Saudi Ministry of Environment, Water and Agriculture announced Saudi GAP ) standards in the poultry sector has reached approximately 90% . This announcement comes as a culmination of ongoing efforts to enhance the efficiency of local production and ensure food safety.
A significant leap in poultry production for 2024
The ministry explained that adherence to these strict standards directly contributed to increasing broiler chicken production to approximately 1.2 million tons during 2024. This achievement is not limited to quantity alone, but also extends to raising the quality of poultry products and ensuring their safety for consumers, which enhances environmental protection and the efficient use of natural resources, in line with the objectives of the Kingdom's Vision 2030 .
What is the “Saudi Gap” certificate and what is its importance?
The Saudi GAP certification is the national standard for good agricultural practices, and it is equivalent to international standards in this field. The application of these standards aims to:
- Improving agricultural processes to ensure a safe, healthy, and contaminant-free food product.
- Conserving water and preserving the environment through proper waste management.
- Promoting animal welfare and implementing occupational safety standards for workers in the sector.
The 90% coverage reflects a strong commitment by producers and investors in the Kingdom to move towards sustainable and responsible agriculture.
Food security and Vision 2030
The poultry sector occupies a strategic position in the Kingdom's food security plans, as Saudi Arabia strives to achieve high levels of self-sufficiency to reduce reliance on imports. This rapid growth in domestic production is a testament to the success of supportive government policies, which include providing low-interest loans, streamlining licensing procedures, and supporting modern breeding and production technologies.
The “Your Local Guarantee” campaign and boosting consumer confidence
In a related context, the ministry highlighted the importance of its awareness campaign, " Your Local Guarantee ." This campaign aims to encourage compliance with standards and quality requirements, and to inform consumers about products certified by Saudi GAP.
Through these initiatives, the ministry aims to:
- Adopting modern technologies and innovations in the production, manufacturing, and marketing stages.
- Enhancing the sustainability of the food security system.
- Strengthening consumer confidence in national products compared to imported products.
Investment growth and support for the national economy
The Ministry affirmed that the poultry sector in Saudi Arabia is experiencing rapid investment growth, which has contributed to the development of the industry and increased the value of its assets. This growth has resulted in a significant surplus in local markets, supporting national supply chains and making locally produced poultry the preferred choice for consumers due to its quality and freshness. This, in turn, adds value to the national economy and boosts agricultural GDP.
