Saudi Agriculture 2013

With a determined government, as well as growing consumer demand and restricted natural resources, Saudi Arabia has noticeably increased its demand for advanced technologies and solutions in modern-day agriculture. Boosted by a rising population of 27.5 million, accounting for 65% of the GCC population; and an increasing household expenditure, amounting to $243 billion by end of 2012; Saudi Arabia’s agriculture and food sector is currently expanding at an annual rate of 18.5%,
as food and agricultural imports account for 15% of overall imports at $17.5 billion. As the largest consumer market in the region, Saudi Arabia is investing around $12.3 billion in domestic agriculture projects as well as additional funds to acquire land abroad to ensure food security. These projects include the King Abdullah Initiative for Agricultural Investment Abroad, and the $800 million Saudi Company for Agricultural Investment and Animal Production.

Setting the Standards For Agricultural Exhibitions For Over 30 Years

Saudi Agriculture is one of the region`s most important exhibitions in the field of agricultural products and technologies, addressing every aspect of the industry through the dissemination of the latest on-farm and off-farm technologies and modern practices, which cover pre- and post-harvest activities, marketing and imports.

Held from September 15 to 18,2013, at the Riyadh International Convention and Exhibition Center (RICEC), Saudi Agriculture 2013, the 32nd International Agriculture, Water and Agro-Industry Trade Show, will provide an unmatched opportunity to see the latest developments in the agricultural sector, advanced agro-technologies and cutting edge agriculture solutions in one location.

As the leading, most established event of its kind in Saudi Arabia and the region, Saudi Agriculture traditionally attracts many decision makers, experts, agricultural associations, and thousands of professional visitors.

With 32 years of accumulated experience and high standing, Saudi Agriculture 2013 will serve as an eye opener to the exhibitors and stakeholders within all fields of agriculture and its related industries, who want to expand and diversify their activities in the Saudi market and beyond.

Increased Governmental Spending and Investment Diversification
The Saudi Government announced at the beginning of this year its highest budget to date; US$186 billion with US$16 billion allocated to the agricultural sector. This is in line with the Ministry of Agriculture’s strategy to support the continued growth of the industry. In addition to existing projects, the budget allowance goes to new investments in creating wheat silos, spreading wheat storage facilities and building mills to fulfill the nation’s growing needs.

Saudi Arabia: The Largest Market in the Middle East for Agro-Food Products and Technologies
The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia with a population of 28 million is the largest individual market in the region. The Agro-Food sector in the Kingdom is witnessing a steady growth rate, due in part to the rapidly increasing population.In 2011, 15% of Saudi consumers have seen a rise in their disposable incomes, while 50% maintained the same level. All this contributed to a 28% increase in consumer spending, 5% of which were spent on food. Saudi packaged food sales are expected to show healthy and positive growth, rising by around 5% annually.

Market Insights

• 5.9% - The average agriculture Compound Annual Growth Rate (CAGR) for the last five years
• Over US$12 billion - The Saudi agricultural output in 2011.
• Saudi Arabia is the Middle East’s largest individual food importer
• Over 200 new agricultural projects have been given permits in the Kingdom in 2011.
• A 5% annual steady growth is recorded in the Kingdom’s food market
• 18.5% - The expected average growth rate in the poultry sector by 2015