Requirements for importing coffee seedlings into Saudi Arabia: Protection of local production

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Introduction: A strategic step to protect national wealth

In a strategic move aimed at protecting and developing the coffee sector in Saudi Arabia, the National Center for Plant Pest and Animal Disease Prevention and Control (Wiqa’) announced the adoption of new and stricter technical requirements to regulate the import and trade of coffee seedlings. These measures are part of the Kingdom’s efforts to enhance its food security and protect its agricultural resources from serious pests and diseases, coinciding with the national drive to develop Saudi coffee cultivation, particularly Khawlani coffee, as a national product of high cultural and economic value.

General context: Coffee cultivation and Saudi Vision 2030

Coffee cultivation in Saudi Arabia, particularly in the southern highlands such as Jazan, Asir, and Al-Baha, boasts a rich history and deep cultural heritage. Saudi Khawlani coffee is considered a symbol of generosity and authentic hospitality. As part of Vision 2030, the Kingdom has given significant attention to this sector, with the Public Investment Fund, through the Saudi Coffee Company, investing substantial sums to increase Saudi coffee production from 300 tons annually to 2,500 tons by 2030. This ambitious goal necessitates building a robust agricultural foundation, protected from external risks, which explains the new regulations aimed at ensuring that only healthy, high-quality seedlings enter the country.

The importance of the procedures and their expected impact

The importance of these requirements lies in protecting local farms from globally devastating pests, most notably the bacterium Xylella fastidiosa, which has caused significant losses to olive groves in Europe and poses a major threat to more than 500 plant species, including coffee trees. Preventing the introduction of such pests not only protects current investments but also ensures the long-term sustainability of the sector. At both the local and regional levels, these standards will raise the quality of local production, enhance consumer confidence, and potentially position the Kingdom as a leading example in implementing stringent plant health standards in the region.

Key requirements for importing coffee seedlings

The “Wiqa” Center imposed a set of precise conditions that importers must adhere to, including several stages:

Obtaining an import permit: The importer must submit an application to obtain prior authorization, in compliance with the executive regulations of the Seeds, Seedlings and Saplings System of the Gulf Cooperation Council countries.
Required documents: Attach a purchase invoice showing the scientific name of the seedlings, and submit a separate application for each country of origin.
Ban on genetically modified organisms: The importation of any coffee seedlings resulting from genetically modified origins is prohibited.
Certified certificates: A certificate of origin and a phytosanitary certificate must be provided by the official authorities in the exporting country, proving that the seedlings were produced in certified nurseries and are disease-free.
Pre-shipment testing: A laboratory test must be conducted 15 days before shipment to ensure that the seedlings are free of Xylella fastidiosa bacteria, and that they have been treated with approved pesticides.

Procedures at border crossings and beyond

Upon arrival of shipments at Saudi ports, thorough inspection and examination procedures are applied:

Visual inspection and check: All accompanying documents are checked and verified to be consistent with the shipment.
Sampling: Random samples are taken and sent to specialist laboratories to detect a wide range of pests, including nematodes, fungi, and dangerous insects.
Agricultural quarantine: Shipments are subject to agricultural quarantine and continuous monitoring to ensure they are completely free of any infections before being allowed to be traded.
Post-entry monitoring: The importer is obligated to monitor the condition of the seedlings for two years after planting, prohibiting their use in propagation before the end of this period, and to safely dispose of any seedlings that show symptoms of disease.

Organizing local seedling production

The requirements were not limited to imports only, but extended to include regulating the production of seedlings within local farms and nurseries, as the center stipulated that the fields designated for seedling production be registered and certified, and subject to continuous monitoring to ensure the purity and quality of the seeds and propagation materials used, thus ensuring the building of a strong and reliable local supply chain for coffee farmers in the Kingdom.