Saudi leaders are pursuing food security and self-sufficiency aggressively. Under Vision 2030, food security is “a cornerstone” of national resilience. The Public Investment Fund (PIF) is executing a two-pronged strategy: securing key commodities abroad and boosting local production. Through its subsidiary SALIC, PIF has acquired farms and food assets in Brazil, India, Australia, etc., ensuring steady imports of wheat, meat and dairy. Domestically, PIF invests in agritech and sustainability. For example, NEOM’s food venture Topian is pioneering climate-resilient agriculture and regenerative aquaculture to supply fresh produce year-round.
Saudi Arabia still relies on imports for ~80% of its food, so innovation is critical. PIF reports that its initiatives – from global supply deals to high-tech farms – are “strengthening food security” and building a resilient, diversified food supply. Examples of this strategy include:
- Localizing Staple Foods: The PIF-backed Al Madinah Heritage Co. is elevating Saudi dates into value-added exports. Its Milaf Cola (a date-based soda launched in Nov 2024) has gone viral on social media, and distribution deals with LuLu Group and Qutoof Dania are expanding sales in the Gulf, Asia and even Singapore.
- Boosting Niche Sectors: PIF is revitalizing camel and coffee farming. Sawani’s camel-milk products – an eco-friendly alternative to dairy – tap into a market projected to exceed $13 billion by 2030. Likewise, the Saudi Coffee Company is increasing local production to make KSA a global coffee player.
- Regulation & Goals: Vision 2030 explicitly targets “optimal use of water resources” and “building strategic food reserves”. Ministries are promoting treated wastewater for irrigation and controlled-environment farming. PwC notes that even with record agriculture GDP (SR114 billion in 2024), Saudi remains a net food importer – hence the push for tech-driven solutions.
In summary, Saudi Arabia’s government is marrying finance and technology to secure its food future. Long-term plans prioritize domestic R&D (e.g. new crop varieties, aquaponics) while PIF partnerships ensure international supply chains. As Majed Alassaf of PIF explains, the goal is both a reliable current food supply and “an ecosystem for generations to come”.