In a groundbreaking development, the Arabian Agricultural Services Company (ARASCO) has entered into a strategic agreement with NEOM, a prominent region in northwest Saudi Arabia known for its emphasis on innovation and sustainability, and Cargill, a global leader in the agribusiness sector. The primary objective of this collaboration is to jointly investigate opportunities for bolstering the sustainable growth of the Saudi aquaculture industry. By aligning their efforts, these influential entities aim to support the nation's ambitious goal of achieving self-sufficiency in aquaculture protein demand by the year 2030, all while prioritizing environmentally friendly practices.
In a momentous event held in Riyadh, the CEO of ARASCO, Nasser bin Abdulaziz Abanmi, along with esteemed figures Dr. Juan Carlos Motamayor, Head of NEOM Food, and Helen Ziv-douki, Global President of Cargill's Aqua Nutrition business, gathered for the signing of a significant memorandum of understanding (MoU) in December 2022. In a groundbreaking collaboration, three prominent parties have joined forces to tackle the pressing issue of meeting the surging domestic demand for aquaculture in a sustainable manner. Their concerted efforts will focus on extensive exploration and implementation of sustainable methods, with a particular emphasis on researching and developing alternative feed sources that are more environmentally friendly. This innovative partnership aims to revolutionize the aquaculture industry and pave the way for a more sustainable future.
Aquaculture, a thriving industry in Saudi Arabia, has experienced significant growth over the past 35 years. It has now become one of the top exports in the Kingdom, contributing to its economic success. Recent statistics indicate that aquaculture is among the fastest-growing sectors in global food production. In Saudi Arabia, the vast expanse of the west coastline, stretching over 2,600 kilometers, provides ample natural resources for aquaculture. Recognizing this potential, Nasser A. Abanmi, CEO of ARASCO, highlights the opportunity for aquaculture to play a crucial role in ensuring food security in the country. In addition, the pressing need for aquaculture to address global food security cannot be overstated. According to the United Nations, the global population is projected to reach 9.7 billion by the year 2050. This significant growth is expected to exert immense strain on food security and production worldwide. One area of concern is the fishing industry, which plays a crucial role in meeting the growing demand for sustenance. In light of this, ARASCO, a prominent organization in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, has made it their mission to actively contribute to sustainable food security efforts within the region and the wider Middle East. In an enthusiastic statement, the speaker expressed their anticipation for collaborating with NEOM and Cargill on what they described as a noble mission.
In arid countries like Saudi Arabia, aquaculture emerges as a promising solution for sustainable protein production, boasting minimal water consumption and reduced carbon emissions. In a statement, Dr. Juan Carlos Motamayor, Head of NEOM Food, expressed his belief that this agreement will ultimately tackle the pressing issue of replacing fishmeal with more sustainable fish feed. In a remarkable development, it has been revealed that this initiative not only complements NEOM's ongoing endeavors to promote the production and distribution of environmentally friendly seafood but also serves as a crucial step towards safeguarding the delicate marine ecosystem. In an exciting development, a collaborative effort is set to revolutionize the seafood production industry and address environmental concerns. ARASCO and Cargill, two prominent players in the field, have expressed their anticipation of joining forces and bringing about transformative changes. The aim is to minimize the industry's environmental impact, paving the way for a more sustainable future.
In a statement made by Helen Ziv-Douki, the esteemed Global President of Cargill's Aqua Nutrition business, she emphasized the imperative need for collective efforts in order to address the challenge of supplying sustainable protein to meet the demands of a rapidly expanding global population. In a recent statement, the spokesperson expressed gratitude for the chance to join forces with ARASCO and NEOM in a collaborative effort. The primary objective of this partnership is to meet the global demand for seafood while ensuring that the environmental footprint is kept to a minimum.
The initiative aligns with the Saudi government's strategic vision for economic growth and diversification, known as Vision 2030. This ambitious plan aims to achieve self-sufficiency in various sectors, including food production, while also exploring opportunities to expand into international markets.
ARASCO, boasting an impressive four decades of expertise, has firmly established itself as the dominant force in animal feed production in the Middle East. The company's extensive operations encompass three distinct business segments, all of which are dedicated to tackling the pressing issue of food security.
