Our countryside is closer: A pioneering step in empowering small farmers
The Deputy Minister of Environment, Water and Agriculture, Engineer Mansour bin Hilal Al-Mashiti, launched a pioneering national initiative called the “Our Countryside is Now Closer” campaign. This strategic step comes within the framework of ongoing government efforts aimed at empowering small farmers in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and facilitating access for their diverse agricultural products to major retail outlets and stores. This initiative directly contributes to raising farmers' income levels, improving their quality of life, and enhancing the path of sustainable rural agricultural development in line with the ambitious goals of Saudi Vision 2030.
The Kingdom's strategic vision in supporting the agricultural sector
Historically, the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia has given considerable attention to the agricultural sector as a cornerstone for achieving economic stability and diversifying income sources. With the launch of Vision 2030, the focus has shifted towards sustainability and reducing reliance on food imports. In this context, the Sustainable Rural Agricultural Development Program (REEF) has emerged as one of the most important national programs launched to develop specific agricultural sectors and support productive families. This new initiative culminates years of dedicated work in developing agricultural infrastructure, as the Kingdom seeks to transform rural areas into productive hubs that contribute effectively to the GDP, reflecting a fundamental shift from traditional agriculture to modern, sustainable, and institutionalized farming.
Goals and paths of the “Our Countryside is Closer” campaign
This campaign is part of the ongoing efforts of the Saudi Rural Academy, which has undertaken the task of qualifying agricultural products according to the latest international standards for presentation and distribution. The campaign focuses on the comprehensive development of agricultural value chains, from the initial production stage on farms to organized marketing. This is achieved by building an integrated pathway that connects farms with actual market demands and strengthens strategic partnerships with distribution outlets. This approach ensures that local produce is better prepared to enter markets effectively and reduces the gap between the quality of local agricultural production and its competitiveness in major retail outlets.
The economic and social impact of small farmers' empowerment plans
The profound importance of this campaign extends beyond local boundaries to encompass significant regional and international dimensions. Locally, empowering smallholder farmers is a cornerstone of achieving food security and reducing food loss, as well as supporting the sustainability of rural household incomes and bolstering consumer confidence in domestic products. Regionally, the Kingdom offers a model to be emulated in the Middle East for managing agricultural resources and supporting rural communities amidst climate challenges and water scarcity. Internationally, these initiatives directly align with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals, particularly those related to eradicating hunger, promoting sustainable agriculture, and achieving inclusive economic growth.
Official statements regarding the future of rural agriculture
In this developmental context, Maha bint Mohammed Al-Dahi, CEO of the Saudi Rural Academy, affirmed that the campaign represents a practical and pivotal step towards connecting producers with markets. She noted that the academy is working diligently to build an integrated system that begins with the technical qualification of agricultural producers, progresses through developing their marketing readiness, and culminates in ensuring their effective presence in retail outlets. Al-Dahi added that the campaign's slogan reflects a serious commitment to strengthening partnerships with all relevant sectors to create more efficient marketing opportunities and achieve sustainable added value that supports the agricultural sector as a whole.
