Organic Agriculture in Saudi Arabia

Organic Agriculture in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia is an agricultural practice that relies on the use of natural materials to produce food in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia without the use of chemicals, fertilizers, pesticides, hormones, or genetically modified materials. The total organic agriculture production reached approximately 95,389 t in 2023.

Organic products, including fresh produce, grains, or canned goods, are identified by the Saudi National Organic Products Label, which indicates that the product is organic. This means that its production and manufacturing sources comply with the organic agriculture regulations in Saudi Arabia. This label is issued by the Organic Production Department to farmers, producers, and manufacturers.

The objectives of organic agriculture in Saudi Arabia are summarized as follows: producing safe, high-nutritional-value food; conserving irrigation water and optimizing its consumption; preserving the environment and enhancing the efficient use of natural resources; protecting soil from degradation caused by the use of chemical fertilizers and pesticides; and increasing economic value while diversifying the production base.

Organic agriculture in Saudi Arabia is based on four principles:

The Organic Agriculture Policy in Saudi Arabia was approved by a resolution of the Council of Ministers. It aims to provide safe and environmentally friendly organic agricultural products, both plant- and animal-based. The policy seeks to increase organic production to meet growing demand, stimulate local production in this field to support sustainable agriculture, and produce safe, high-quality food. Additionally, it focuses on preserving the environment and natural resources, conserving irrigation water and optimizing its consumption, enhancing organic production levels, and supporting organic agricultural production.

The indicators of the organic agriculture sector in Saudi Arabia have shown significant development over the five years from 2018 to 2023. The number of organic and under-conversion holdings increased by 200 percent, rising from 175 holdings in 2018 to 540 holdings in 2023. Organic farming areas grew by 25.6 percent, expanding from 18,635 ha to 23,410 ha during the same period. Additionally, total organic production reached 95,389 t in 2023, compared to 45,630 t in 2018, representing a 109 percent increase. Six provinces in Saudi Arabia witnessed an expansion in soilless farming areas, led by Riyadh with 50 percent, followed by Qassim with 33 percent, Makkah al-Mukarramah with 9 percent, Hail with 4 percent, Najran with 2 percent, and the Eastern Province with 1 percent.

Statistics on organic agriculture production in Saudi Arabia revealed a total production of 6,803 t of organic and under-conversion vegetables, 25,889 t of fruits, 96.40 t of medicinal and aromatic plants, 1,300 t of grains, and five thousand t of fodder. Additionally, organic and under-conversion honey production reached 1,517 hives, while organic cow milk production amounted to 267 heads, and goat milk production totaled 16,074 heads.

The Ministry of Environment, Water, and Agriculture implemented the Organic Agriculture Development Project in collaboration with the German company GIZ from 2005 to 2017. The project aimed to provide experts to develop appropriate plans for advancing organic agriculture in Saudi Arabia. It was executed in five phases, during which several plans were formulated to enhance the organic agriculture sector in terms of production, organization, legislation, and marketing. Key decisions issued during the project include the establishment of the Saudi Organic Farming Association in 2007, the creation of the Organic Production Department within the Ministry of Environment, Water, and Agriculture in 2008, the establishment of the Organic Agriculture Research Center under the ministry in 2011, the approval of the Organic Agriculture Law in 2014, and the adoption of the Organic Agriculture Policy in 2016.

Various methods are employed in Saudi Arabia for the prevention and biological control of pests in organic agriculture. These methods include field monitoring and early detection of infestations, avoiding excessive irrigation, implementing a balanced fertilization program, and removing weeds and suckers, which are parts of plants that host aphids. Biological control measures involve the use of plant extracts, especially at the onset of infestations, or the deployment of natural predators. Several beneficial organisms are used as biological enemies, such as lady beetles (Coccinellidae), hoverfly larvae (Syrphidae), lacewing larvae (Chrysopidae), and parasitic wasps, particularly the parasitoids "Lysiphlebus testaceipes."

Research studies have highlighted the connection between consuming organic foods and improved human health. For instance, studies on allergies have shown reduced sensitivity and lower body weight among children consuming organic foods compared to those eating conventional foods. Another study examined the total antioxidant capacity of organic versus conventional fruits. The results revealed a significant 21 percent increase in human plasma antioxidant levels and total antioxidant capacity among individuals who consumed organic food products during the experiment. Additionally, studies have demonstrated a lower risk of eczema, a reduced likelihood of cardiovascular diseases, and a decreased risk of preeclampsia. Furthermore, there was a 21 percent reduction in the incidence of non-Hodgkin lymphoma among individuals consuming organic foods.