Minister of Environment, Water and Agriculture Inaugurates Saudi Agriculture 2026, Witnesses Signing of Agreements to Support Sector Sustainability

His Excellency the Minister of Environment, Water and Agriculture, Eng. Abdulrahman bin Abdulmohsen Al-Fadley, inaugurated the 43rd edition of Saudi Agriculture 2026, held under the theme “An Integrated Agricultural Ecosystem for a Sustainable Future” from October 19 to 22 at the Riyadh International Convention and Exhibition Center.

The exhibition brings together a broad range of local and international participants, including government entities, private sector companies, decision-makers, investors, and industry stakeholders. It aims to strengthen the agricultural sector’s role in the Kingdom and its contribution to achieving food security, in line with the objectives of Saudi Vision 2030.

His Royal Highness Prince Saud bin Turki Al Faisal bin Abdulaziz, Chairman of the Board of Directors of Riyadh Exhibitions Company, emphasized that the continued success of Saudi Agriculture over more than four decades reflects its international standing as a leading platform that brings together local and global expertise, fosters partnerships, and promotes innovation across the agriculture and food sectors.

His Royal Highness explained that this year’s edition highlights the latest solutions and technologies designed to increase productivity, enhance resource-use efficiency, and strengthen food security. These advancements contribute to addressing environmental and climate challenges while supporting the development and long-term sustainability of the agricultural sector.

During the inauguration, His Excellency the Minister toured the exhibition pavilions, which feature a wide range of sectors, including agricultural and organic food products, poultry, livestock, mills, animal feed and animal health, aquaculture, food processing and packaging, innovation, entrepreneurship, and veterinary services.

The Minister also witnessed the signing of several agreements and memoranda of understanding between government and semi-government entities, private sector organizations, and international agricultural companies. These agreements aim to support the food and agriculture sectors, stimulate economic growth, and encourage the adoption of modern technologies in agricultural production.

Saleh bin Abdulmohsen bin Dakhil, Official Spokesperson for the Ministry of Environment, Water and Agriculture, stated that the integration of efforts between the Ministry and its private sector partners has contributed to the agricultural sector’s expansion. The agricultural sector accounted for 3% of Gross Domestic Product (GDP) in 2025, recording growth of 5% compared with 2024.

He noted that this progress has been reflected in higher self-sufficiency rates across several agricultural products, exceeding 100% for dates, milk, and eggs, and exceeding 80% in the poultry sector. Aquaculture also recorded growth of 20%, with production approaching 200,000 tons.

Bin Dakhil added that this growth has been accompanied by continued efforts to empower producers and stimulate investment, with financing provided by the Agricultural Development Fund exceeding SAR 6.5 billion in 2025.

He further highlighted the Ministry’s commitment to strengthening food security and improving agricultural production efficiency in accordance with the objectives of the National Agriculture Strategy, while ensuring the optimal and sustainable use of natural resources.

In this regard, the Ministry has implemented several strategic initiatives based on the use of treated wastewater. The recently inaugurated “Lemon City” project represents an example of this approach.

Bin Dakhil also emphasized the importance of data as a fundamental pillar in advancing the agricultural sector by improving planning efficiency and supporting informed decision-making. He referred to the launch of the Agricultural Indicators Center, which aims to monitor agricultural production data, assess the availability of strategic crops, measure domestic consumption, and track the sector’s performance against its strategic objectives.

Alongside the exhibition, the Saudi International Conference on the Future of Agriculture brings together leading experts and specialists from the Kingdom and abroad to discuss key issues related to agricultural technologies and food security.

The conference explores emerging opportunities in Saudi Arabia’s agricultural sector, agricultural initiatives, and the role of advanced technologies in enhancing food security. Discussions also cover agriculture and climate, project financing, biotechnology, soil science, and water management.

For more than four decades, Saudi Agriculture has kept pace with developments in agriculture, food production, and related technologies, serving as a key platform for industry leaders and stakeholders.

The current edition continues this role by highlighting innovative solutions that contribute to agricultural development and enhanced food security, in alignment with the objectives of Saudi Vision 2030.