In a strategic move reflecting the significant development of the agricultural and food sector in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, the Ministry of Environment, Water and Agriculture confirmed that 95% of the Kingdom's milk production is now certified with the "Saudi GAP" quality mark. This achievement reflects the commitment of local producers to implementing the highest standards of quality and food safety, ensuring that national products conform to international standards, thus placing the Kingdom among the leading countries in the field of dairy safety.
Record numbers and massive production in 2024
The Ministry explained, based on the latest statistics, that the quantity of raw milk produced in specialized dairy farms exceeded 2.7 billion liters during 2024. The data showed a geographical variation in production, reflecting the distribution of livestock, with the Riyadh region leading the way with 1.6 billion liters, followed by the Eastern Province with 1.1 billion liters. The statistics also indicated that the number of dairy cows in these specialized farms reached approximately 233,000 head, demonstrating the substantial infrastructure of this vital sector.
Saudi GAP: Global standards with a local vision
The Saudi GAP (Good Agricultural Practices in Saudi Arabia) quality mark is a cornerstone of the Ministry's strategy. This mark is not merely a logo placed on a product; it represents a comprehensive system that ensures food safety through controlled agricultural inputs, water conservation, environmental protection, worker welfare, and animal health. The accompanying awareness campaign aims to encourage farmers and technicians to adopt modern technologies and innovation, thereby increasing production efficiency and reducing waste.
Strategic importance and food security
This announcement takes on particular significance when viewed within the context of Saudi Vision 2030. Achieving self-sufficiency and enhancing food security has long been a strategic objective for the Kingdom. The Saudi dairy sector is a globally successful model for transforming desert environmental challenges into significant investment opportunities, with the Kingdom now boasting some of the world's largest integrated dairy farms. The widespread adoption of the "Saudi Gap" brand will bolster local and international consumer confidence in Saudi products, opening up broader export opportunities to regional and global markets and supporting the non-oil national economy.
Enhancing trust and sustainability
Through these initiatives, the Ministry seeks to solidify the concept of sustainable agriculture. Obtaining the "Saudi GAP" certification signifies that the facility implements rigorous procedures to ensure that products are free from chemical and biological contaminants. This not only protects consumer health but also enhances the competitiveness of local products against imported ones, contributing to the sustainability of food supply chains in the Kingdom and achieving societal well-being.
