Saudi’s Plans for a Greener Food Future

Saudi Arabia has a rich culinary culture but faces some challenges in its food system.[1]The country is heavily reliant on imported food, and its agricultural sector is a major contributor to climate change.

Saudi Arabia currently imports 80% of its food, and climate change may worsen this situation.

If left unchecked, it will cause a significant increase in agricultural droughts by 2050, which will cause the collapse of the already minimal domestic food production.

In response to these challenges, the Saudi government has launched several initiatives to transform its food system and make it more sustainable.

NEOM: A Pioneer in Sustainable Agriculture

NEOM[3] is envisioned as a futuristic smart city that will be 100% powered by renewable energy[4] and will use cutting-edge technology to create a more sustainable and livable environment[5] for an estimated 9 million inhabitants[6]. It is being developed by the Crown Prince of Saudi Arabia, Mohammed bin Salman. It is a crucial part of Saudi Arabia's Vision 2030 project[7].

Construction of NEOM in progress. (Supplied)

NEOM’s Alternative Protein Structure

NEOM will adopt an alternative protein infrastructure which aims to provide the city with a sustainable and resilient source of food.

There are reasons why NEOM is interested in alternative proteins. First alternative protein is more sustainable than traditional animal protein production.[8] Animal protein production is a major contributor to climate change and other environmental problems.[9] Second, alternative protein is a growing market. As more and more people become interested in plant-based diets and ethical eating, the demand for these products increases.[10]

NEOM's alternative protein infrastructure will include a variety of technologies, such as cell-cultured meat, plant-based meat, and fermentation. These technologies will allow NEOM to produce meat and other protein-rich foods without the need for traditional agriculture, which is a major source of greenhouse gas emissions.

But to achieve all this will cost the Saudi government a lot, apart from the estimated $500 billion[11] to build the infrastructure of NEOM alone, the ongoing costs of developing and deploying food technologies are also to be considered.

The Agri-FoodTech Accelerator

The Agri-FoodTech Accelerator[12] of NEOM is a program that supports startups and entrepreneurs who are developing innovative solutions to the challenges facing the global food system. The program provides startups with access to funding, mentorship, and other resources to help them grow and scale their businesses.

The accelerator is focused on five key areas:

• Climate-proof agriculture: Developing new agricultural technologies and practices that can withstand the effects of climate change.

• Regenerative aquaculture: Developing sustainable aquaculture practices that protect and restore marine ecosystems.

• Novel foods: Developing new, sustainable food sources to meet the growing demand for food.

• Personalized nutrition: Developing innovative solutions to meet the individual dietary needs of consumers.

• Sustainable food supply and ESG: Developing new technologies and practices to make the food supply chain more sustainable and ethical.

The Agri-FoodTech Accelerator is a key part of NEOM's vision to become a global hub for innovation in the food and agriculture sector. The program is helping to attract and support the best startups in the world to develop solutions that can help create a more sustainable and equitable food system for everyone.

Vertical Farming: Transforming Agriculture In Saudi Arabia

Another initiative of the Saudi government is the development of more vertical farms and indoor agriculture technologies[13].

Vertical farming is the practice of growing crops in vertically stacked layers. It often incorporates controlled-environment agriculture, which aims to optimize plant growth. They employ soilless farming techniques to grow crops.

Why Vertical Farming?

Vertical farming presents several benefits to agriculture in Saudi Arabia as opposed to traditional farming techniques.

Vertical farms use soilless farming techniques such as hydroponics[14] to maximise water efficiency, using 90% less water than traditional farming methods. This is a significant advantage in water-scarce Saudi Arabia. Other soilless farming techniques it uses include aquaponics[15] and aeroponics[16]

Also, they have higher crop yields, producing up to 10 times more crops per square metre than traditional farming methods. The ability to stack crops on top of each other and grow crops year-round means that vertical farms will increase crop yields.[17]

Furthermore, they are less susceptible to pests and diseases[18]than traditional farms, reducing the need for harmful pesticides. This makes them a safer and more environmentally friendly option.

In addition, food security will be increased by enabling the country to become more self-sufficient in food production. As Saudi Arabia currently imports a large percentage of its food, this is particularly important.

Lastly, vertical farms can create more employment in the agricultural sector, which is beneficial for the Saudi economy and its workers.

The Challenges of Vertical Farming to the Saudi Government

The adoption of vertical farms doesn’t come without its challenges.

The cost of building and operating a vertical farm is high. This can be a barrier to entry for small farmers and entrepreneurs.

Vertical farms also require a lot of energy to operate, especially for lighting and climate control. This can be a problem in Saudi Arabia, where energy costs are relatively high.

There is a need for more skilled workers in the vertical farming industry in Saudi Arabia. This can make it difficult for vertical farms to find the workers they need.

Lastly, there’s still some consumer resistance to vertical farming products. Some consumers are concerned about the taste and quality of food grown on vertical farms.

Through enlightenment and training programs tailored towards workers and citizens as well as subsidies targeted towards small-scale farmers, the Saudi Government can nullify these problems.

Saudi Arabia's initiatives towards a greener and more sustainable food future, such as NEOM's alternative protein infrastructure, the Agri-FoodTech Accelerator, and vertical farming, are crucial steps towards a more self-sufficient and climate-resilient food system. These initiatives not only benefit Saudi Arabia but also set an example for the world to follow in the face of climate change.