Agricultural processing industries: Investing in winter abundance and food security
In a move aimed at maximizing the utilization of national resources, the Ministry of Environment, Water and Agriculture for increased investment in the agricultural processing industries , emphasizing that this path represents a strategic option for capitalizing on the abundant production of vegetables and fruits during the winter harvest season in the Kingdom. This approach aligns with the objectives of the Kingdom's Vision 2030 , which seeks to diversify income sources and increase the contribution of the non-oil sector to the gross domestic product.
Strategic context: Food security and Vision 2030
This trend cannot be viewed in isolation from the major economic transformations taking place in Saudi Arabia. Since the launch of Vision 2030, the Kingdom has placed food security at the forefront of its priorities, especially in light of the global challenges facing supply chains. The manufacturing sector is the most crucial link in ensuring food sustainability; it transforms perishable raw materials into products with longer shelf lives and increased economic value, thus reducing the import bill and enhancing the Kingdom's self-sufficiency.
"Our Winter is Healthy" campaign and surplus investment
The Ministry explained that the focus on manufacturing industries is at the heart of its "Our Winter is Healthy" awareness campaign, now in its second edition. The campaign aims to go beyond traditional awareness campaigns, seeking to instill a culture of consuming local products and linking them to Saudi winter identity. The Ministry is focusing on investing in surplus winter crops and transforming them into high-quality food products, rather than allowing them to go to waste due to market saturation during peak seasons. This transforms the environmental and economic challenge of food waste into promising investment opportunities.
Improving farmers' income and added value
The ministry indicated that revitalizing this sector will have a direct and positive impact on the local economy through:
- Raising farmers' income: by opening new marketing channels that accommodate their production throughout the year, not just at harvest time.
- Supporting small and medium enterprises: Agricultural manufacturing provides tremendous opportunities for entrepreneurs and productive families to grow and expand.
- Product diversification: The ministry gave vivid examples such as converting dates into advanced industries such as juices, natural sugars, and sweets, in addition to the dairy sector, which can produce various derivatives such as cheeses and butter that compete with imported products and surpass them in quality and natural flavor.
Export prospects and international markets
The ministry pointed out that the manufacturing sector is capable of taking Saudi products from the local to the global market. Thanks to high quality standards, Saudi-made products can efficiently access international markets, thus strengthening the Kingdom's position as a reliable source of processed food in the region.
The ministry concluded its statement by calling on all members of society and the private sector to adopt responsible behaviors that reduce food waste, considering that supporting the processed product and protecting crops is a national duty that ensures the sustainability of resources for future generations.
