95% of Saudi milk carries the Saudi Gap label: an achievement for food security
The Saudi Ministry of Environment, Water and Agriculture announced a significant achievement in the dairy sector, confirming that 95% of the Kingdom's total milk production now bears the "Saudi GAP" quality mark. This step reflects producers' firm commitment to implementing the highest quality and food safety standards, ensuring that local products conform to national and international specifications and enhancing consumer confidence in Saudi products.
Record figures and geographical distribution of production
According to official statistics for 2024, the Ministry revealed that raw milk production in specialized dairy farms exceeded 2.7 billion liters. The Riyadh region led production with a massive 1.6 billion liters, followed by the Eastern Province with 1.1 billion liters. The data also indicated that the number of dairy cows in these specialized farms reached approximately 233,000, reflecting the substantial investment in this vital sector.
Historical context and regional leadership
This achievement is not a sudden occurrence, but rather the culmination of decades of dedicated work to transform the desert into a world-class dairy production hub. The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia has historically succeeded in overcoming climatic and environmental challenges to become a leading model in the Middle East's dairy industry. The fact that the vast majority of its production has been certified as "Saudi Gap" is the crowning achievement of a long journey of developing agricultural infrastructure and employing the latest global technologies in refrigeration, nutrition, and veterinary care, enabling the Kingdom to attain a leading regional position in achieving self-sufficiency in milk and dairy products.
The importance of "Saudi GAP" and food security
The campaign highlights the importance of adopting Good Agricultural Practices (GAP) across the entire supply chain. The “Saudi GAP” certification is a cornerstone for ensuring food quality and safety, imposing stringent standards related to animal health, facility hygiene, worker safety, and the sustainable management of natural resources. Through this certification, the Ministry aims to enhance the reliability of food safety standards, directly contributing to the goals of the Kingdom’s Vision 2030, which prioritizes food security and resource sustainability.
Economic impact and sustainability
Achieving a 95% compliance rate not only enhances the quality of local produce but also bolsters its competitiveness in international markets, opening up broader export opportunities and strengthening the non-oil national economy. The Ministry continuously works to support farmers and technicians, develop their skills, encourage innovation, and adopt modern technologies to ensure the sustainability of the food security system and provide healthy and safe products for citizens and residents, while preserving environmental resources for future generations.
