounded stray dogs in August 2011.

Management of Strays AVA continued to conduct control operations to manage the stray population and ensure public health and safety. Stray dogs, especially when in a pack, can threaten public safety.

Keeping the stray dog population in check also helps to mitigate the spread of rabies should there be an incursion of the disease. Besides advising the management of industrial and commercial sites on ways to control the population of stray dogs and cats on their premises, AVA also educated the public on ways to reduce problems caused by stray dogs and cats in their neighbourhood. In addition, AVA also worked with NParks to advise residents on ways to avoid unpleasant encounters with stray monkeys.

Category

In addition, AVA piloted a re-homing programme for impounded stray dogs in August 2011, with support from the Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals and other Animal Welfare Groups (AWGs). This was followed by a review of the re-homing fee in November 2011. Impoundment fees, as well as fines on straying and unlicensed dogs, were waived to members of the public claiming impounded stray dogs.

Feedback On Animal and Bird Nuisance

AVA works closely with AWGs to re-home suitable stray dogs. Adopters are required to bear the cost of licensing, microchipping, and boarding. They must also sterilise the dogs and ensure that the dogs are not released back into the environment.

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No. of Cases

Licensing of Dogs New dog licenses issued

12,748

Dog licenses renewed

46,259

Total

59,007

Control of Stray Animals and Birds Stray dogs impounded

1,523

Stray cats impounded

1,888

Others Total

1,112 4,523

Dogs

3,633

Cats

2,460

Pigeons

611

Monkeys

728

Others Total

379 7,811

VETERINARY PROFESSION AVA regulates the veterinary profession in Singapore and licenses veterinarians and veterinary centres. As at 31 March 2012, there were 246 veterinarians and 53 veterinary centres licensed by the AVA. In conjunction with the Singapore Veterinary Association (SVA), AVA reviewed and revised the Code of Ethics for Veterinarians to provide clearer guidance for the veterinary profession and the community. The review was conducted over a period of two years in consultation with veterinarians and practice owners, and with reference to various international codes of ethics for veterinarians. The changes were focused on areas such as specialist claims, emergency services, (choice of) therapies, medical records including diagnostic imaging records, advertising, treatment of animals (surgical and other interventions), as well as fees and remuneration.

STAYING ALERT AGAINST EMERGING THREATS & ISSUES

SEACFMD Meeting In addition, AVA represented Singapore in the 18th Meeting of the OIE Sub-Commission for FMD in Southeast Asia and China (SEACFMD), held on 5-9 March 2012. The meeting aimed to advance the implementation of the SEACFMD Campaign in accordance with the SEACFMD 2020 Roadmap. Issues covered included countries’ updates of the FMD situation; SEACFMD’s approach to implementing OIE standards on FMD, FAO/OIE Progressive Control Pathway (PCP); as well as vaccination approaches in identified hotspots. Singapore has agreed to host the 19th Meeting of the SEACFMD in 2013.

Singapore-Jilin Food Zone To support the development of the Singapore-Jilin Food Zone in China for the production of safe quality food for local consumption and export to Singapore, AVA collaborated with the Jilin City Government to establish a FMD Free Zone in the Food Zone according to international standards. A six-day training course on Risk Assessment and Laboratory Techniques for FMD was conducted by experts from OIE, Australia, and China from 6-11 February 2012 in Singapore.

Participants comprised trainees from Jilin Province and the relevant municipalities and AVA staff. A Standard Operating Procedure for follow-up action on suspicious results in FMD detection was developed during this course.

AVA’s horizon scanning function helps the organisation to pick up Internet reports of animal disease outbreaks, discoveries of unexpected or novel pathogens, and changes in the behaviour of known pathogens. The focus is on animal diseases that can pose a threat to overall animal and public health in Singapore, such as BSE, Avian Influenza, diseases (such as Hendra Virus), as well as FMD outbreaks in the region. Our daily scanning helps enhance AVA’s operational readiness by providing lead time for AVA to take immediate measures to safeguard the health of our animals, as well as public health in Singapore.

OIE Meetings and Trainings The OIE, an intergovernmental organisation responsible for improving animal health, provides expertise and information on animal diseases, promotes transparency in the status of world animal diseases, and develops international standards for combating animal diseases. To keep abreast of issues and developments, AVA represented Singapore at the 79th General Session of the World Assembly held at Paris from 22 to 27 May 2011. The General Session was attended by representatives of Governments from the 153 OIE member countries, intergovernmental (FAO, WHO, World Bank, WTO, etc.), regional and international organisations.

To ensure that public feedback on immediate animal-related issues are handled effectively and efficiently, AVA was appointed as the first agency to pilot the First Responder Protocol on Animal Related Feedback.

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During “Exercise Gallus VI”, AVA tested its crisis management framework and the operational readiness of AVA staff when dealing with an outbreak of Bird Flu.

Emergency Preparedness AVA’s sixth exercise to test our operational preparedness in responding to an outbreak of bird flu was successfully conducted on 22 March 2012 at our Veterinary Public Health Centre (VPHC) and a local poultry farm. Code-named “Exercise Gallus VI”, the exercise, which involved at least 200 officers, tested AVA’s crisis management framework and the operational readiness of AVA staff in dealing with an outbreak of Bird Flu. Different aspects of the contingency plan were scrutinised to identify areas that require modification or improvement.

To foster a coordinated approach to bird flu control, stakeholders such as the Wildlife Reserves Singapore, Singapore Civil Defence Force, Ministry of Health, National Environment Agency as well as Malaysia’s Department of Veterinary Services were invited to observe the exercise and provide feedback on areas for improvement.

In preparation for Exercise Gallus VI, about 50 AVA officers were trained to be cullers. The objective was to provide the staff with hands on experience of the culling process. The training also involved medical screening, and donning and doffing of personal protection equipment (PPE).

The exercise examined the activation and recall process for emergency responders, efficiency of logistics teams in preparing staff for their assigned duties, efficiency of the mock “culling and disposal” system (no chickens were used in this exercise), a new foam decontamination process and a new surveillance protocol at an “unaffected” poultry farm.

Activation and recall process was smooth, with emergency responders involved reacting promptly when activated.

Mock culling and disposal of sand bags, used in replacement of live chickens.

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STAKEHOLDER ENGAGEMENT AND COLLABORATION AVA collaborates with the industry, research institutes, local educational institutes, and overseas partners to develop new diagnostic methods for the detection of important animal diseases, as well as to conduct epidemiological studies of significant diseases, and enhance surveillance efforts.

Dialogue sessions were also conducted with non-government organisations to strengthen mutual understanding and collaboration.

Vaccine and Test Method Development During the FY, AVA, together with Temasek Life Science Laboratory, embarked on the development of a bird ­flu vaccine and diagnostic reagents for Avian In­fluenza. We collaborated with the Duke-National University of Singapore to carry out phylogenetic analysis on swine infl­uenza viruses to study their evolution and monitor for emerging new pandemic strains. AVA also embarked on collaboration with Veredus Laboratories to produce a lab-on-chip that has the ability to detect multiple avian pathogens in one test.

In addition, we began working with Temasek Polytechnic (TP) to produce diagnostic kits and tests for Salmonella, VNNV, and shrimp viruses.

AVA also worked with TP on the development of a rapid test method to detect SE antibodies in chicken blood and eggs, and a simple and user-friendly Point-of-Care detection kit for the presence of antibody to VNNV in marine food fish.

Control of Bird Flu in the Kepri Region AVA continued to work with the Indonesian veterinary authorities on the control of bird flu in the Kepri region. AVA officers visited Kepri on a regular basis during the FY for discussions and to obtain any information on bird flu outbreaks.

We continued to assist Kepri in their bird flu public education efforts by supplying educational materials and social marketing items for their school children and farmers. We also conducted two training workshops for Kepri officers in FY 2011 to further enhance the effectiveness of their HPAI surveillance and control programme.

Workshops and Seminars for Local Farms AVA invited a poultry nutrition specialist to conduct a talk on poultry nutrition for our local poultry and quail farms in August 2011. A newsletter – containing updates on local and global matters of interest to the poultry industry, tips on good biosecurity measures, and updates on AVA’s Food Fund – was distributed to local poultry farms during the FY.

AVA invited poultry nutrition specialist, Dr Chew Poo Chin, to conduct a talk on poultry nutrition for our local poultry and quail farms in August 2011.

As part of the strategy to increase Singapore’s local production for fishes, AVA collaborated with MSD Animal Health in September 2011 to organise workshops on good aquaculture practices, prevention and control of diseases, health management, and nutrition. Another two workshops were held in February and March 2012 to equip farmers with knowledge on how to perform basic parasite diagnosis on their farms, as well as to manage diseases to increase yield and productivity.

The first and second issues of the AVA Aquaculture Newsletter were published and distributed in English and Mandarin to the coastal fish farmers. The newsletter featured global updates in the aquaculture industry, and information on disease and health management.

Focus Group Dialogue The AVA conducted a focus group dialogue with stakeholders from the ornamental fish industry on 21 June 2011. Attendees included members of the Singapore Aquarium Fish Export Association and Singapore Aquarium Fish Dealers’ Association, and the import of ornamental fish species deemed unsuitable to be sold as pets in Singapore was discussed.

AVA also contributed essential laboratory equipment and consumables for a new laboratory in Tanjong Pinang, Bintan in FY 2011. This laboratory is expected to be operational in FY 2012. AVA will train the laboratory staff (on-site) on HPAI diagnostic methods in FY 2012. In 2007, AVA assisted Batam city to set up a similar laboratory for PCR testing of HPAI.

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2011 / 2012 Organisational Excellence

Sweet are the days we stop and smell the flowers among lush landscapes. Simple pleasures such as these abound in our parks and gardens, which AVA keeps free from plant pests and diseases.

plant health Safeguarding Plant Health

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VA is committed to protecting our local f­ lora from the negative impact of exotic and emerging indigenous plant pests and diseases. Through a robust sciencebased and internationally recognised plant health regulatory system, we aim to maintain plant biosecurity to protect the sustainability and diversity of our landscape. Our comprehensive plant health programme, comprising import regulation and inspection, risk analysis, as well as laboratory testing and surveillance, successfully kept Singapore free from important quarantine pests and diseases. These include the stored product pest Khapra beetle; Mediterranean and Queensland fruit fl­ies; and the fungal disease of rubber, the South American leaf blight. Our efforts are supported by the close cooperation and partnership with local government agencies and plant industries.

Import Control and Inspection AVA regulates the import of plants and plant products through stipulated plant health import requirements. During the FY, 36,227 import permits were issued.

AVA also conducted 3,652 post-entry inspections to ensure compliance with import health requirements and to detect pests, samples were collected for laboratory tests. In cases where injurious pests were detected, importers were given the option of treatment, if feasible, or destruction of the consignment.

Imported Living Organisms Through the administration of the Biosecurity Assurance Arrangement (BSAA) Scheme, AVA regulates the import of living organisms, such as live insects and microorganisms that have an impact on the environment. Importers are required to have proper facilities and management procedures that prevent the accidental escape of these living organisms. AVA conducts audits on their facilities and procedures periodically.

There were 32 BSAA members at the end of the FY. Plant Health Surveillance Each year, AVA reviews our surveillance programmes to include specific surveys, with different pests and disease targets, in order to keep up with the rapid changes in the ecological landscape. This helps AVA to detect pest incursions early and keep Singapore free from them, as well as to identify potential biosecurity threats.

AVA protects the sustainability and diversity of our landscape, and has successfully kept Singapore free from important quarantine pests and diseases.

PREVENTING THE ENTRY OF PLANT PESTS AND DISEASES As Singapore imports several varieties of plants that are not grown locally, AVA works to ensure the smooth import of plants without compromising plant health. With large amounts of plants moving across our borders daily, AVA collaborates with the Immigration and Checkpoint Authority and Singapore Post to monitor imports closely, and safeguard our plants against pests and diseases that can cause significant economic losses through reduced yields, quality, and cost efficiency.

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Imported Plants Ornamental plants that are imported to beautify our urban landscape are also possible pathways for potential introductions of invasive parasitic plant pests. AVA’s plant health surveillance programmes check for the presence of exotic plant pests or diseases that could threaten local flora and crops of economic importance.

During the FY, AVA continued surveillance efforts on four targeted quarantine pests, viz, the Khapra beetle; Mediterranean fruit fly; Queensland fruit fly; and South American leaf blight. A total of 211 inspections were conducted on imported plants and plant products, and 1,111 samples were collected and submitted for identification. None of the organisms detected were targeted quarantine pests.

AVA’s post-border programme focuses on identified high risk sites, such as those near port of entries, high volume nurseries, and local farms. In FY 2011, AVA conducted 1,758 surveillance visits to these high risk sites and collected more than 19,000 samples of plants, insect traps, and soil to check for their plant health status.

AVA also carried out surveillance on imported potatoes to check for Potato Wart Disease (PWD) and Potato Cyst Nematode (PCN). While potatoes are not grown in Singapore, they are imported in large quantities by local food companies that re-package and re-export them with health certificates from AVA. To protect our potato re-export industry from the risk of pest incursions brought about by imported potatoes, AVA conducted 125 inspections on import consignments, and collected 63 and 62 samples for PCN and PWD testing, respectively. All samples tested negative for PCN and PWD. In March 2011, AVA began a new surveillance programme to monitor the presence of guava fruit flies (Bactrocera correcta) on imported rose apples from Thailand. All 29 samples that were collected tested negative for the target pest.

Local Plants AVA keeps close tabs on local vegetable farms, orchids and ornamental nurseries, as well as plant exhibitions to ensure that there is no outbreak of plant pests that could disrupt local production. As a result, Singapore continued to remain free of six targeted quarantine pests viz, the Khapra beetle; Mediterranean fruit fly; Queensland fruit fly; South American leaf blight; PWD; and PCN. AVA conducted surveillance visits to high risk sites and collected samples of plants to check for their health status.

Nine identified high-risk parks near ports of entry were monitored over three years (2009-2011). We found no significant difference in the pest statuses of these parks at the end of the monitoring period, as compared to the beginning.

Many foliar fungal pathogens were found to be associated with a wide range of plant species in these parks. The infestation of Ardisia trees by Bagworm (Pagodiella species) remained of notable concern in two parks – Labrador Park and MacRitchie Park – as the infestation severity remained relatively high throughout the three years. AVA followed up by providing control recommendations to the park managers in National Parks Board (NParks) for treatment. The Ardisia trees at MacRitchie Park had since been replaced as a result of a recent facelift of the park.

AVA keeps a close tab on local orchid nurseries through regular visits and pest monitoring systems to ensure that there is no outbreak of plant pests.

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Through regular monitoring of local farms, we detected an incursion of Cochliobolus carbonum (a quarantine fungal pest) in maize plants grown in a local vegetable farm. A delimiting survey from this farm was initiated and four more farms around it were also found with C. carbonum infested maize plants. With the close cooperation of relevant stakeholders, all infested maize plants were eradicated and the situation is still being monitored.

New Plant Pest/Host Records AVA recorded 24 new plant pests, as well as hosts for pests, during our surveillance programme in the FY. Appropriate control measures were taken against pests deemed to pose a serious impact to the local horticulture industry.

A serious outbreak of Frankliniella occidentalis (Western Flower Thrips) occurred at the Flower Dome in Gardens by the Bay in early 2012. The insect pest, which infected more than 15 other flowering plants, is one of the most destructive pests found in greenhouses that grow ornamental plants. AVA worked with the management of the Gardens by the Bay to contain the outbreak and closely monitor the situation.

Soil Health During the FY, we completed the monitoring surveys necessary to establish the baseline nutrient database for the soil and tissue of Ixora and Heliconia in Singapore. The established databases would serve as a guide to determine the optimum range of nutrients for the growth and production of these plants.

AVA also conducts tests on soil samples from farms, landscaping contractors, and gardeners, to determine the nutrient levels in them. A large percentage of soil samples tested for major nutrients during FY 2011 were outside the acceptable ranges for plant growth.

Soil mixes from landscape companies were routinely tested by AVA to check for conformance to specifications, such as pH, EC, organic matter level, and cation exchange capacity. The tests showed wide variations in conformance. AVA followed up with advice on measures to be taken to ensure that the soil mixes comply with the specifications that have been established as industry standards for good plant growth.

To ensure plant health, AVA also collects soil samples from farms to test the nutrient levels in them.

Under the Ministry of National Development’s initiative to assess the impact of granite stockpile in Singapore, AVA sampled and monitored the soil parameters of the 23 agrotechnology farms surrounding the granite stockpile in the last FY. We also continued our annual monitoring of orchid farms around the granite stockpile in FY 2011. Both monitoring surveys did not reveal any significant deviation in the soil dynamics since the stockpiling began.

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AVA recorded 24 new plant pests, as well as hosts for pests, during our surveillance programme in the FY.

Plant Hosts

Pests/Pathogens

Alocasia species

Pseudocercospora alocasiicola

Areca catechu

Zeutomorpha arecae

Vitex trifolia

Pseudocercospora viticicola

Colocasia species

Phytophthora colocasiae

Cynodon dactylon x Cynodon transvaalensis

Gaeumannomyces graminis var. graminis

Arachis hypogaea

Puccinia arachidis

Helianthus species

Cercospora bidentis

Zea mays

Cochliobolus carbonum

Hibiscus cultivar, Hydrangea cultivar, Gerbera cultivar, Euryops pectinatus, Pentas lanceolata, Echeveria species, Cyclamen cultivar, Pelargonium cultivar, Frankliniella occidentalis Fuchsia, Portulaca, Sedum sp., Kalanchoe, Senecio, Dichondra argentea, Anthericum species and Phalaenopsis orchids

Nutrient analysis is conducted at the Plant Health Laboratory, using the Inductively Coupled Plasma Optical Emission Spectrometer.

Pest Risk Analysis During the FY, AVA completed a Weed Risk Analysis on Rottboellia cochinchinensis and Striga asiatica. Based on the risk assessment, both weed species were not recommended for import into Singapore.

Our risk assessment of Asecodes hispinarium and Tetrastichus brontispa (as potential biological control agents against hispid beetles) was endorsed by the AVA Biologics Evaluation Committee, as well as the National Biodiversity Centre, NParks for mass release in Singapore.

Laboratory Testing for Plant Health AVA’s Plant Health Laboratory (PHL) provides diagnostic services for a wide range of plant pests including insects, mites, fungi, bacteria, phytoplasmas, and viruses. In addition, we provide analytical services for an extensive range of nutrients in soil, plant tissues, and planting materials. The tests conducted ranged from morphological examination, biological indicators, and serological techniques, to advanced molecular and chemical/physical testing. PHL’s work is underpinned by a commitment to quality systems and has been accredited with ISO/IEC 17025 (2005) since 2006.

In FY 2011, the PHL completed more than 31,000 diagnostic tests. Thirteen samples for plant pests and soil analyses were received from overseas and processed under the BSAA observed by PHL. PHL’s expertise in pesticide evaluation continued to be much sought after by local pesticide companies. We initiated nine field evaluation trials in the FY. PHL constantly seeks to extend the laboratory’s diagnostic capability and capacity. To enhance AVA’s capability to respond to incursions, and to undertake surveillance and post-border testing. In FY 2011, PHL established molecular identification capabilities for the Bemisia tabaci. This test, together with the Real-time PCR identification of Thrips palmi, was accredited under the ISO/IEC 17025 in FY 2011.

PHL continued to achieve accreditation in the field of chemical and biological testing under the Singapore Accreditation Council – Singapore Laboratory Accreditation Scheme (SAC-SINGLAS). The laboratories met all the requirements in the ISO/IEC 17025:2005 standards with two new tests accredited. Our laboratories also performed well in the four inter-laboratory proficiency quality assurance testing programmes, which were administered by the internationally recognised Wageningen Evaluating Programmes for Analytical Laboratories (WEPAL), Wageningen University, the Netherlands.

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Research Collaboration To uphold Singapore’s reputation as a “City in a Garden”, AVA, NParks and National Institute of Education (NIE) began collaborating in FY 2010 to identify wood decay fungi from pruning wounds of common trees planted, such as the rain tree, yellow flame, and African mahogany, as well as to identify native strains of Trichoderma that could control these fungi.

In FY 2011, the collaboration resulted in the identification of one potential local Trichoderma strain for field application testing.

Findings on “Preventing Fungal Decay in Pruning Wounds of Local Trees Using Native Trichoderma Strains as Biological Control Agents”, were shared through a poster exhibition at the Urban Sustainability R&D Congress in June 2011.

In a continued effort to introduce environmentally friendly pest management measures, AVA collaborated with NParks to field-test the use of parasitic wasps – Asecodes hispinarium and Tetrastichus brontispae – in the control of hispid beetles (Brontispa longissima) on palms. This was as a result of three years of study by AVA to evaluate the effectiveness of the use of these biological control agents.

In the FY, AVA started collaborating with the Singapore Golf Association to build up a local plant health database for golf courses in Singapore. Samples collected from the Sentosa Golf Club and Raffles Golf Club were concurrently submitted to AVA and overseas laboratories for diagnosis and comparison.

AVA also embarked on collaboration with Syngenta Asia Pacific Pte Ltd on tree care management with the evaluation of tree injection in early 2012.

Extension Services and Training During the FY, AVA conducted plant health assessment visits in response to requests from commercial and residential establishments. The majority of them were from condominiums seeking support for the maintenance contracts of their landscape gardens, as well as the integrated resorts in Sentosa.

AVA also initiated collaboration with NParks to provide weekly plant health advisory and pest monitoring services to urban farmers in Singapore’s housing estates, under the CommunityIn-Bloom programme. These services aimed to help community farmers enhance vegetable production.

A team of AVA officers provided 4.5 days of training on “Introduction to Plant Biosecurity” to a group of Myanmar government officials in Yangon in January/February 2012. This training programme was part of the Singapore Cooperation Programme, under the Initiative for ASEAN Integration.

AVA registers and approves all agricultural pesticides for use in vegetable, orchid, and ornamental plant farms. Our officers also conduct monthly Pesticide Usage Inspection to ensure that the fresh produce complies with requirements under the Control of Plant Act

Regulating Pesticide Usage To ensure food, environmental and worker’s safety, AVA registers and approves all agricultural pesticides for use in vegetable, orchid, and ornamental plant farms. AVA conducts monthly Pesticide Usage Inspections (PUIs) in these agricultural establishments to ensure that the fresh produce complies with requirements under the Control of Plant Act. During the PUIs, samples from locally produced food crops are collected for pesticide residue/microbial testing. In FY 2011, 307 PUIs were conducted on local farms and 316 pesticide products were approved for agricultural use.

AVA also certifies pesticide operators to supervise the application of pesticides in our local farms. The number of certified pesticide operators stood at 153 at end of FY 2011, as compared to 143 the year before. The increased number of certified pesticide operators would enhance the safe use of pesticides in farms, which is in tandem with AVA’s thus food safety programme.

In addition, Pesticide Operator Certification (POC) training and proficiency tests were conducted as part of the requirements for certification of competent pesticide operators in local farms. The two sessions of Pesticide Operators’ Safety Course took place in June and December 2011 for existing and new POC applicants.

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STAYING ALERT AGAINST EMERGING THREATS & ISSUES AVA maintains its readiness to deal with incursions by testing and updating our contingency plans to combat outbreaks of plant diseases. We continued to detect plant pests early before diseases break out. In the FY, we began engaging owners of rice warehouse premises in our contingency plan against the invasion of Khapra beetles. We also participated in international and regional conferences to keep abreast of the latest developments and to lend our support and knowledge to fight against invasive plant pests.

ENGAGING AND EDUCATING THE PUBLIC AND INDUSTRY

2011, AVA continued to educate the public on the impact of plant health, disease, pests, and pesticide usage on our local flora, through four library talks under the NParks-National Library Board Library Talk Series.

AVA participated in the 20th World Orchid Conference held from 13 to 20 November 2011, by exhibiting poster displays on “Seasonal prevalence of thrips in Singapore” and “Detection of Thrips palmi using real-time PCR assay”. These displays won the Joyce Stewart trophy for Best overall poster and second place for Best non-student poster, respectively.

Stakeholder engagement in FY 2011 was sustained through the production and dissemination of monthly “Pest Health Brief” bulletins to the horticulture industry and members of the surveillance network to keep them updated of the latest pest detections. This publication was revamped to include information on soil health and the use of pesticide after receiving feedback from our stakeholders.

Our stakeholders play an important role in maintaining an effective biosecurity continuum. Responsibility for plant biosecurity in Singapore rests with the ‘whole of the community’, which includes the industry and public. In FY

AVA’s poster display on “Seasonal prevalence of thrips in Singapore” won the Joyce Stewart trophy for Best overall poster during World Orchid Conference 2011.

AVA annual report 2011 / 2012

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2011 / 2012 Organisational Excellence

Enhance your farms’ yield and quality of produce with AVA’s support in research and technology development. This way, our consumers can continue to indulge in more of these super fresh local produce.

agrotechnology Harnessing Technology to Optimise Singapore’s Limited Resources

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n land scarce Singapore, our urban landscape leaves us with limited space for farming. With the aim to increase self-sufficiency in key food items, as well as to maintain our competitive edge in the global orchid and ornamental fish market, AVA harnesses life sciences and technology for intensive large-scale farming. Our technological developments are also shared with local farmers and overseas contract partners, to help them increase productivity and yield. In addition to working with farmers, AVA collaborates with institutes and manufacturers, to develop innovative and valueadded food products.

In 2011, our farms produced seven percent of the leafy vegetables, seven percent of the fish, and 24 percent of the eggs consumed in Singapore. We aim to raise our sufficiency in leafy vegetables, fish, and eggs to 10 percent, 15 percent, and 30 percent, respectively.

FARMLAND MANAGEMENT AVA developed six Agrotechnology Parks to promote agrotechnology in Singapore. These Parks are well-equipped with modern infrastructure and facilities. Comprising a total land area of about 1,465 hectares, these Parks are located at Lim Chu Kang, Murai, Sungei Tengah, Mandai, Nee Soon, and Loyang.

As at March 2012, about 700 hectares of land in the Agrotechnology Parks were allocated to 224 farms. Another 36 hectares of land outside the Parks were allocated to 25 farms.

These included layer farms for egg production, freshwater fish farms, marine-fish farms, vegetable farms, goat and cattle farms, orchid and floriculture farms, and ornamental fish farms. In addition, there were 119 coastal fish farms occupying 93 hectares of sea space on Singapore’s coastal waters.

A layer farm for egg production in Singapore. AVA aims to raise self-sufficiency in eggs from 24% to 30%.

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looking after you | agrotechnology

AVA continued to visit local vegetables and orchid/ornamental plant farms regularly to ensure their compliance with regulations and conditions of lease agreement. AVA also worked closely with the National Environment Agency (NEA), the Public Utilities Board and other government agencies to investigate tip-offs on irregularities in AVA-licensed farms.

Such irregularities include the presence of illegal structures and unauthorised activities at farm premises. Appropriate enforcement actions ranging from the issuance of advisory letters to imposition of composition fines were taken against errant farms followed by the rectification of the irregularities.

Progress of the Selective Breeding Project AVA continued to collaborate with Temasek Life Sciences Laboratory (TLL) to develop cutting-edge genomics tools to identify individual Asian sea bass and Mozambique Tilapia that have good genetic traits to breed faster-growing and disease-resistant offspring.

In FY 2011, AVA performed a total of 11,349 surveillance and inspection visits on animal and plant/vegetable farms to check for irregularities. A total of 13 enforcement actions were taken against farms that were found to be non-compliant.

In FY 2011, the AVA-TLL team generated F2 Asian sea bass using aquaculture genomic tools for marker-assisted selective breeding of tropical marine food fish. Moving forward, the team will conduct a farm-based comparative analysis of growth rates to test the performance of the F2 Asian sea bass.

TECHNOLOGY DEVELOPMENT AND TRANSFER

Development of a Fish Vaccination Machine AVA began working with Nanyang Polytechnic (NYP) to develop an automated vaccination machine that is able to vaccinate fin-fish fingerlings at a more efficient rate than manual vaccination. NYP had developed a prototype of the vaccinating mechanism with technical inputs from AVA. Further refinements will be carried out to improve the accuracy of vaccine delivery into the fishes’ intraperitoneal cavity.

Research And Development (R&D) is vital to our efforts to increase agricultural productivity, self-sufficiency, and competitiveness. To improve the quality of our produce and achieve higher yields and value, our R&D projects focus on breeding, nutrition, disease control, aquaculture and vegetable production systems, as well as post-harvest technology.

AQUACULTURE R&D in marine aquaculture is carried out at AVA’s Marine Aquaculture Centre (MAC), while freshwater aquaculture R&D is done at the Sembawang Research Station (SRS).

AVA also provides technical assistance and services to the aquaculture industry to help them increase productivity.

R&D Projects Located on St John’s Island, MAC was established to undertake tropical marine food fish aquaculture technology development.

During the year, MAC continued to develop fast-growing and good quality fish fry for intensive farming. It also collaborated with research institutions and commercial companies to look into the automation of fish vaccination and testing of trivalent vaccine, so as to minimise fish mortality due to bacterial and viral diseases.

After achieving more than 15 percent improvement in growth rate in sea bass, the project team continued to work towards developing superior lines of food fish for the sea bass and marine tilapia.

Field testing of Iridovirus Vaccine AVA collaborated with a commercial company to field-test a trivalent vaccine against Streptococcus iniae, Tenacibaculum maritimum, and Iridovirus diseases in the Asian sea bass. The aims of this test were to evaluate the safety and efficacy of the combined vaccines under actual farming conditions. Sea bass fry were vaccinated at MAC and subsequently transferred to a local fish farm for grow-out. Preliminary results showed that the vaccinated fingerlings had better growth performances and survival rates as compared to previous unvaccinated batches.

Breeding of Pompanos in Local Farms AVA has for the first time successfully induced pompano (Trachinotus blochii) broodstock to spawn in Singapore’s tropical waters on a large scale basis. Pompano, a popular food fish, is farmed locally using imported fry.

AVA will transfer this breeding technology to local hatcheries to develop their technical capability and local supply of fingerlings. This, in turn, will reduce their reliance on imported fry, which is seasonal in nature. Local farms will thus have a ready supply of pompano fry, which would in turn boost local food fish production.

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To facilitate the development of Singapore’s food fish and ornamental fish industries, AVA’s Aquaculture Services Centre at the SRS provides technical advice to stakeholders, viz. investors, farmers and exporters. In FY 2011, AVA made over 400 visits to food fish and ornamental fish farms to monitor their performance and activities. On-site training sessions were also conducted for the farmers.

During the FY, AVA also worked closely with the Ornamental Fish Business Clusters (OFBC) members to look into areas of R&D to improve fish quality for export. A survey was conducted on the parasite load of locally bred and imported common ornamental fish species, to identify possible clean sources that exporters can tap on. AVA also experimented on indoor breeding of platy, a common type of fish for export. Experiment results showed better survival and health in platy bred indoors, as compared to outdoor culture methods currently practised by farmers. These findings would be shared with farmers and exporters at an Ornamental Fish Seminar jointly organised by AVA and OFBC in April 2012.

AVA has for the first time successfully induced pompano (Trachinotus blochii) broodstock to spawn in Singapore’s tropical waters on a commercially viable scale.

Vertical Fish Farming A Research Collaboration Agreement was signed with Temasek Polytechnic during the FY, to jointly develop a simple, scalable and cost effective vertical fish farming technology and management system to breed and culture freshwater ornamental fish. This project aims to increase productivity of farms and maximise land use in land-scarce Singapore.

Singapore aims to raise self-sufficiency in fish to 15 percent.

AVA worked closely with local farmers to develop individual productivity improvement plans during the FY to help them meet the annual minimum output of 17 metric tonnes of fish per half-hectare of licensed farm area. AVA also organised regular workshops on coastal fish farm management for our fish farmers to improve growth performance of their fish stocks. The topics covered included good farm practices, types of feed, as well as fish health and farm environment management.

HORTICULTURE Horticulture R&D is carried out at AVA’s SRS, as well as in collaboration with the commercial sector and research institutions.

R&D Projects During the FY, AVA embarked on R&D projects with the aim of increasing vegetable productivity through the use of technology. These projects cover home-growing systems, indoor farming, research on fast-growing varieties, as well as applications of supplementary lighting and seed-plug technology to increase yield and quality.

The vertical fish farming system is a simple, yet scalable and cost effective way to breed and culture freshwater ornamental fish in land-scarce Singapore.

Technical Assistance and Services AVA works closely with local hatcheries to optimise existing methods and assists farms to increase their productivity in both live-feed and fish fry productions.

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Use of Seed-plug Technology in Vegetable Nursery To improve farm productivity through the introduction and implementation of seed-plug technology to maximise crop cycles per year, tests were conducted on three types of growing media: soil, peat substrate, and compost. Findings based on germination rate, growth vigour, and chlorophyll content indicated that peat substrate is best for seedling growth.

Further studies will be conducted to investigate other factors, such as tray cell size, irrigation, transplanting age, fertiliser application, mechanisation, and use of coloured netting.

With AVA’s assistance, a vegetable farm improves productivity through the introduction and implementation of seed-plug technology that can maximise crop cycles per year.

Vegetable Home-Growing Systems Studies were conducted to establish the best practices for cultivation of leafy vegetables on vertical systems that are suitable for homes. Three vertical planting systems were identified and adapted for vegetable growing based on design, modularity, and mobility. Agronomic trials on growing media, irrigation method, and frequency, as well as nutrient application, were conducted on six common types of vegetables (gailan, baicai, xiaobaicai, bayam, kangkong, and sweet potato leaves) to develop vegetable growing systems that the local community can easily make use of to grow vegetables in confined spaces.

Vegetable Farming Systems To reduce the weight of planting trays in vertical systems, AVA also explored using pumice stone, which is lighter, to replace soil. A study was conducted to compare the growth performance of xiaobaicai and Chinese cabbage grown in a media containing pumice stone and chicken manure, with that in tray planting media (consisting soil, cocopeat and chicken manure). Results showed that the plant weight of xiaobaicai and Chinese cabbage grown in pumice stone were significantly lowered by 40 percent and 20 percent, respectively. Moving forward, AVA will explore adding other forms of substrate to the pumice stone growth media to improve yield.

Screening for High Yielding Vegetable Varieties AVA carried out screening and evaluation tests to identify faster growing and high-yielding leafy vegetable varieties for local cultivation. AVA screened and evaluated varieties of xiaobaicai, caixin, mustard, naibai and lettuce for desirable characteristics, such as short growing cycle, good germination, good survival rate, and high yields. Following the evaluation, eight varieties were selected based on good growth performance. AVA will be conducting further tests to determine their yield performance, before introducing the suitable varieties to farmers and help them increase farm productivity.

Use of LED for Growing Leafy Vegetables in Poly-Houses As the use of supplementary lighting is known to improve vegetable yield, AVA collaborated with a Finnish lighting company to study the effects of Light-Emitting Diode (LED) on the growth of leafy vegetable in a poly-house (greenhouse with a plastic roof and side netting).

The “Veggie Pipe” idea, which originated from a local irrigation solution provider (NetaTech Pte Ltd), was adapted so that it can support the growth of various leafy vegetables and herbs.

Under normal circumstances, plants have a photoperiod of 12 hours. By extending photoperiod by four hours through the use of white-red LED supplemental lighting, a significant increase in yield, fresh and dry weight, as well as plant and stem length was observed.

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Yield was 17 percent higher compared to vegetables grown without supplemental lighting. However, the cost of the light tubes and energy required exceeded the gains achieved from the improvement in yield. Thus, the use of white-red LED supplemental lighting is not a commercially viable option for local farms as a means to improve productivity.

In another trial, lettuce was grown indoors to full maturity of 34 days under red-blue LED light. Compared to plants grown in greenhouses, these lettuces grown under indoor conditions were greener, more tender, and had broader but fewer leaves, with a 30-percent decrease in weight. AVA will further explore suitable growing conditions for the plants.

Use of Solar Energy for Automated Greenhouse Ventilation and Supplementary Lighting AVA and Ngee Ann Polytechnic (NP) successfully completed the joint-research project to research on the use of solar energy to automate greenhouse ventilation fans and lights.

The 2.5-year project, funded by the MND Research Fund, was carried out at Kok Fah Technology Farm. Results showed that vegetables grown under ventilation fans had shown improvements in yields. In addition, analyses showed that it is cost effective to install ventilation fans in the modular PVC-roof growing house to grow higher value leafy crops such as gailan, as compared to growing Chinese cabbage.

Technical Assistance and Services Besides R&D, AVA also provides industry services to the horticulture sector. The Horticulture Services Centre provides services on orchid tissue culture and seed pod germination.

Consultancy services, field evaluation and training are provided to both the orchid and vegetable industries.

The seed pod culture service continued to be popular amongst growers, hobbyists, and schools, as it allows the breeding and selection of unique hybrids. In FY 2011, AVA received a total of 326 orders (comprising 31 different orchid genera) for seed pod germination and 3,000 tissue culture plantlets for various commercial growers.

A greenhouse that uses solar energy to automate ventilation fans and supplementary lighting.

Indoor Vegetable Factory Farming AVA has been working on an indoor vegetable growing system (factory-farming concept) to enable year-round production of leafy vegetables regardless of climatic factors. In this system, vegetables are cultivated on shelves with temperature, relative humidity, luminance, air circulation, irrigation, and fertiliser dosing controls.

In FY 2011, a preliminary study was conducted to determine the type of LED light best suited for indoor production of lettuce seedlings, at 24 degree Celsius. The types of light tested include white, red, blue, and red-blue (in the ratio of 2:1). Findings showed that red-blue LED light was the most suitable, based on germination rate, and growth performance and uniformity.

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Farm Productivity Improvement Plan Singapore aims to raise self-sufficiency in local leafy vegetables from seven percent to 10 percent. To help local vegetable farms do so, AVA has been working with farmers to identify productivity challenges and develop individual productivity improvement plans.

Beyond FY 2011, AVA visited 30 vegetables farms and all of them were found to be on track and carrying out the activities in their respective productivity improvement plans. Local production of leafy vegetables increased by 10 percent in the first quarter of FY 2011. The overall projected increase in local production is expected to reach about 760 tonnes by the end of 2012 and 32 percent of this amount has been achieved by the end of FY 2011.

Minister for National Development, Mr Khaw Boon Wan (front row 10th from left,) and AVA CEO, Ms Tan Poh Hong (front row 5th from left), visited the Goldhill Community in Bloom garden and its urban farmers on 28 March 2012.

Set-up of Vegetable Nursery AVA facilitated a vegetable farm in its application for Employment and Employability Institute (e2i) funding to establish a vegetable nursery. The farm was awarded funding in December 2010 to develop a fully automated vegetable nursery that produces a large volume and wide variety of quality seed plugs. The use of seed plug transplants in vegetable production increases yield and productivity.

With technical expertise and advice from AVA, the Sin Ming CIB Garden, in particular, flourished within a short span of time. Minister of State for Finance & Transport, Mrs Josephine Teo, was invited to harvest lettuces there during the Chinese New Year period on 15 January 2012. And on 28 March 2012, Minister for National Development, Mr Khaw Boon Wan visited the Goldhill CIB garden, whose achievements included winning the three top awards at the Singapore Garden Festival 2010.

Vertical Vegetable Farming Following the development of the Vertical Farming System (VFS) prototype, AVA continued to assist in the establishment of a commercial VFS through the provision of advisory services on agronomy and plant pest and disease management. The VFS can potentially deliver more than five times the productivity of traditional vegetable farms.

Survey on Market Distribution of Local Vegetables AVA conducted a survey on 36 farms in April 2011 to establish the distribution patterns of local vegetables in the market.

Survey findings showed that most local vegetable farms distribute their produce through several channels. The wet market is the most common, with 22 farms distributing their vegetables through this mode. Other distribution channels were institutional buyers, wholesalers, and supermarkets.

The successful development of the VFS won us Merit Award under the Minister for National Development’s R&D Award, which was presented by the Minister of State for National Development and Manpower, Mr Tan Chuan-Jin, during the inaugural Urban Sustainability R&D Congress on 27-28 June 2011. AVA put up a booth at the Congress Exhibition to showcase the award-winning VFS project.

Improving Orchid Production System With the help of a local irrigation specialist company, AVA assisted an orchid farm to explore technological solutions to mechanise its irrigation and fertilisation systems, which would reduce reliance on menial labour and improve productivity.

Enhancing Vegetable Production in Community Gardens During the FY, AVA collaborated with National Parks Board (NParks) to train Community-in-Bloom (CIB) gardeners to grow vegetables and develop a pool of skilled vegetable growers, so that their community gardens can enjoy higher vegetable yields.

Industry Engagement AVA conducted a half-day training course on “Soil Cultivation for Leafy Vegetables� on 19 April 2011 for members of the Vegetable and Fruit Business Cluster (VFBC). Topics covered include cultivation process, usage of chemical fertilisers, as well as general pest and disease management.

The ASEAN Taskforce on Horticultural Products developed and harmonised a series of quality standards, which would ensure the competitiveness of ASEAN produce internationally. These standards were shared with local importers during the VFBC meeting on 6 July 2011.

AVA held a dialogue session with local vegetable farmers on 10 November 2011, to enhance mutual understanding. AVA and the 14 representatives from nine farms in attendance discussed issues on manpower, land for vegetable farming, bank loans, local promotion, R&D and technology transfer.

From July to November 2011, AVA conducted weekly vegetable growing lessons and hands-on training for CIB gardeners from five estates. The training covered essential skills such as planting bed preparation, fertilising, irrigation, and harvesting, with a focus on leafy vegetables such as gailan, caixin, xiaobaicai and kangkong. These residents then passed on the skills they learnt to other gardeners in their communities.

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POST-HARVEST AVA’s Post-harvest Technology Centre conducts post-harvest and food research to improve the quality of food and food delivery in Singapore. To ensure Singapore’s food supply chain is integrated, cost-effective and sustainable, AVA focuses on scientific research in post-harvest and processing technologies, via a holistic approach. We embark on collaborations with renowned research institutes and key industry stakeholders to promote product innovation, improve product shelf life, minimise wastage, optimise productivity, and enhance food safety in the food supply chain.

AVA assists the industry in optimising food manufacturing and post-harvest handling processes through technology development and adoption. This way, they can create valueadded and safe food products with cost-effective operations. In addition, AVA introduces best practices to address gaps in food safety from production to distribution.

R&D Projects AVA assists food manufacturers in developing new food products and processes from raw materials or by-products such as, fish and vegetable trimmings. We embark on collaborative applied research and promote the adoption of new technologies for value added food production and food waste reduction by manufacturers.

Okara-incorporated Products Substantial amounts (at least 10 tonnes) of okara, a by-product of local soybean products manufacturers are generated daily.

In April 2011, AVA initiated research collaborations with Massey University to develop okara-incorporated products.

The six-month research project resulted in the formulation of an okara-incorporated snack. Subsequent research collaboration with Massey University in early 2012 looked into the development of pseudo-meat products, which could bring commercial benefits to manufacturers of soybean products, who are now able to transform their nutrients-rich soybean wastes into valued food products.

Ready-to-Eat Bottled Mussel Sauce Following the successful conversion of previously discarded mussel broth into mussel sauce, the bottled mussel sauce was subjected to a one-year shelf life study and proved to be shelf stable.

Sensory evaluation was carried out with the application of the mussel sauce in various Chinese dishes. AVA , in collaboration with NYP, will continue to conduct more sensory tests in collaboration with industry players to ascertain market receptiveness to this product.

High Value Freeze-Dried Products There is a growing trend in the food industry to develop dried food products, in response to an increasing consumer demand for convenience food. Products prepared via the freeze-drying method offer better appearance, taste, texture and higher nutritive value, as compared to products dried via high heatinduced evaporation.

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From March 2011 to February 2012, AVA explored the application of freeze-drying technology in protein-based products. Six surimi-based products were tested for the shelf-life stability after being subjected to the freezevacuum-drying technology. These freeze-dried products, which are 80 percent lighter, proved to be shelf-stable for one year and were able to retain a high quality after being rehydrated. Following this, AVA will collaborate with a research institution to review the drying process, in order to reduce operating costs and time taken to freeze-dry the products.

Anti-browning Agents in Fresh-Cut Fruits In collaboration with Massey University, AVA is looking into various anti-browning methods to prolong the shelf-life of fresh-cut fruits, as well as developing charts to aid the visual assessment of cut fruits’ quality. The shelf-life extension of freshly cut fruits using polysaccharide as a coating material was studied. Preliminary results showed that under storage temperature of two to five degree Celsius, the application of edible polysaccharide coatings (e.g. calcium chloride-sodium alginate coating), helped to reduce moisture loss and inhibit enzymatic browning in cut apples, by approximately four days. Further trials will be conducted to determine efficacy of alternative anti-browning agents for fresh-cut fruits to enjoy a longer shelf-life and more attractive appearance.

Research in Food Nanotechnology Nanotechnology is increasingly being applied in the food processing and packaging industries, especially because nano-materials, with their excellently light and moisture or oxygen barrier properties, can enhance product shelf-life and reduce food wastage due to spoilage.

Collaborating with A*STAR’s Institute of Materials Research and Engineering (IMRE), AVA embarked on the development of enhanced food packaging using polymer nano-composites in FY 2011. In addition, AVA is also working with the Environmental and Water Technology Centre of Innovation at NP to develop cost-effective and intelligent sensors from biodegradable nano-fibres that can help to monitor food quality and reduce food wastage.

Novel nano-food products or nano-enabled food packaging that incorporate nano-materials must pass food safety tests to ensure that they have no negative impacts on human health or the environment. Thus, AVA will embark on research in nano-food safety in collaboration with research institutes such as NYP and Singapore University of Technology and Design.

Through this, we also aim to spur the development rate of nano-enabled food packaging in Singapore.

Environmental-friendly Sanitizer for Harvested Fresh Sprouts In FY 2011, AVA collaborated with NUS to source for alternative types of sanitizers that are more effective and environmentally friendly than the commonly used chlorine-based sanitizer for fresh sprouts. The first phase of the research, started in August 2011, looked into the effectiveness of Peroxyacetic acid (PAA) and chlorine on Escherichia coli O157:H7, Listeria monocyotgenes, Salmonella spp. and natural microflora on bean sprouts.

Technical Assistance and Services AVA also provides extension services to supply chain stakeholders, such as local growers, processors, traders, and retailers. These services include consultancy, training, and audit services in the areas of product development, postharvest handling techniques, cold chain management, food quality testing/assessment and preservation, and food safety assurance/management.

Vegetable Industry • Technical Reference for the Cold Chain Management of Vegetables AVA, SPRING Singapore, and the industry jointly developed the Technical Reference for the Cold Chain Management of Vegetables (also known as TR-24). The TR-24 aims to establish a quality assurance system and provide benchmarks for managing temperature and relative humidity profiles in the vegetables cold chain. AVA cochairs the Working Group on the development of the TR24 with the Chairman Singapore Fruits and Vegetables Importer/Exporter Association.

With approximately $1 million of funding from SPRING Singapore, a pilot trial was conducted for key vegetable farms and supply chains (known as chain masters), to test and develop the technical guidelines for the Singapore standard for cold chain management of vegetables. The funds supported the upgrading of cold chain facilities, such as cold trucks, cold stores, vacuum coolers, infrared thermometers, and data loggers. Chain masters also made use of the funds to train their staff on cold chain management of vegetables.

In FY 2011, AVA, SPRING and Singapore Polytechnic coorganised four training courses in July and November 2011, as part of the effort to facilitate the implementation of the TR-24 cold chain standard for vegetables. The training courses comprised lectures on optimal temperature management in ensuring safe and quality vegetables.

• Improving Efficiency of Post-Harvest Handling In another programme from 29 August to 2 September 2011, AVA invited two experts – Dr Andrew East and Dr Richard John Love – from Massey University to share their expertise on green and effective refrigeration systems for the fruit and vegetable supply chain. The four-day programme from 29 August to 2 September 2011 included a seminar, a workshop and visits to the Pasir Panjang Wholesale Centre, as well as cold chain facilities of various importers, food logistics and distribution companies. Participants were offered insights to the effective packaging and stacking of horticultural produce in cold rooms to optimise cold air circulation, and learned how to improve the structure, functionality, and management of cold stores in order to minimise condensation and unnecessary energy loss. A brochure, on the recommendations on effective refrigeration systems for the fruit and vegetable supply chain, was also published and distributed to the local stakeholders.

To facilitate the local fresh produce industry’s efforts to upgrade its processes, AVA began developing a handbook on efficient post-harvest handling of Asian leafy vegetables along the supply chain. The handbook will complement the TR-24 cold chain standard for vegetables by guiding the supply chain stakeholders to implement best practices for maintaining high quality vegetables. The handbook is expected to be completed before FY 2013.

In FY 2011, AVA also conducted a market survey on the way leafy vegetables were handled by farmers after harvest.

The survey findings were useful in helping us to identify the areas for improvement and provide recommendations to upgrade industry practices. Following this, AVA will be conducting experimental trials that would optimise postharvest packaging processes in FY 2012.

The pilot trial concluded in FY 2011 with a final audit of the participating chain masters led by Singapore Manufacturer’s Association and the principal consultant – Singapore Polytechnic’s Food Innovation and Resource Centre. The Working Group will convene to review the recommendations resulting from this trial, and publish the Singapore Standard for Cold Chain Management of Vegetables.

The effective packaging and stacking of horticultural produce in cold rooms helps to optimise cold air circulation.

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• Support for the Fresh-Cut Processing Industry AVA and NYP commenced on research work to jointly establish the “Industry Guideline on Fresh-Cut Processing of Iceberg Lettuce”, to support the upgrading of freshcut processors. In FY 2011, processing trials for freshcut iceberg lettuce were completed, and the guideline is expected to be released in FY 2012.

To help our food industry meet increasing consumer demand for fresh cuts, AVA conducted an Expert Engagement Programme on Safe, Innovative and Sustainable Fresh-Cut Processing for local fruits and vegetables companies from 10 to 16 May 2011. During the three-day programme, Dr Robert Premier, a fresh-cut expert from Australia, visited local fresh-cut processing plants and supermarkets to offer on-site practical recommendations on how to improve the work processes and processing protocols to ensure safe and quality fresh cuts production. AVA also organised an industry seminar in which Dr Premier shared with local fruits and vegetables industry members the latest innovative fresh-cut processing technologies and practices, while AVA covered Singapore’s regulations on fresh-cut products. This programme attracted 70 participants from the industry and academic institutions.

AVA continued to support processors of the surimi-based products through our expert engagement programme. On 14-16 February 2012, AVA organised a three-day seminar on novel fish product development and technology. Mr Tatsuru Fujiwara, a Japanese expert on the development of fishery products, spoke on the current and future trends of surimi-based products and processing methods in Japan and the region. He also recommended the use of novel ingredients that offer greater complexity in taste for product development. The seminar was attended by 42 fish processors, importers and exporters, retailers, ingredients suppliers, members from the Food Standards committee and tertiary institutes.

In addition, Mr Tatsuru visited five fish surimi-based product processing plants to review their production processes, and advised that adding value to products is a better way to remain profitable than cutting costs.

In addition, AVA also collaborated with an industry stakeholder to develop the processing protocols on mixed salad, with the aim to enhance the quality and safety of fresh-cuts produced by local small operators.

• Audit Services AVA provided audit services through its subsidiary, Agrifood Technologies Pte Ltd (ATP), to verify the integrity of the organic vegetable supply chain from farms to NTUC FairPrice retail stores. We also rendered audit services through ATP to Eu Yan Sang International to verify its Lingzhi herb supplier for EYSGAP standard, before the EYSGAP certification can be renewed.

Fish Industry In FY 2011, AVA continued to provide consultancy and testing services to the fish processing industry. Services were offered in the areas of product innovation, safety assurance, quality preservation, surimi-testing, sensory evaluation, and pilot testing trials on product development.

• Surimi-based Products To provide quality assured surimi raw-materials to fish ball companies, AVA extended its testing service on gelstrength and whiteness of surimi. A total of seven surimi samples were received from two companies during the FY.

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Mr Tatsuru Fujiwara (third from left), accompanied by an officer (right), at a major fish processing plant, where he provided technical advisory on the ways to optimise surimi processing and enhance product innovation.

• Shellfish Test Rig Prototype System Most of the live shellfish retailed domestically are either sold in a dry condition that leads to high mortality, or in a marine fish tank that consumes large quantities of water.

To overcome these limitations and to enhance the safety of live seafood at retail, AVA collaborated with NP on a project to design and test-bed a water-efficient Shellfish Test Rig Prototype System. This water-efficient, enclosed system aims to simulate an environment conducive for the survival of various types of shellfish.

The construction of the prototype was completed in 2011. Following consultation with major retailers and importers in Singapore to understand their needs for retailing live shellfish, such as oysters, mussels, clams and cockles, AVA will embark on experimental trials to testbed the prototype. This project is expected to lead to the construction of a scaled up water-efficient live shellfish display cabinet for retailers.

TECHNOLOGY DEVELOPMENT AND TRANSFER Farmers in Singapore are challenged by the shortage of local and foreign labour from traditional sources and have basic farming skills and experience. To ease this shortage and enhance the quality of the foreign workforce, AVA collaborated with Ministry of Manpower and Employment and Employability Institute (e2i) to raise manpower productivity.

Skills Evaluation Test for Agri-technology Sector AVA and the Institute of Technical Education developed a series of SETs (Skills Evaluation Tests) to upgrade the farming proficiency of foreign workers, and for AVA to assess farm workers and accord certification to those who pass the tests.

Foreign workers who pass the SETs would be considered for an extension of employment period.

In FY 2011, 191 foreign workers passed the SETs. This adds up to a total of 306 foreign workers passing the tests since they were first conducted in December 2010. Feedback from the industry has been positive as SETs allows the extension of their foreign workers’ employment period and reduces disruptions to their manpower needs.

Facilitating Recruitment of Local Workers through e2i Job Fairs To help farmers address manpower shortage issues, AVA partnered e2i to pilot a career brief cum job fair for the agriculture and fisheries industries in May and September 2011. AVA and e2i will continue to hold such fairs in FY 2012 to facilitate the recruitment of local workers in the agriculture sector.

COMMUNITY OUTREACH Besides working with the industry on technology development and transfer, AVA also reaches out to the public through international and community events, as well as learning journeys to showcase our efforts in harnessing technology to optimise Singapore’s resources.

World Orchid Conference 2011 AVA participated in the World Orchid Conference by putting up a 100-square metre (sqm) plant and mural display in the World Orchid Show segment from 13 to 20 November 2011.

The mural, highlighting AVA’s role in the development of Singapore’s orchid industry, won us the Best Educational Display (for 100 sqm booth), a Gold Medal, and a Blue First Place Ribbon. Our display, which showcased about 1,500 orchid plants from 200 varieties, reaped 55 awards in the individual orchid competition. AVA also won Gold and Silver Medals for our posters on scientific/horticultural research findings.

NParks CIB Library Talks Since 2008, AVA officers have been actively involved in NParks’ CIB Library Talks, giving one-hour talks and sharing our expertise on various horticultural topics. This FY, the topics covered include “Orchids 101”, “Growing Leafy Vegetables in Home Garden”, and “Home Vertical Vegetable Growing”.

Residents were also introduced to easy-to-assemble home vertical vegetable growing systems which are designed for limited spaces.

Learning Journeys AVA hosts students on learning journeys to the MAC and our agrotechnology parks. In the FY, we hosted five learning journeys for 145 students to the MAC, and another seven learning journeys for 600 students to agrotechnology parks.

AVA’s 100-square metre booth showcased about 1,500 orchid plants from 200 varieties, which won us 55 awards in the individual orchid competition.

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2011 / 2012 Organisational Excellence

The world is our marketplace. Besides fostering international relations, AVA issues certificates and permits that are recognised worldwide. These bring you greater ease in growing your agri-food businesses globally.

agri-trade Facilitating Agri-Trade for Food, Plants and Ornamental Fishes

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s Singapore’s representative on agricultural, fisheries, and veterinary matters, AVA continues to facilitate free trade and maintain close ties with the global community in a spirit of exchange and cooperation. Besides facilitating trade, AVA also regulates the import and export of endangered species.

Senoko Fishery Port (SFP) is the hub for local fishing vessels.

During FY 2011, a total of 2,717 vessel calls were made at SFP while 21 AVA-licensed fish merchants handled 9,489 tonnes of fish from local fishing trawlers, sea-based, and land-based fish farms, as well as from imports.

FACILITATING IMPORTS

FACILITATING EXPORTS

Jurong and Senoko Fishery Ports AVA manages both the Jurong and Senoko Fishery Ports, both of which serve as wholesale and distribution centres for fresh and chilled seafood. The top five fish exporting countries to Singapore for FY 2011 were Malaysia, Indonesia, Vietnam, Thailand, and China.

AVA facilitates the export of food, plants, and their products, as well as ornamental fishes, animals, and animal products, by issuing internationally recognised certificates, and permits. In addition, we help further upgrade the export capabilities of our industries by engaging them in collaborations and dialogues.

Foreign fishing vessels arriving in Singapore berth at the Jurong Fishery Port (JFP), which serves as a port of call for international fishing vessels and as a seafood distribution hub.

During FY 2011, a total of 3,071 vessel calls were made at JFP. The 96 AVA-licensed fish merchants at JFP handled 63,074 tonnes of fish landed by fishing vessels, as well as imports via land and air. Of these, 1,977 tonnes were tuna imports meant for re-export.

Food Products In FY 2011, AVA issued 13,623 Export Health Certificates and Free Sale Certificates to local exporters of food products, including dairy products, as well as imported and locally manufactured meat and fish products. In addition, a total of 1,393 Certificates for Freedom from Disease were issued to facilitate exports of food products.

During FY 2011, a total of 2,717 vessel calls were made at the Senoko Fishery Port.

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AVA also conducts inspections on local food establishments and samples export consignments to ensure compliance with requirements in Singapore and export destinations. In addition, we facilitate inspection visits by foreign bodies to local food establishments, and provide advice on how to successfully meet the requirements necessary to obtain Veterinary Health Certificates and Export Health Certificates. In FY 2011, AVA conducted 1,657 inspections and collected 4,813 samples for export health certification. For veterinary health certification, we conducted 2,203 inspections and collected 1,345 samples.

Ornamental Fish In FY 2011, Singapore exported ornamental fishes with an approximate value of $79.2 million to over 80 countries. The major countries include the EU member states, the US, Japan, Turkey, Canada, Russia, South Korea, and Australia. There was a decline in export value by approximately 0.25 percent compared to FY 2010.

Plant and Plant Products AVA is the national authority for the phytosanitary certification of plants and plant products for export. We facilitate the export of plant products by ensuring that the plant health requirements of importing countries are met. Singapore is a signatory to the International Plant Protection Convention (IPPC) and we abide by the international standards set by IPPC and align our procedures with those standards.

In FY 2011, AVA facilitated about $680 million worth of agritrade through the issuance of 16,875 phytosanitary certificates.

Our phytosanitary certificates were recognised by about 124 countries and the top export destinations were Indonesia, Japan, Australia, China, Malaysia, UK, Germany, East Timor, India, and Brunei Darussalam.

AVA also facilitated the certification and movement of orchid plants for the World Orchid Conference held in November 2011.

Some 274 phytosanitary certificates were issued on site for participants and visitors to the conference.

AVA regulates and facilitates the ornamental fish trade by issuing import and export permits, as well as health certificates for all live fish exports. In FY 2011, our certificates continued to be accepted internationally, with a total of 10,890 health certificates issued to accompany live fish consignments exported from Singapore to various parts of the world.

AVA worked closely with the ornamental fish industry to develop a new AVA Quality Assurance Scheme (AQUAS) that would replace the existing Accredited Ornamental Fish Exporter Scheme (AOFES). The new AQUAS provides the ornamental fish industry with the flexibility to design quality assurance processes that not only meet the requirements of importing countries, but are also best suited to the operations of each company.

AVA held five rounds of consultative sessions with the ornamental fish industry from January to April 2011, to gather feedback on AQUAS, and provide guidance on how to draft the Quality Assurance manual required for AQUAS application.

The AQUAS was opened for application in July 2011.

Animals and Animal Products AVA is the national authority responsible for issuing certificates and permits that meet importing countries’ requirements.

These documents help to facilitate the export of live animals, animal feed and animal products. In FY 2011, a total of 1,563 veterinary health certificates, 2,418 export permits, and 1,393 certificates for freedom from disease were issued. A total of 310 free sale certificates were also issued to facilitate the export of animal feed and products, such as birds’ nest.

AVA issued 274 phytosanitary certificates to facilitate the movement of orchid plants for the World Orchid Conference held in November 2011.

Assurance Certification Scheme In FY 2011, a total of 12 companies were accredited under AVA’s Assurance Certification Scheme (ACS), of which, six were for aquatic plants, four for cut flowers and cut foliages, one for tobacco, and one for cocoa products. AVA conducted a total of 33 compliance audits on ACS-accredited exporters to ensure that standards were upheld for the export of aquarium plants, cut flowers, foliages, and plants that require phytosanitary certification.

In March 2012, the Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry New Zealand accepted Singapore’s proposal to allow the import of cut flowers from producers and exporters under the ACS. As a result, cut flowers and foliages exported to New Zealand under the scheme no longer require mandatory on-arrival fumigation.

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Pest Control Agency Accreditation Scheme AVA’s Pest Control Agency Accreditation Scheme accredits pest control agencies that possess proven technical expertise and proper facilities to perform phytosanitary treatment and to certify wood packaging materials used for international trade.

During the year, a total of 30 heat treatment providers and 23 fumigation companies were accredited under this scheme. A total of 65 audits were conducted during the FY. AQIS-Australia visited Singapore on 29-30 November 2011 to study the current fumigation practice in Singapore and provide an update on recent developments of the Australian Fumigation Accreditation Scheme. AVA also initiated a trial with AQISAustralia to gather data on methyl bromide concentrations for fumigation performed on un-sheeted/unpressured tested containers. Three fumigation companies were selected to perform the trial, which will take place in April 2012.

Treatment Provider Scheme To provide standard operational procedures for treatment providers who perform methyl bromide fumigation and heat treatment operation on plant and plants products, AVA reviewed the Accredited Pest Control Agency Scheme (APCA) during the FY. The APCA will be replaced by a new Treatment Provider Scheme (TPS) on 1 May 2012, with the following improvements: • More specific and detailed categorisation of noncompliance and its corresponding sanctions • A format of documents/forms that facilitates better record keeping and ease of traceability.

• Specifications of non-compliances leading to suspension or termination.

A dialogue with the APCA members was held on 12 March 2012 to introduce the TPS and inform them of the changes in the new scheme.

ENGAGING STAKEHOLDERS AVA works closely with our stakeholders to facilitate agritrade. We engage and collaborate with our industries through Business Cluster activities and dialogue sessions.

Ornamental Fish Business Cluster Initiated by AVA in 2003, the Ornamental Fish Business Cluster (OFBC) has been instrumental in addressing the challenges and charting new directions for the industry, as well as in raising the international profile of Singapore’s ornamental fish industry.

With key representation from industry associations, exporters, breeders and associated companies, the OFBC will continue to reinforce Singapore’s position as an Ornamental Fish Hub. AVA conducted a dialogue session with Singapore Aquarium Fishes Exporters’ Association (SAFEA) on 27 October 2011, with participation from the Singapore Tropical Aquarium Fish Breeders’ Association (STAFBA). During the dialogue, AVA reiterated its commitment to work closely with the industry through both associations and OFBC to explore new areas of cooperation to improve processes. The industry was also urged to enhance its productivity to remain resilient and competitive.

AVA also engaged industry players outside of the OFBC. Four dialogue sessions with SAFEA, and licensed ornamental fish importers and exporters, were conducted between April 2011 and March 2012 to address regulation and trade issues.

Aquarama 2011 The 12th Aquarama, an international trade show for the ornamental fish industry, attracted the participation of more than 120 companies and agencies from 23 countries. Held in May 2011, the event was opened by Dr Mohamad Maliki Bin Osman, Senior Parliamentary Secretary for National Development & Defence.

(Front row, 4th from left to right:) Ms Tan Poh Hong, CEO of AVA; Mr Chris Eve, Senior Vice President of UBM Asia Trade Fairs Pte Ltd (organiser of Aquarama); and guest-of-honour Dr Mohamad Maliki, Senior Parliamentary Secretary for National Development & Defence at Aquarama 2011.

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AVA set up a booth to showcase recent developments, which included an experimental multi-tiered vertical farming system for ornamental fish culture. Coupled with the latest water reuse and treatment technology, the system aims to increase productivity to more than four times that of traditional farming methods.

Orchid Business Cluster With representatives from the various key floral associations and the IE Singapore, the Orchid Business Cluster (OBC) was established in May 2003 to strengthen Singapore’s position as a renowned exporter of tropical orchids and help the industry remain relevant and adaptable. During the year, the OBC held fruitful dialogues, and participated in overseas visits and exhibitions to seek trade opportunities and increase international exposure.

TRADE IN ENDANGERED SPECIES AVA is the national authority for the implementation and enforcement of the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES) agreement, which aims to prevent over-exploitation of endangered animals and plants.

In FY 2011, AVA issued a total of 10,680 CITES permits and certificates to regulate wildlife trade, which comprised mainly of reptile skins, Asian arowanas, and pet birds. AVA also facilitated the commercial re-export of wildlife not categorised under CITES, through the issuance of 444 ‘B’ certificates/ statements. In March 2012, AVA implemented a watermark system for CITES permits and certificates, as a security measure to prevent fraudulent use of CITES documents.

During the FY, AVA investigated a total of 42 cases, which included illegal import and sale of alleged tiger products, chameleon, Asian arowanas, and Hoodia products. In one of these cases, a man was prosecuted in court and fined $5,200 for keeping and attempting to sell hedgehogs as pets on the Internet. Twenty-four cases were issued with composition fines, and 17 cases were issued with warnings or advisories.

Imported Dragon Fishes for Local Retail AVA works closely with the industry to co-create pro-business solutions and improve trade facilitation.

Previously, a licensee can only import Dragon fishes for reexport purposes. The only exception was given to licensed importer who has a breeding farm registered with CITES to breed the Dragon fishes in captivity for commercial purpose.

The Orchid Business Cluster strengthens Singapore’s position as a renowned exporter of tropical orchids and help the industry remain relevant and adaptable.

The OBC stayed active and enthusiastic in developing the orchid industry and export market. Two sub-committees were set up to look into the research and breeding of new hybrids, as well as the promotion of local orchids in the domestic market through outreach programmes.

In response to feedback from the SAFEA, AVA reviewed the import conditions with effect from 4 April 2011. AVA allowed licensed ornamental fishes importers to import Dragon fishes (or Asian Arowana) for local retail sale, in addition to reexport. Subsequently, AVA also discontinued the registration of Dragon fish retail outlets, and allowed the sale of Dragon fish in all local licensed aquarium fish shops from 16 January 2012. Notwithstanding these changes, licensed importers must continue to adhere to the conditions for the import of Dragon fish to Singapore.

Following the OBC’s visit to the Guangzhou Knowledge City (KC) last FY, participants expressed interest to set up production bases and develop a Singapore orchid and ornamental industry within the KC. As such, AVA facilitated meetings between IE Singapore, SingBridge and keen members of the orchid industry to address cost and land lease issues.

With effect from 4 April 2011, all imported dragon fishes were allowed for local retail sale, as well as re-export (with CITES re-export permits).

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INTERNATIONAL RELATIONS By participating in bilateral, regional and international meetings, AVA keeps abreast of the latest developments to safeguard Singapore’s interests in food safety, animal and plant health standards, and agri-trade.

Bilateral Meetings 4th Singapore-Indonesia Agribusiness Working Group Meeting On 1-2 December 2011, AVA hosted the 4th SingaporeIndonesia Agribusiness Working Group Meeting in Singapore.

To facilitate and track the import and export of agri-produce between Singapore and Indonesia, the working group finalised the action plans, timelines, and key performance indicators.

ASEAN and International Collaborations In FY 2011, AVA continued to participate actively in ASEAN meetings and projects, as well as other international forums.

AVA officers attended the international meetings to discuss cooperation in areas such as food security, food safety, fisheries, livestock, crops, and sanitary and phytosanitary measures.

33rd Meeting of the ASEAN Ministers Meeting on Agriculture and Forestry (AMAF) and 11th Meeting of the AMAF+3 On 6-7 October 2011, Dr Mohamad Maliki Osman, Senior Parliamentary Secretary for Defence and National Development, accompanied by Ms Tan Poh Hong, Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of AVA, led a five-member delegation to attend the 33rd Meeting of the AMAF and 11th Meeting of the AMAF+3 held in Jakarta, Indonesia.

Significant developments at the Meetings included the signing of the ASEAN Plus Three Emergency Rice Reserve Agreement and the Memorandum of Understanding between the ASEAN and the World Organisation for Animal Health on the ASEAN Regional Animal Health Information System. The finalisation of these documents would contribute towards food security and help to manage/eliminate animal diseases in the region.

The Meeting also considered and endorsed the following: a) List of proposed eight Maximum Residue Limits (MRLs) for the five pesticides b) ASEAN Standards for Okra, Cashew Kernels, Sweet Pepper, Onion, Chilli Peppers c) Intra-ASEAN Phytosanitary Guidelines for Importation of Potato-tuber for consumption d) ASEAN Bio-Security Manual for Commercial Poultry Farming e) ASEAN Criteria for Accreditation of Establishments for Manufacturing Meat Products in Hermetically-Sealed Containers f) Terms of Reference of the Preparatory Committee for the Regional Coordination Mechanism on Animal Health and Zoonoses

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g) ASEAN Standard Requirements for Animal Vaccines: Salmonella gallinarum (live and inactivated), as well as Avian Influenza vaccine (inactivated) h) ASEAN Good Aquaculture Practices for Shrimp Farming and its Strategic Plan of Action i) Resolution on Sustainable Fisheries for Food Security for the ASEAN Region Towards 2020, and Plan of Action on Sustainable Fisheries for Food Security for the ASEAN Region Towards 2020 j) Concept Note of the ASEAN-European Union Technical Cooperation in Genetically Modified Organisms (GMO) Analysis k) Proposal for Post 2nd Phase of the ASEAN Food Security Information System (AFSIS) Project 1st ASEAN-India Ministerial Meeting on Agriculture and Forestry Dr Mohamad Maliki Osman, Senior Parliamentary Secretary for Defence, and National Development and Ms Tan Poh Hong, CEO of AVA attended the 1st ASEAN-India Ministerial Meeting on Agriculture and Forestry, which was held on 8 October 2011 in Jakarta, Indonesia, on the sidelines of the 33rd AMAF and related Meetings.

The Meeting considered and adopted the Joint Statement to enhance cooperation in agriculture and forestry between ASEAN and India, with a view to: l) Meet the challenges of food security m) Exchange information and technology n) Create farmers awareness and interaction cooperating on research and development projects o) Encourage agriculture and forestry-related industries p) Strengthen human resources development The Ministers also adopted the Medium Term Plan of Action for ASEAN India Cooperation in Agriculture (2011-2015) and endorsed the Terms of Reference of the ASEAN-India Working Group on Agriculture and Forestry.

1st ASEAN- Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) Working Group on Food Security and Agricultural Investment AVA attended the 1st ASEAN-GCC Working Group on Food Security and Agricultural Investment on 3-4 May 2011 in Doha, State of Qatar. The Meeting agreed to focus cooperation on three main areas, namely, food security, agricultural investment, as well as legislation and regulatory framework for agricultural investment.

2nd Meeting of the Experts Working Group on ASEAN Good Agricultural Practices (EWG – ASEAN GAP) AVA successfully hosted the 2nd EWG – ASEAN GAP meeting held from 18 to 20 May 2011 in Singapore. A total of 17 ASEAN delegates from all ASEAN member countries except Myanmar attended the meeting. A field trip to a GAP-certified farm was also organised to share the progress of implementing the GAP system in Singapore.

Marine Fisheries Research Department (MFRD) Programme / Southeast Asian Fisheries Development Centre (SEAFDEC) AVA, as a collaborating centre of SEAFDEC, promotes the post-harvest technology development of fisheries in Southeast Asia, by implementing activities under the SEAFDEC’s MFRD programme. These activities include the transfer of postharvest technology and best practices to the fish processing industry in the region.

Technical Panel on Post Harvest and Safety of Fish and Fisheries Products On 14 June 2011, AVA and MFRD co-organised and conducted a technical panel themed “Post Harvest and Safety of Fish and Fisheries Products” during the ASEAN-SEAFDEC Conference on Sustainable Fisheries for Food Security Towards 2020: Fish for the People 2020, held in Bangkok, Thailand.

ASEAN Training Course on Utilisation of Freshwater Fish for Value-Added Products As part of the SEAFDEC-MFRD programme, AVA and MFRD co-organised a Regional Training Course on the “Utilisation of Freshwater Fish for Value-Added Products” in Singapore on 18-21 October 2011. A total of 14 participants from five ASEAN member countries (Indonesia, Lao PDR, Malaysia, Myanmar, and Vietnam) attended the training course which included both lectures and hand-on practical sessions. The course topics covered the processing of freshwater fish into value-added products, the importance of Good Manufacturing Practices, Hazard Analysis and Critical Control Point systems, and product shelf life tests.

1st On-site Training Workshop in Traceability Systems for Aquaculture Products Under the SEAFDEC-MFRD Programme Trust Fund (V), AVA and MFRD co-organised and conducted the 1st On-site Training Workshop in Traceability Systems for Aquaculture Products, in collaboration with Vietnam’s Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development (MARD).

Held in Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam from 28 to 30 November 2011, the workshop included lectures, a visit to a local catfish farm and processing factory, and discussions on the challenges and recommendations for the implementation of traceability system for aquaculture products. The workshop was attended by 23 participants from all ASEAN member countries.

Progress of Biotoxin Survey Under the MFRD Biotoxin Monitoring project, nine ASEAN member countries (Cambodia, Indonesia, Lao DPR, Myanmar, Malaysia, Philippines, Thailand, Vietnam, and Singapore) commenced a one-year Biotoxin survey and submitted halfyearly progress reports to MFRD in 2011. The survey covered the monitoring of the biotoxin Paralytic Shellfish Poisoning (PSP), with Myanmar and Singapore expanding their scope to include Amnesic Shellfish Poisoning and Diarrhetic Shellfish Poisoning as well. As at the end of FY 2011, species surveyed for PSP have yielded negative results. Most participating member countries have completed the surveys, except for Cambodia and Lao DPR, who will be completing the survey in the second quarter of 2012.

DISTINGUISHED VISITORS AVA is trusted and respected globally as a competent authority which ensures safe food, healthy animals and plants. Over the FY, AVA received several foreign dignitaries and overseas officials for discussions and explorations on collaborative work. Many came to learn about our regulatory control, functions, as well as to tour our facilities and centres.

April 2011 The Japanese Ambassador to Singapore visited AVA to discuss the issue of safe food supply to Singapore in view of the Fukushima Daiichi Nuclear Power Plant incident.

May 2011 AVA hosted Singapore’s Ambassador to Vientiane to a meeting and shared information on Singapore’s food imports and collaborations with Lao PDR. June 2011 The Australian High Commissioner visited AVA to learn from Singapore’s experience in the handling and slaughter of livestock, as well as to discuss fisheries issues.

July 2011 The Governor of Yamanashi Prefecture, Japan, visited AVA to introduce fruits (peaches, grapes, prunes) and wine from the Yamanashi Prefecture, as well as explore opportunities for agri-food trade.

October 2011 The Italian Trade Commissioner paid a courtesy call on AVA’s CEO and discussed issues on agri-food trade between Singapore and Italy.

November 2011 To strengthen existing trading ties, the Governor of Shiga Prefecture, Japan, visited AVA and discussed the current status of beef exports from Shiga Prefecture to Singapore.

December 2011 The Indonesian National Agency of Drug and Food Control visited AVA to learn more about Singapore’s knowledge, experience, and best practices in formulating laws on food control. The Indonesian delegation also toured the facilities at AVA’s Veterinary Public Health Laboratory to understand its operations.

January 2012 AVA hosted Singapore’s Ambassador to Thailand to a meeting and shared AVA’s on-going collaboration and interests with Thailand in terms of enhancing food supply resilience.

February 2012 Singapore’s Ambassador to Beijing visited AVA to learn about AVA’s bilateral projects with China.

A delegation from the Riau Islands (Kepri) House of Representatives visited AVA to discuss the issues of developing vegetable and fish farming in Kepri.

Chairman of Singbridge Holdings Pte Ltd and Chairman of Keppel Corporation Ltd visited AVA to learn about AVA’s Jilin Food Zone project.

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2011 / 2012 Organisational Excellence

At AVA, there is no challenge too big to overcome.

By nurturing and inspiring our staff to be the best that we can be, the AVA team is well positioned to serve our nation and industries with heart and professionalism.

organisational excellence Excellence in Our People and Organisation

A

VA strives to be a people-centred organisation because our staff is our most valuable asset. We are fully committed to developing our staff and endeavour to help our staff find fulfilment in their work. We believe that a motivated workforce is key to the continued well-being and good performance of the organisation. At the same time, we empower our people with technology so that they are equipped to find innovative ways to improve their efficiency and effectiveness. These set us on the path towards being a progressive and professional organisation.

PEOPLE DEVELOPMENT

Programmes such as “Preparing Policy Papers and Conveying Changes”, “Appreciating the Evolving Social Media Landscape”, and “Writing Back” workshops, were also sponsored by AVA to strengthen the core competency levels of our staff.

In an effort to build up and sustain a pool of professional expertise, AVA also increased the number of scholarship awards and disciplines of study offered in FY 2011. A total of five undergraduate scholarships were awarded in disciplines such as Economics, Food Science & Technology, Life Sciences, Science (Microbiology) and Veterinary Science.

PERFORMANCE MANAGEMENT

AVA firmly believes in developing each staff member to reach his or her fullest potential so that he or she is not only equipped to fulfill their job duties, but also contribute to the society. During the FY, we continued to engage the hearts and minds of our staff to develop them both on the professional and personal fronts.

In anticipation of the increasingly complex and challenging working environment, there is a need for our officers to build new capabilities that can help AVA to stay ahead and remain effective.

In FY 2011, we achieved an average of 14.1 learning days per staff. Officers were trained through a variety of training platforms such as external courses as well as local and overseas conferences.

In this FY, AVA adopted the AIM (Analytical and intellectual capacity, Influence and collaboration, and Motivation for excellence) Model for its performance management system, as well as the open appraisal methodology for our officers in the management executive scheme. Both systems enhance transparency and engagement between staff and supervisor.

During the FY, AVA introduced the Professional Development Framework to further augment and strengthen our professional capabilities and ensure that we stay abreast of emerging trends and technology. The comprehensive developmental opportunities under this framework included attachments and exchange programmes to facilities of our overseas counterparts and the private industry, as well as leadership programmes, post-graduate studies, sabbaticals, involvement in external projects, and collaborations with institutions. In addition, AVA organised in-house workshops on risk assessment and epidemiology for our staff.

During the FY, AVA sponsored officers for the following programmes: • • • • • •

Attachment to SATS Ltd in China (Jilin Food Zone) Sabbatical Programme at Food Valley in the Netherlands Leaders in Urban Governance Programme Governance and Leadership Programme Firefly Leadership Development Programme Advanced Management Programme

Comprehensive training was provided to staff to help them familiarise themselves with the new performance appraisal system. This new performance management framework is structured to clearly bring out and tie in with our shared ethos, values and behaviours. Thus, both staff and the organisation on the whole will be better empowered to take on future challenges.

PEOPLE MANAGEMENT To ensure that we continue to attract talent and reach out to potential job-seekers, AVA accelerated its branding and outreach efforts through various channels, such as career magazines and career fairs in university campuses. These helped us to promote our varied career opportunities, comprehensive career development, as well as training framework.

In the FY, AVA also revised our remuneration packages for new and in-serving staff to enable us to remain competitive in the bid to attract and retain talent.

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Awards and Recognition A total of 61 staff members were promoted in FY 2011 in recognition of their excellent performance and potential to contribute at higher levels.

In addition, 10 National Day Awards were bestowed on AVA staff in recognition of their exemplary performance and past service. These comprised one Bronze Public Administration Medal, two Commendation Medals, two Efficiency Medals and five Long Service Medals.

A total of 114 staff members were also presented with AVA Long Service Awards in recognition of their contribution and dedication to the organisation.

AVA contributed an annual grant of $6,000 to the Union.

Staff Well-being and Engagement In continuing to help our staff better manage work responsibilities alongside their personal and family needs, and to build a workforce that is well-rounded and resilient, AVA implemented the following work-life harmony measures during the FY: • Up to two days of parent-care leave per year for officers to take care of their elderly parents or parents-in-law.

• Telecommuting scheme for officers who need to be at home to care for children or parents.

• Up to two days time-off per year for community involvement to foster greater volunteerism amongst staff.

• Corporate memberships providing free admissions to selected places of interest, as an additional encouragement for staff to spend more time with their family.

AVA also promoted staff well-being through other new initiatives. New work-life initiatives were introduced to encourage healthy living and work-life harmony. These included weekly time-off for exercise, “Blue Sky Fridays”, and corporate memberships to selected places of interest.

Labour-Relations Management To further enhance staff well-being, AVA continued to partner the Union in improving the welfare of AVA union members.

In addition to contributing an annual grant of $6,000 to the Union, AVA and the Union jointly introduced the AVA Bursary Award for children of eligible AVA staff. The quantum of the bursary is $800 and $2,500 per year for those pursuing their education in polytechnics and universities, respectively.

AVA management also engages the Union regularly on staff matters, through various platforms such as quarterly meetings and social events. In recognition of our efforts in working with the Union towards creating a more inclusive workforce, we received the NTUC 50 Model Partnership Awards (Institutional Category) as part of the 2011 May Day celebrations.

Staff Engagement and Feedback To nurture a fruitful employer-employee relationship, it is important to engage our staff. AVA encouraged staff to stay connected with senior management through various communication platforms such as staff dialogues, CEO walkabouts, and luncheons with senior management. News blitzes in the form of the NewsREAL e-Newsletter were disseminated periodically to keep staff updated of officers’ achievements.

ORGANISATIONAL AND SERVICE EXCELLENCE In AVA’s journey towards organisational and service excellence, emphasis is placed on continuous improvements to our processes, policies, and systems. We encourage every staff to embrace innovation, teamwork, and collaboration so that we can better serve our stakeholders.

Teamwork and Innovation At AVA, we empower our staff to increase the effectiveness and efficiency of the organisation by leveraging on teamwork, streamlining workflow, and seeking innovative and practical solutions to work challenges.

On 8 August 2011, AVA’s interdisciplinary team received the MND Minister’s (Team) Award 2011 for its performance in handling the radiation threat from Japan. In response to the tsunami that struck Fukushima, Japan on 11 March 2011, AVA officers worked tirelessly to ensure that food imported from Japan was free from radioactive contamination. AVA adopted a whole-of-government approach to provide timely updates and advisories to the public and actively engaged other stakeholders. All these efforts helped to minimise trade disruptions while ensuring food safety in Singapore.

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Our staff continued to participate actively and contribute useful ideas and solutions through the AVA STAR (Striving and Aiming for Excellence through Teamwork) and TWINKLE (Tapping Wild and Innovative Ideas for Knowledge, Learning and Exchange) Schemes. A total of 1,771 ideas were contributed by staff and 41 STAR projects were completed. On average, each staff contributed about two TWINKLE ideas in FY 2011.

Five of AVA’s STAR projects received Silver awards at the National Innovation and Quality Circle assessment, held at the 2011 Team Symposium. One of the teams also showcased its project at the PS21 ExCEL Convention 2011 Exhibition, which was held in November 2011.

Organisational Excellence AVA was awarded the Singapore Quality Class (SQC) Star by SPRING Singapore in FY 2011. Our certifications for the People Developer and the Innovation Class were also successfully renewed in January 2012 with improved scores after the integrated assessment was conducted in October 2011.

The achievement of the SQC Star, which recognises organisations that have attained greater heights on the business excellence journey, is a significant milestone in AVA’s excellence journey. It affirmed our progress in transforming AVA to achieve organisational excellence.

In August 2011, AVA’s food safety and biosecurity programmes were reviewed and endorsed as of a “world class standard” by the International Advisory Committee of Experts (IACE) – comprising international experts in the fields of veterinary epidemiology, food safety and hygiene, biosecurity, phytosanitary and plant pathology. AVA was also commended for the developments and progress made in its programmes since the last review in 2008. The IACE provided valuable feedback and advice on strengthening AVA’s approaches in a range of programmes, such as food sourcing and diversification, horizon scanning and early alert, and professional development.

To inculcate a culture of innovation, learning and sharing, AVA organised an Organisational Excellence (OE) Week from 16 to 20 May 2011. The week-long event, themed “Be Different - Look, Think, Feel, Do”, showcased and celebrated the good work done by AVA officers.

Over 320 officers participated in the OE Week activities, which included the launch (held alongside the Public Service (PS) Observance Ceremony), the AVA Awards Ceremony, Learning Journeys, workshops, and the Finale. To embody the spirit of “Leadership with a Heart”, the AVA Leadership Team took their place behind the buffet line and served food to staff. AVA Leadership Team also sponsored cookies and apples for sale at the Charity Booth to raise funds for AVA’s adopted charity, Kampung Senang Charity and Education Foundation (KSCEF).

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Team building games during the launch of the Organisational Excellence (OE) Week from 16 to 20 May 2011 inculcated a culture of innovation, learning and sharing.

Service Excellence AVA takes on a customer-centric perspective and adopts a facilitator-developer approach to develop its services.

In FY 2011, 13 agency-wide dialogue sessions were held with industry players as part of AVA’s efforts to provide a pro-business environment for our stakeholders, engage key industry players to better understand their concerns, and work on areas of mutual interest. Another five dialogue sessions were held with government agencies and non-governmental organisations.

These sessions led to the formation of joint taskforces between AVA, the industry and non-governmental organisations, to study the feedback and suggestions received. Our taskforces have achieved tangible results so far, including winning ProEnterprise Idea Awards.

AVA officers also continued to do the organisation proud by receiving service awards at the national level. One officer received the PS21 Service Award at the 2011 PS21 Star Service Award Ceremony. Four staff also achieved the national 2011 Excellent Service Awards.

Pro-Enterprise Idea Awards AVA submitted a total of seven entries to the Pro-Enterprise Panel (PEP), which assesses government agencies’ suggestions to make changes in rules and processes that benefit businesses by reducing compliance cost. Four of them won the Quarterly Pro-Enterprise Idea Award.

One of the Quarterly Pro-Enterprise Idea Award was given to AVA for its proposal to allow non-targeted consignments to be delivered to customers and retailers directly, without comprising food safety. This enhancement to AVA’s inspection process minimises the time taken for produce to reach retail shelves and ensures the freshness and quality of imported produce. The Pro-Enterprise Idea was proposed by the taskforce comprising representatives of AVA and the fruit and vegetable industry, and was implemented in August 2011.

Another Quarterly Pro-Enterprise Idea Award recognised AVA’s review on the submission frequency of laboratory reports for infant formula. As a result of this review, importers of infant formula now need to only submit a report biannually, instead of annually. This brings about savings of up to 94 percent on laboratory tests for importers.

Of the four Quarterly Pro-Enterprise Idea Awards, one also garnered the overall Annual Best Pro-Enterprise Idea Award (Bronze) for the proposed system that automatically approves certain meat products from selected countries for import into Singapore. Implemented on 1 October 2011, the timesaving process facilitates cargo clearance even on weekends and public holidays. Traders can now receive the necessary permits faster online, and no longer have to wait for import permits to be approved manually by AVA. This new system benefits more than half of all importers in Singapore, who can save a considerable amount of time and money. It also allows AVA to reallocate its resources more effectively to focus on more value-added services.

During the FY, AVA embarked on the development of a Customer Relations Management System, as well as enhancement of the AVA website. In addition, the development of an AVA Call Centre is also in progress, with an aim to ensure timely and adequate management of all enquiries and feedback received.

LEVERAGING ON INFORMATION COMMUNICATIONS TECHNOLOGY AVA harnesses Information Communications Technology (ICT) to support our mission and corporate objectives. We develop ICT systems to improve our operational efficiency and service delivery to our customers.

Improving Public e-Services and Internal Communication AVA constantly reviews and enhances our e-services, and develops new ones to make them more user-friendly for our customers.

A new e-service for the online registration of food storage warehouse was implemented in November 2011. This was part of the move by AVA to further improve food crisis management and enhance food security.

AVA won the overall Annual Best Pro-Enterprise Idea Award (Bronze) for the proposed system that automatically approves certain meat products from selected countries for import into Singapore.

Initiatives to Enhance Customer Service During the FY, various initiatives to enhance our service delivery and inculcate a customer-oriented culture in AVA were implemented.

The revised Reward and Recognition programme was launched in April 2011 to provide staff with greater and more frequent incentives for good customer service. A total of 87 officers were awarded with Monthly Service Awards, nine officers were given the Quarterly Service Awards, and three officers received AVA’s Annual Distinguished Service Award.

We also enhanced our dog licensing e-service. Dog owners no longer need to fill in their particulars when applying for a dog licence online, as these will be automatically filled in the application form. The need to provide supporting documents has also been removed. Similarly, we have enhanced our e-service for the application of laboratory tests arising from customers’ feedback. Customers will benefit from the enhancements from the second quarter of FY 2012.

In an effort to provide greater convenience to customers, AVA provided them with the option to make payment for all AVA services at more than 790 AXS stations island-wide, by end October 2011.

Over 160 officers attended the two Quality Service Manager (QSM) tea sessions, which were conducted as a platform to recognise our Quarterly Service Awards recipients in the FY, and for frontline officers to share and discuss areas for improvements.

In addition, more than 270 officers underwent service-related training that were mapped to the nature and level of their work and their training needs, in FY 2011.

Based on AVA’s Corporate Values and Service Values of Courtesy, Accessibility, Responsiveness and Effectiveness (CARE), a Service Pledge and service handbook were developed for all staff. The handbook provides AVA officers with best practices in delivering quality customer service and serves as a reminder of AVA’s Service Values and service standards.

To provide greater convenience to customers, AVA partnered AXS Pte Ltd to provide the option to make payment for all AVA services at over 790 AXS stations island-wide, on any day, and at any time.

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AVA introduced the e-GIRO statements initiative in October 2011 to provide our customers with the option of receiving their monthly GIRO statements electronically. With e-GIRO statements, customers will be able to receive their statements earlier, i.e. within three working days from the last GIRO deduction as compared to the one week required to receive hardcopy statements. In addition, this environmentally friendly initiative can help to reduce paper consumption.

To improve the public’s accessibility to important updates on AVA’s corporate website, we incorporated the RSS (Really Simple Syndication) feeds function on selected frequently visited web pages. With RSS, customers who wish to be automatically and immediately alerted to updates can subscribe to the RSS for free.

Moving forward, AVA’s participation in the Whole-ofGovernment business licensing system, FRONTIER (Facilitating Reforms for Innovation and Enterprise), will create opportunities for us to initiate licensing reforms and improve service delivery to businesses.

The AVA Intranet is a key platform for internal communication.

Work is in progress to revamp our Intranet to enhance communication and information sharing amongst staff.

Enhancing ICT Infrastructure AVA is constantly monitoring and reviewing our ICT infrastructure to ensure that they continue to meet AVA’s operational requirements and are cost effective.

The Local Area Network (LAN) for AVA’s offices was upgraded with new and better equipment in FY 2011. This upgrading helped to ensure greater availability and performance of our LAN service, which is critical to our day-to-day operations.

Physical cables were also laid to digitally connect the office buildings at AVA’s Sembawang Research Station to form a single LAN. By replacing the previous wireless connection with physical cables, we not only improved the network availability and performance, but also reduced the maintenance effort and cost.

Tightening ICT Security As an ongoing effort to improve ICT security in AVA, a review of our ICT security policy was conducted to ensure that our security policies, standards, and controls are adequate to safeguard AVA’s ICT environment. In the FY, our ICT systems with e-services were enhanced to mitigate any security risks.

An ICT Seminar was held on 18 November 2011 to raise staff awareness on new technologies, and ICT initiatives and security. As our officers are regularly required to handle important and sensitive information in electronic form, the seminar helped them to understand AVA’s ICT security policy, the common ICT security threats, as well as security measures and best practices that can be undertaken, to safeguard the security and integrity of official data.

An ICT Seminar was held on 18 November 2011 to raise our staff’s awareness on new technologies, and ICT initiatives and security.

The Desktop Security Service (DSS) is an important service under the Government Standard Operating Environment (SOE) programme that protects the end-point devices such as SOE laptops and desktops against prevalent security threats.

During the FY, testing of the DSS was completed for pilot users and this will be rolled out to all AVA staff in early FY 2012.

Encrypted thumb drives were also issued to staff who need to store confidential information on portable devices. This will ensure greater security to protect information stored on portable devices that are prone to being misplaced or lost.

PROMOTING HEALTHY LIFESTYLE AND BUILDING ESPRIT DE CORPS At AVA, we continuously strive to cultivate an inspiring and nurturing work environment. We value our staff, who make up the heart of AVA. We help our staff to build esprit de corps, to achieve cohesiveness, as well as stay attuned to their environment and physical well-being. At AVA, we organise a wide range of recreational, health, and familyoriented activities throughout the year. Besides being an opportunity for networking, these activities also promote a sense of camaraderie and belonging to AVA. Sports We aim to build rapport and cohesiveness within AVA through sportsmanship and group recreational activities that bring various departments together. A wide variety of sports activities, from games for leisure to competitive tournaments, are regularly organised to promote staff interaction.

Sports Trainings and Participation Keen AVA staff members attend badminton sessions every Wednesday and actively participate in competitive sports events. During the FY, their hard work paid off at the MNDRC badminton tournament 2012, in which AVA bagged the first and third places for the Women’s Singles category, as well as second and third place for the Mixed Doubles category.

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Keen AVA staff members attend badminton training every Wednesday at the Ministry of National Development Recreation Club (MNDRC) sports hall.

In addition, AVA has a Dragon Boat Team that trains every Sunday. The team’s dedication was rewarded during the annual MNDRC dragon boat race, wherein our AVA dragon boat team came in second and third in the Mixed team category and Management team category, respectively.

AVA continued to be a key member of the MND Dragon Boat Team, which was active year-round and participated regularly in dragon boat races in Singapore, such as People’s Associate Paddle, Singapore Dragon Boat Festival, Austcham 10km Race and the Jurong Island Dragon Boat Race. The team also participated in Singapore’s largest dragon boat event – the Singapore River Regatta – on 26-27 November 2011 and clinched the overall silver medal in the public service category.

AVA introduced a “Sing for Free” initiative by giving out complimentary MNDRC karaoke vouchers each month from October 2011 to February 2012. With the voucher, staff members were entitled to use the MND karaoke room for free.

A total of 130 vouchers were given out to officers to bond and interact with their colleagues, friends, and family over their favourite songs.

The AVA Annual Dinner & Dance for FY 2011 was held at The Fullerton Hotel on 6 January 2012, with a “Red Carpet” theme.

The event saw record attendance of 544 staff, as well as guests, AVA board members, and AVA union representatives.

The crowd enjoyed an evening of fun and laughter, with games such as “Rock Stars” and “Broadway Dancers”, as well as crowd-pleasers like door gifts, mass games, and lucky draws.

The inaugural AVA Interdepartmental Badminton Tournament took place from 12 October to 9 November 2011 with the encouraging participation of 56 officers across all 10 departments in AVA. During the FY, AVA officers also took part in events such as the 5km Fun Walk at West Coast Park, MNDRC Bowling Competition, Star Games Bowling Competition, MNDRC Cross Country Run, MNDRC-Glimpse of the Singapore-Malayan Railway, Charity Golf, New Balance Real Run, and Standard Chartered Run 2011.

Social With the objective to foster teamwork and staff-bonding, AVA organised a range of social events to allow officers and their family members to interact with each other. During the MND Family Day, AVA staff participated enthusiastically in the bowling competition, tele-matches and MND Got Talent Contest.

The AVA Annual Dinner & Dance was well attended by a record number of 544 staff, as well as guests, AVA board members, and AVA union representatives, who played stage games such as “Rock Stars”.

AVA annual report 2011 / 2012

83

clean-up spanned more than half a kilometre. This event not only helped to improve our marine environment, but also served to enhance the bonds between the staff who participated in the event.

In addition, we also organised hiking and guided trips to MacRitchie Reservoir, Southern Ridges, Bukit Timah Hill, and Sungei Buloh. These activities helped to promote conservation awareness and bonding among AVA staff.

A recreation room for AVA’s Veterinary Public Health Centre (VPHC) was officially opened on 2 August 2011.

Healthy Lifestyle AVA understands that a healthy workforce is a productive one.

In FY 2011, we rolled out several new initiatives to encourage staff to incorporate exercise into their weekly routines.

Besides giving staff an hour’s time-off per week for exercise, AVA also furnished our offices with gym equipment to make exercise more accessible to staff. A recreation room for AVA’s Veterinary Public Health Centre (VPHC) was officially opened on 2 August 2011, accompanied by a mass aerobics session.

Weekly kickboxing classes were also organised at VPHC as an added option for staff to utilise their weekly one-hour time-off for exercise.

Good eating habits are also fundamental to healthy living. To encourage healthy eating habits, AVA organised monthly Fruit Days. Each month, a particular type of fruit was given to each AVA staff, accompanied by an email highlighting the health benefits of the fruit.

Charity In the FY, AVA led the organisation of charity activities during the MND Family Day held at Downtown East on 9 July 2011.

The President’s Challenge was adopted as a platform for the charity drive, and AVA contributed about $4,000 in all. A total of about $48,000 was raised during the entire charity drive, exceeding the $30,000 target set by the MND organising committee. The collection went towards funding the work of 28 charity organisations supported by the President’s Challenge 2011.

AVA’s average employee SHARE participation rate was 60.1 percent in FY 2011. Almost 500 AVA staff continued to support Community Chest’s SHARE programme through regular monthly contributions.

As part of our social outreach programme in FY 2011, AVA organised a trip to the Henderson Waves for the residents of AVA’s adopted home, KSCEF, in June 2011. AVA’s senior management also visited KSCEF in July 2011 for some fun-filled activities with them.

In September and November 2011, AVA organised the “AVA Charity Pasar Pagi 2011” at AVA Headquarters and Veterinary Public Health Centre respectively, to raise funds for KSCEF. A variety of food and non-food items were on sale during the two events. A total of $23,544 was raised. AVA will continue to support our adopted home by engaging our officers and caring for our communities.

In addition, a health bazaar was organised at VPHC to encourage AVA staff to snack healthily. Other activities such as health talks and health screenings were also organised to promote healthy living.

CARING FOR OUR COMMUNITY AND ENVIRONMENT Environment and Conservation The annual International Coastal Cleanup (ICC) was held on 17 September 2011 at Changi Beach Park. The ICC is an international event conducted in about 100 countries, and is coordinated by the US-based agency. AVA supported this global event, by organising the beach clean-up in collaboration with the National University of Singapore. The entire coastal

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looking after you | organisational excellence

AVA organised the “AVA Charity Pasar Pagi 2011” and raised $23,544 for our adopted charity, Kampung Senang Charity and Education Foundation, by selling a variety of food and non-food items.

STAFF STRENGTH ** (till 31 March 2012)

CATEGORIES OF STAFF

REGULATORY PROGRAMMES & OPERATIONS GROUP

CORPORATE TECHNOLOGY GROUP

TOTAL

Management/Professional

122

214

336

Technical Support

69

193

262

Non-technical Support

57

47

104

Operation Support

58

70

128

306

524

830

Grand Total ** Excluding temporary staff

DISTRIBUTION OF STAFF BY QUALIFICATION Degree & Above

344

Diploma

83

“A” Levels & Below

403

Total

830

DISTRIBUTION OF STAFF BY AGE GROUP 51 & Above

348

41 – 50

104

31 – 40

199

30 & Below

179

Total

830

PERFORMANCE IN STAR FOR FY 2011 HOLDING STRENGTH*

NO. OF STAR TEAMS

NO. OF COMPLETED PROJECTS

NO. OF IMPLEMENTED PROJECTS

809

51

41

41

PERFORMANCE IN TWINKLE FOR FY 2011 HOLDING STRENGTH*

NO. OF SUGGESTIONS

PARTICIPATION RATE

SUGGESTION RATIO

809

1,771

85.8%

2.19

* Excluding temporary staff, and staff on no-pay leave, secondment, and post-graduate courses.

AVA annual report 2011 / 2012

85

AVA

performance indicators

VETERINARY PUBLIC HEALTH & FOOD SAFETY OUTCOME INDICATORS OBJECTIVES OBJECTIVE

OUTCOME INDICATORS FOR FY 2011

PROJECTED TARGET FOR FY 2011

ACTUAL PERFORMANCE FOR FY 2011

Ensuring a resilient supply of safe and wholesome food to Singapore

Number of cases of foodborne illnesses per 100,000 population

Not more than 60 cases per 100,000 population

There were 45 food-borne illnesses cases per 100,000 population

Number of key food items that has less than 50% of supply from a single country

4 out of 5

Achieved for key food items of pork, chicken, fish, except for hen eggs and leafy vegetables (where imports from Malaysia were about 76% and 66% respectively).

OUTPUT INDICATORS PROJECTED OUTPUT FOR FY 2011

ACTIVITY

ACTUAL VOLUME FOR FY 2011

ACTUAL ACHIEVED FOR FY 2011

Business cluster meetings/ trade association meetings

8 Food Business Cluster Meetings

12 Food Business Cluster Meetings

150%

Food sourcing & study trips

2

2

100%

To monitor the compliance status of locally manufactured/ processed food with Food Regulations

95%

5,912 out of 6,206 samples collected complied with Food Regulations

95.2%

To conduct inspection and sampling of export consignments within 3 working days

100%

100%

100%

To process application for food establishments’ licenses within 7 working days from the date of receipt of application

100%

100%

100%

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looking after you | performance indicators

performance indicators

AVA

ANIMAL & PLANT HEALTH OUTCOME INDICATORS OBJECTIVE Safeguarding animal and plant health

OUTCOME INDICATORS FOR FY 2011

PROJECTED TARGET FOR FY 2011

ACTUAL PERFORMANCE FOR FY 2011

Percentage freedom from important animal and plant disease outbreaks

95% freedom or free from outbreaks of at least 110 out of 116* important animal and plant diseases.

96.5% freedom or free from outbreaks of at least 112 out of 116* important animal and plant diseases

* The Animals and Birds (Disease) Notification was amended on 1st September 2008 to include five aquatic animal diseases. The five aquatic animal diseases are Epizootic ulcerative syndrome, Koi herpesvirus, Red sea bream iridoviral disease, Spring viraemia of carp and White spot disease.

OUTPUT INDICATORS ACTIVITY

PROJECTED OUTPUT FOR FY 2011

ACTUAL VOLUME FOR FY 2011

ACTUAL ACHIEVED FOR FY 2011

Prevention and control of diseases of animals and plants

To carry out 190,000 laboratory tests

223,102 laboratory tests done

117.42%

OUTCOME INDICATORS FOR FY 2011

PROJECTED TARGET FOR FY 2011

ACTUAL PERFORMANCE FOR FY 2011

Level of productivity of leafy vegetable, finfish, and layer farms in Agrotechnology Parks and coastal fish culture farms

-

Achieved levels of productivity for hen and quail eggs at 9.9 million pieces per hectare, leafy vegetables at 111 tonnes per hectare and finfishes at 55.97 tonnes per hectare.

PROJECTED OUTPUT FOR FY 2011

ACTUAL VOLUME FOR FY 2011

ACTUAL ACHIEVED FOR FY 2011

Accreditation of overseas food sources

To conduct 82 inspections

83%

68 inspections

Testing food samples*

65,000

59,811

92.02%

Conduct laboratory tests*

1,600,000

1,788,589

111.79%

Management of Agrotechnology Parks

To manage 224 farms in Agrotechnology Parks

224

100%

To manage 119 coastal fish culture farms

119

100%

FOOD SUPPLY AND TECHNOLOGY OUTCOME INDICATORS OBJECTIVE Management of the local agri-industry (farming sector)

OUTPUT INDICATORS ACTIVITY

* In addition to sending food samples to VPHL, AVA has also sent food samples to external SINGLAS-accredited laboratories for food safety testing. In FY 2011, a total of 79,164 tests were conducted on 9,115 food samples by the external laboratories.

AVA annual report 2011 / 2012

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AVA

performance indicators

AGRI-TRADE FACILITATION SERVICES OUTCOME INDICATORS OUTCOME INDICATORS FOR FY 2011

PROJECTED TARGET FOR FY 2011

ACTUAL PERFORMANCE FOR FY 2011

Management of the percentage of certified export consignments that are rejected by importing countries

Less than 0.3% of certified exports consignments that are rejected by importing countries

Fulfilled, with 0% of certified export consignments that are rejected by importing countries

ACTIVITY

PROJECTED OUTPUT FOR FY 2011

ACTUAL VOLUME FOR FY 2011

ACTUAL ACHIEVED FOR FY 2011

Animal, plant, and food products

To issue 47,600 export documents

47,144 export documents were issued

99.04%

To issue 790,800 import documents

831,177 import documents were issued

105.11%

OBJECTIVE Facilitate trade of animal, plant and food product

OUTPUT INDICATORS

INTERNATIONAL AND REGIONAL COMMITMENTS OUTCOME INDICATORS OBJECTIVE

OUTCOME INDICATORS FOR FY 2011

ACTUAL PERFORMANCE FOR FY 2011

Represent the government internationally on matters related to or connected with the agri-food and veterinary sectors.

Fulfil Singapore’s international obligations in SEAFDEC, ASEAN, APEC, and CITES

Fulfilled

Singapore’s interests in agrifood and veterinary sectors are not compromised

Achieved

ACTIVITY

ACTUAL VOLUME FOR FY 2011

ACTUAL ACHIEVED FOR FY 2011

To manage Marine Fisheries Research Department’s (MFRD) (Southeast Asian Fisheries Development Centre – SEAFDEC) programmes through AVA’s Post-Harvest Technology Centre as Collaborating Centre of SEAFDEC

Implemented all regional projects and activities under MFRD (SEAFDEC) programmes

Achieved. Conducted three regional projects, a SEAFDEC information programme, and ASEANSEAFDEC Conference (MFRD’s Theme)

To participate in relevant meetings and activities of AMAF, OIE, SEAFDEC, CITES, CODEX Alimentarius, Bilateral, WTO FTA , APEC, ASEM and IPPC

69 meetings attended

-

OUTPUT INDICATORS

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looking after you | performance indicators

statistics

AVA

MAJOR SOURCES OF SUPPLY

UNITED STATES Beef Chicken Duck Eggs Fish Fruits Pork Rice Vegetables

BRAZIL Beef Chicken Fruits Pork Sugar

FRANCE Chicken Duck Fish Fruits Pork Vegetables Milk

NETHERLANDS Chicken Pork Vegetables Fruits

INDIA Fish Fruits Rice Sugar Vegetables

MALAYSIA Chicken Cooking Oil Duck Eggs Fish Fruits Vegetables Sugar

THAILAND Fish Fruits Rice Sugar Vegetables

CHINA Cooking Oil Fish Fruits Pork Rice Sugar Vegetables

INDONESIA Fish Fruits Pork Vegetables Milk

AUSTRALIA Beef Fish Fruits Mutton Pork Rice Sugar Vegetables Milk

VIETNAM Fish Fruits Rice Sugar Vegetables

NEW ZEALAND Beef Eggs Fish Fruits Mutton Vegetables

AVA annual report 2011 / 2012

89

statistics

AVA

CONSUMPTION, IMPORT & LOCAL FARM PRODUCTION FIGURES (JAN TO DEC 2011) Chicken

Cooking Oil

23,883

170,958

93,271

13,454

110,355 344,344

36,659

180,051

342,269

13,532

145,678

-

769

-

-

5,086

2002

2003

2004

2005

2006

2007

28

33

27

30

27

Duck (kg)

4

4

3

4

Pork (kg)

18

20

21

Beef (kg)

4

5

Mutton (kg)

2

Fish (kg)

Tonnes

Beef

Consumption Import

Duck

Fish

Hen Eggs *

Fruits

Mutton

Pork

Rice

Sugar

Vegetables

1,594

8,833

98,743

276,344

242,368

494,126

369,277

1,211

9,260

101,221

361,932

380,155

497,069

-

384

-

-

-

-

20,355

2008

2009

2010

2011

31

32

31

32

33

3

3

3

3

3

3

19

20

21

19

19

20

19

4

4

4

4

4

4

4

5

2

2

2

2

2

2

2

2

2

25

24

23

24

24

24

23

23

21

21

Vegetables (kg)

89

92

89

105

96

98

95

94

96

95

Fruits (kg)

87

84

81

79

76

72

70

69

67

66

282

307

268

285

291

302

300

300

309

308

Local Farm Production

* In million pieces PER CAPITA CONSUMPTION Produce Chicken (kg)

Hen eggs (pcs)

EX-FARM PRICE FOR PRIMARY PRODUCE (FROM JAN - DEC EACH YEAR) ($)

9.39

9.15

9 8

9

8.46 7.72

Fish ($/kg)

7.87

7.53

8.88

7.96

8.86

8

7.67

7

7 6

6

5

5 4.39

Pig ($/kg) 4 Chicken ($/kg) Duck ($/kg) Hen eggs ($/10pcs) Vegetable ($/kg)

3.27

1

4.05

3.34 3.56

3 2

3.60

3.59

3.59

2.91

2.86

2.70 2.30

2.30

1.49 1.02

1.56 0.94

2.43 1.78

2.25 2.27

1.23

1.14

2.33 2.10 1.05

2.15 1.30

1.42

0.95

0.96

0.92

0.97

0.99

1.09

1.25

2002

2003

2004

2005

2006

2007

2008

4.18

4.18

4

2.63 2.33 1.22 1.15

2.59

2.68

3

2.21

2.28 2

1.41

1.61 1.21

1.23

1 0

0

(Year)

90

($)

looking after you | statistics

2009

2010

2011

statistics

AVA

ACCREDITATIONS, SUSPENSIONS AND REINSTATEMENT OF PIG AND POULTRY FARMS (FY 2011) FARM TYPE Chicken Broiler

Pig

Chicken Breeder

Duck Broiler Chicken Layer

Total

No. of new farms accredited

0

14

1

2

0

17

No. of farms suspended/ delisted

0

29

4

1

0

34

No. of farms reinstated

0

13*

0

0

0

13

No. of inspection visits

13

24

6

4

0

47

* Some of the broiler farms reinstated based on documentary evaluation without on farm inspection.

Farms suspended due to SE, drug residues and major non-compliance with export conditions.

TRADE DOCUMENTATION AND IMPORT INSPECTION FIGURES (FY 2011) Meat and meat products No. of traders registered

Fruits and vegetables

2,774

No. of import permits issued Quantity and value of products approved for import

Fish and fish products

Processed food

1,088

10,188

20,816

187,516

217,827

318,080

280,585 tonnes

212,291 tonnes

877,199 tonnes

3,491,090 tonnes

$1,207.58 million

$1,391.57 million

$1,000.64 million

$9,773.08 million

ILLEGAL IMPORTS INTERCEPTED (FY 2011) Meat and seafood

Fruits & Vegetables

Poultry eggs

Animals and birds

CITES

Processed food

Total no. of cases

13

82

18

14

23

359

No. prosecuted in court

0

0

0

6

-

0

No. compounded

4

49

1

3

11

97

No. warned

9

32

0

4

3

258

Others (relevant particulars not available, no action required)

0

1

17

1

9

4

AVA annual report 2011 / 2012

91

AVA

statistics

FARMING ACTIVITIES IN SINGAPORE (FY 2011) Farm Type

No. of Farms

Net Area (Hectares)

Fish Aquarium fish (breeding/ export)

74

163.77

9

33.62

Layer (hen eggs)

3

48.17

SPF eggs

1

3.00

Quail and other game birds

2

4.72

Exotic birds

4

10.18

Dairy cattle and goats

4

9.40

Frogs and crocodiles

3

10.10

10

9.51

Vegetables

46

104.08

Food Crops

2

9.49

Bean Sprouts

6

6.38

Mushroom

1

0.98

81

297.93

Aquatic plants

1

11.74

Fodder crops

1

4.70

Jatropha cultivation for biofuel research

1

1.70

249

729.47

119

93.00

Marine/ Freshwater food fish And Shrimp (land-based) Animals and Birds

Dogs (breeding/ boarding/ training) / Commercial pet boarding Plants

Orchid and ornamental plants

Total (land-based) Food fish/ crustaceans/ molluscs (sea-based)

92

looking after you | statistics

...so that you can focus on the good things in life Be it bonding over good food with your loved ones, or basking in Nature’s lush beauty with a furry companion, AVA ensures your peace of mind in enjoying life’s pleasures. We work hard behind the scenes to contribute towards your well-being by sustaining the safety of your food and the health of your pets and plants.

contents: 01 02 06 09 10 12 14 22 36 48 56 68 76 86 89 93

Introduction Chairman’s Statement Board of Directors Senior Management Organisational Chart & Key Roles of Departments Calendar of Events Food Supply Resilience Food Safety Animal Health & Welfare Plant Health Agrotechnology Agri-trade Organisational Excellence Performance Indicators Statistics Financial Report

acknowlegements Special thanks to: Coriander Leaf Pte Ltd Farm 85 Trading Forest Adventure Pte Ltd Hawaii Landscape Pte Ltd Rong-Yao Fisheries Pte Ltd The Tessarina Toh Orchids Woon Leng Nursery for the use of their premises for photography

Photography & Design by Artnexus Design Pte Ltd

looking after you Agri-Food & Veterinary Authority of Singapore

5 Maxwell Road, #04-00 Tower Block, MND Complex, Singapore 069110 Tel: (65) 6325 7625 Fax: (65) 6220 6068 Web: www.ava.gov.sg

looking after you

Annual Report 2011/2012

Annual Report 2011 - 2012