Al-jouf: Vice Minister of Environment, Water and Agriculture Eng. Mansour Al-Mushaiti attended the launch ceremony of Aviagen's poultry grandparent (GP) farms project in Al-Jouf Region today, with total investments exceeding $200 million.
According to Saudi Press Agency, the project targets an annual production capacity of 15 million parent stock (PS) chicks, with potential for expansion based on market demand. The company will maintain full operational control over the entire production system to ensure agile decision-making and uphold the highest standards of quality and productivity.
The project involves establishing an integrated production system that includes GP breeding farms, a central hatchery, feed mill, and specialized laboratory. It aligns with a future plan to expand great grandparent (GGP) farms within Saudi Arabia, further supporting national production and enhancing local supply chain efficiency.
During the launch ceremony, the ministry handed over the operating and investment licenses to Aviagen, marking the official start of operations. This step comes as part of the ministry's efforts to facilitate procedures for investors and support the expansion of high-value investments in the Kingdom's poultry sector.
The project aims to localize GP poultry production and strengthen the food security system within Saudi Arabia's poultry sector, in line with the objectives of Saudi Vision 2030.
Al-Jouf was chosen to host the project thanks to its favorable climate and strong biosecurity conditions, as well as its strategic location for efficient logistics and supply routes, making it an ideal site to ensure operational efficiency and sustainable production.
The project is expected to create over 500 direct and indirect jobs, drive economic growth in northern Saudi Arabia, and attract global expertise while localizing modern poultry production technologies.
The initiative represents a strategic step toward increasing domestic poultry output and strengthening the sustainability of national supply chains, thereby reducing import dependency. It also supports food security resilience during crises and epidemics, aligning with the ministry's national goals of boosting self-sufficiency rates in the poultry sector.