Rome: The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia received the Technical Recognition Award from the Food and United Nations Agriculture Organization (FAO) for "South-South and Triangular Cooperation" in the Projects Championing category. The award honors the Sustainable Agricultural Rural Development Program (Saudi Reef), which is recognized as the world's largest agricultural development initiative. The program was commended for its innovative projects and best practices that enhance food security and agri-food systems.
According to Saudi Press Agency, Minister of Environment, Water and Agriculture Abdulrahman Alfadley received the award on behalf of the Kingdom. The ceremony took place in Rome as part of the celebration of the 80th anniversary of the FAO. The event also coincided with the fifth annual World Food Forum, held from October 10 to 17.
On the occasion, Eng. Alfadley noted that the award reflects the Kingdom's leadership in advancing the rural agricultural sector and the fruitful cooperation between Saudi Arabia and the FAO. He added that the recognition showcases Saudi Arabia's successful model for sustainable agricultural development at the local, regional, and global levels, and underscores its strength in building international partnerships. These achievements, he said, align with the goals of Saudi Vision 2030 to enhance food security, rural development, and environmental sustainability.
The Saudi Reef Program has seen huge success in the last five years. It has empowered over 80,000 beneficiaries across the country, providing more than SAR3 billion in direct financial aid across its eight sectors. The investment has significantly boosted the economy by raising farmers' incomes and creating more than 70,000 jobs, both direct and indirect. On the production side, the program has helped plant over 15 million agricultural seedlings and supported the production of about 250 million kilograms of agricultural goods.