His Excellency the Minister of Environment, Water and Agriculture, Eng. Abdulrahman bin Abdulmohsen AlFadley delivered Saudi Arabia's speech at the UN Food Systems Summit +2 Stocktaking Moment. The summit occurred in Rome, Italy from 24 – 26 July 2023.
AlFadley highlighted that the Kingdom supports international efforts to build resilient and sustainable food systems Aligned with sustainable development goals. The world faces many food security challenges so we need to work more together, he remarked.
AlFadley said that over the last five years, the success of transforming food systems in the Kingdom has contributed to increasing agricultural investment tenfold. Agricultural loans reached SR 7 billion in 2022, as well as the Sustainable Agricultural Rural Development Program received SR 12 billion.
These efforts have led to a substantial increase in Saudi Arabia's agricultural production reaching more than 11 million tons, a large surplus of products, stabilized prices, and increased self-sufficiency.
AlFadley mentioned that the Kingdom has embraced Food Systems Transformation through Ministry restructuring and implementing national strategies for agriculture, water, environment, and food security. This includes adopting modern agricultural techniques, empowering women and youth in the rural economy, reducing food loss and waste, and promoting sustainable consumption and responsible investment in agriculture and food systems.
Minister AlFadley added that resilient and sustainable food systems will be achieved by combining national, regional, and international efforts. As well as enhancing the quality and efficiency of food production, the development of the food industry should be an important objective. In addition, it should strengthen international trade and supply chains.