In a significant step reflecting the rapid development of the agricultural and food sector in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, the Ministry of Environment, Water and Agriculture announced a major leap in the application of the Saudi Good Agricultural Practices (Saudi GAP) standards in the poultry sector, reaching a coverage rate of approximately 90%. This achievement crowns ongoing efforts to enhance the efficiency of local production and ensure food safety.
A production surge that enhances self-sufficiency
The ministry explained that adherence to these stringent standards has directly contributed to increasing the production capacity of poultry projects in the Kingdom, with broiler chicken production reaching a record high of approximately 1.2 million tons in 2024. This increase is not merely a statistical figure, but reflects a strategic shift in the Kingdom's ability to secure its food needs domestically, thus reducing reliance on imports and strengthening the stability of food supply chains in the face of global challenges.
"Saudi GAP"... Global standards with a national vision
The Saudi GAP certification is a cornerstone of the Ministry's strategy to enhance the quality of agricultural products. These practices include implementing rigorous standards related to feed safety, animal health and welfare, and the sustainable management of water and waste. Applying these standards reduces production losses due to disease or mismanagement, thereby increasing the economic efficiency of projects and ensuring consumers receive a healthy, safe, and contaminant-free product, in line with internationally recognized standards.
Economic impact and the goals of Vision 2030
This rapid growth aligns with the goals of the Kingdom's Vision 2030, which places great emphasis on food security. The poultry sector contributes significantly to the agricultural GDP, and the Ministry, in collaboration with the Agricultural Development Fund, is investing heavily to enable the private sector to adopt modern technologies. This has attracted new investments and facilitated the expansion of existing companies, creating new job opportunities and supporting the national economy.
The “Your Local Guarantee” campaign and boosting consumer confidence
In a related context, the Ministry launched an awareness campaign under the slogan “Your Local Guarantee,” aimed at informing consumers about the importance of products certified with the Saudi GAP standard. The campaign seeks to encourage producers to comply with standard specifications and quality requirements, and to reinforce consumer confidence in locally produced goods as the preferred choice, characterized by quality, freshness, and safety. The Ministry emphasized that adopting modern technologies and innovations in the production, manufacturing, and marketing stages is essential for sustaining these achievements.
In conclusion, this announcement confirms that the poultry sector in Saudi Arabia is moving steadily towards achieving high self-sufficiency, supported by a strong legislative and regulatory framework and smart investments in agricultural technology, which places the Kingdom among the leading countries regionally in the field of poultry industry and food security.
