Riyadh, November 21, 2024 – The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia hosted the fourth session of the International Date Council's (IDC) Council of Members Meeting, where significant strides were made toward enhancing global cooperation in the palm and date sector. Chaired by Eng. Abdulrahman Alfadley, Minister of Environment, Water, and Agriculture, the meeting brought together high-level officials, delegates from date-producing nations, and representatives from relevant international organizations to review the progress of the council’s initiatives and discuss the next steps in advancing the industry. The session was a testament to Saudi Arabia’s commitment to supporting the palm and date sector, ensuring its sustainability, and promoting food security on a global scale.
In his opening address, Eng. Abdulrahman Alfadley commended the IDC for its ongoing efforts to foster stronger partnerships between date-producing countries and promote the sustainability of the palm and date sector. He emphasized the sector’s integral role not only in the economies of producing countries but also in contributing to global food security and rural development. “The palm and dates sector holds significant economic, social, and environmental importance,” Alfadley said. “It is crucial in the pursuit of sustainable agricultural practices, rural development, and, most importantly, food security.”
Alfadley highlighted the impressive growth of the dates sector, pointing out that total production has increased by 11% over the past five years. He emphasized that this growth reflects the concerted efforts of both government and industry stakeholders to improve production efficiency, invest in research and development, and enhance market access. The Council’s role, according to Alfadley, has been pivotal in strengthening international partnerships and facilitating knowledge exchange between date-producing nations.
The International Date Council has made significant contributions in advancing agricultural practices, improving manufacturing processes, and boosting trade in date products. Alfadley noted that the council’s support for research initiatives has led to innovations in both date production and the development of value-added products. The council has also focused on expanding market opportunities, particularly for innovative by-products that enhance the overall value of the dates sector. “The IDC continues to empower scientific research and sustainable practices, and it has become an invaluable platform for sharing knowledge, advancing production techniques, and exploring new markets,” Alfadley said.
The meeting underscored the importance of the IDC’s mission to establish a global platform for accurate data and statistics about the palm and date industry worldwide. This is a critical initiative aimed at addressing knowledge gaps and ensuring that policymakers and industry leaders have access to reliable information to make informed decisions. The council is also committed to conducting studies that explore innovative by-products, such as date-based products, that add value and create new income streams for producers.
The International Date Council, which includes members from 14 countries—Saudi Arabia, the UAE, Tunisia, Sudan, Mauritania, Yemen, Oman, Palestine, Somalia, Lebanon, Bahrain, Egypt, Jordan, Iraq, and Qatar—has become a vital platform for fostering collaboration and addressing common challenges faced by the global date industry. The council's key objectives include improving production and manufacturing processes, enhancing marketing strategies, supporting scientific research, and creating economic opportunities for workers in the date sector.
By enhancing international cooperation and supporting research and innovation, the council aims to raise the income of those working in the date industry, thereby contributing to rural development and sustainable food security. The focus on the economic and social aspects of the dates sector is especially important for countries where date production is a cornerstone of rural economies.
Saudi Arabia’s support for the International Date Council has been a cornerstone of its commitment to improving global food security and advancing sustainable agricultural practices. As one of the world’s largest producers of dates, Saudi Arabia plays a leading role in driving forward the objectives of the IDC, supporting its initiatives, and contributing to the growth of the global date industry.
The IDC's Council of Members Meeting also provided an opportunity for member countries to reflect on the progress made since the last session and review the outcomes of various executive programs aimed at enhancing the sustainability of the palm and date sector. These programs have been instrumental in driving innovation, improving agricultural practices, and enhancing the global competitiveness of date-producing countries.
As the date sector continues to grow, the International Date Council remains dedicated to its mission of enhancing international cooperation, fostering sustainable practices, and advancing the global profile of the palm and dates industry. Through its continued work, the council aims to ensure that the sector not only thrives economically but also plays a vital role in addressing the world’s food security challenges, promoting rural development, and supporting the livelihoods of millions of people around the world who depend on date cultivation.
This meeting served as a reaffirmation of the collective vision of the date-producing countries to build a more resilient, sustainable, and prosperous future for the global palm and date industry.