New GCC Food Security Strategy Aims to Tackle Global Challenges
In response to climate change, natural disasters, and other global challenges, the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) has unveiled a new regional food security strategy.
Faisal Al-Rawas, chairman of the Federation of the GCC Chambers, emphasized that the strategy is centered around developing agricultural, livestock, and fishery projects to add value to the food industries. This initiative aims to ensure food security and sustainability for the citizens of GCC countries.
Facing obstacles such as climate change, water scarcity, and population growth, GCC governments are implementing strict policies to limit the export of agricultural and livestock products in order to achieve self-sufficiency.
Al-Rawas highlighted the numerous initiatives, projects, and incentives launched by GCC countries to encourage investment in the agriculture and livestock sector. He emphasized the importance of private sector involvement in developing strategies for agriculture, animal husbandry, fisheries, and supportive service sectors to boost food production.
According to Al-Rawas, studies conducted by the federation have shown that the agriculture and fisheries sectors in the Gulf economy contribute approximately $30.5 billion. The GCC countries have invested around $3.8 billion in food technology, with the agriculture and fisheries sector accounting for 1.8 percent of the gross domestic product. The number of Gulf companies in the agricultural and livestock sector has also seen a significant increase to 20 percent.
In February, Juan Carlos Motamayor, CEO of Topian, a NEOM subsidiary, expressed optimism about Saudi Arabia becoming a leader in food security by developing innovative systems and solutions that can be implemented globally. He stressed the urgency of introducing new technologies to address the food needs of today and the future.
Motamayor’s comments were made in light of a World Bank Report published in January 2024, which highlighted the challenges of nearly one-third of the global population facing limited access to food.