Environment Ministry Launches Campaign to Enhance Agricultural Practices in Saudi Arabia – OANANews

Ministry of Environment, Water and Agriculture Launches Saudi Good Agricultural Practices Awareness Campaign

Introduction

On December 29, 2025, in Riyadh, the Ministry of Environment, Water and Agriculture initiated a new awareness campaign to introduce the Saudi Good Agricultural Practices (Saudi G.A.P.) program. This campaign aligns with the Kingdom’s commitment to sustainable development and supports the objectives outlined in Saudi Vision 2030.

Campaign Objectives and Alignment with Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)

The campaign forms part of a comprehensive set of initiatives aimed at:

1. Enhancing the sustainability of the agricultural sector and local production.
2. Improving food quality and safety.
3. Supporting national products and promoting sustainable agriculture.
4. Strengthening consumer confidence.
5. Creating added value within the agricultural sector.
6. Enabling sustainable agricultural practices across the Kingdom.

These objectives contribute directly to several United Nations Sustainable Development Goals, including:

• SDG 2: Zero Hunger – by improving food security and sustainable agriculture.
• SDG 3: Good Health and Well-being – through ensuring food safety and protecting workers’ health.
• SDG 6: Clean Water and Sanitation – by preserving natural resources.
• SDG 12: Responsible Consumption and Production – by optimizing resource use and promoting sustainable farming.
• SDG 15: Life on Land – through environmental protection measures.

Key Features of the Saudi G.A.P. Program

The Saudi G.A.P. program encompasses a set of national technical standards designed to:

• Ensure food safety and sustainability throughout agricultural production stages.
• Protect the environment and optimize the use of natural resources.
• Organize farm management effectively.
• Implement pest control and agricultural risk management measures.
• Safeguard the health and rights of agricultural workers.
• Develop marketing channels for local products to enhance their competitiveness locally and internationally.

Support for Farmers and Technicians

The campaign also emphasizes capacity building by:

• Developing the skills of farmers and agricultural technicians.
• Strengthening the sustainability of the Kingdom’s food security system.

Conclusion

The Ministry’s Saudi G.A.P. awareness campaign represents a strategic step towards sustainable agricultural development in Saudi Arabia. By integrating the principles of the Sustainable Development Goals, the program aims to foster a resilient, safe, and environmentally responsible agricultural sector that contributes to the Kingdom’s long-term economic and social prosperity.

1. Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) Addressed or Connected to the Issues Highlighted in the Article

1. SDG 2: Zero Hunger – The article focuses on enhancing agricultural sustainability and food security, which directly relates to ending hunger and promoting sustainable agriculture.
2. SDG 12: Responsible Consumption and Production – The Saudi G.A.P. program promotes sustainable agricultural practices and efficient use of natural resources, aligning with responsible production patterns.
3. SDG 15: Life on Land – The program aims to protect the environment and preserve natural resources, which supports sustainable management of terrestrial ecosystems.
4. SDG 3: Good Health and Well-being – By ensuring food safety and protecting workers’ health and rights, the program contributes to health and well-being.
5. SDG 8: Decent Work and Economic Growth – The program supports workers’ rights and aims to boost competitiveness of local agricultural products, fostering economic growth and decent work.

2. Specific Targets Under Those SDGs Identified Based on the Article’s Content

1. SDG 2 Targets:
   • Target 2.3: By 2030, double the agricultural productivity and incomes of small-scale food producers through sustainable food production systems.
   • Target 2.4: Ensure sustainable food production systems and implement resilient agricultural practices.
2. SDG 12 Targets:
   • Target 12.2: Achieve sustainable management and efficient use of natural resources.
   • Target 12.6: Encourage companies to adopt sustainable practices and sustainability reporting.
3. SDG 15 Targets:
   • Target 15.1: Ensure the conservation, restoration, and sustainable use of terrestrial and inland freshwater ecosystems.
4. SDG 3 Targets:
   • Target 3.9: Reduce illnesses and deaths from hazardous chemicals and pollution.
5. SDG 8 Targets:
   • Target 8.5: Achieve full and productive employment and decent work for all.
   • Target 8.3: Promote development-oriented policies that support productive activities and decent job creation.

3. Indicators Mentioned or Implied in the Article to Measure Progress Towards the Identified Targets

1. Food Safety and Quality Indicators: The adoption rate of Saudi Good Agricultural Practices (Saudi G.A.P.) at various stages of agricultural production can serve as an indicator of improved food safety and quality.
2. Natural Resource Use Efficiency: Metrics on the optimization and sustainable use of water, soil, and other natural resources in farming operations.
3. Farmer and Technician Skill Development: Number or percentage of farmers and technicians trained in sustainable agricultural practices.
4. Worker Health and Rights Protection: Indicators related to the health status and rights compliance of agricultural workers.
5. Market Competitiveness of Local Products: Market share or export volumes of locally produced agricultural goods adhering to Saudi G.A.P. standards.
6. Pest Control and Risk Management Implementation: Adoption rates of integrated pest management and risk mitigation measures on farms.

4. Table of SDGs, Targets, and Indicators

Source: oananews.org