Riyadh, April 06, 2024, The Sustainable Agricultural Rural Development Program, known as Reef Saudi, has reiterated its steadfast commitment to bolstering Saudi Arabia's coffee sector. Since its inception in 2020, the program has allocated a substantial SAR61 million in support, benefiting 3,718 beneficiaries across the Kingdom.
Reef Saudi proudly reported a notable surge in coffee production, marking a 37% increase from 2020 to 2023, with production volumes reaching 1,485 tons compared to 800 tons in 2020. The program's ambitious vision is to achieve an annual coffee production of 7,000 tons by the year 2026.
Strategic Investment for the Future
The program underscores the rising significance of the coffee industry within the Kingdom's economic landscape. Reef Saudi aims to integrate coffee cultivation as a cash crop, diversifying the agricultural sector and generating additional economic value through processing, marketing, and enhancing self-sufficiency in coffee production, thus reducing dependency on imports.
Job Creation and Empowerment
Recognizing the potential for employment generation, particularly among young Saudis, Reef Saudi is focused on increasing producer incomes and enhancing livelihoods in rural communities.
Comprehensive Approach
Reef Saudi has adopted a comprehensive strategy to achieve its objectives. This strategy includes facilitating access to financial resources, promoting best agricultural practices through nurseries and model farms, introducing automated harvesting methods to minimize waste, establishing cooperative societies and coffee marketing centers, supporting rainwater harvesting projects, and enhancing irrigation infrastructure. Moreover, the program provides direct financial aid to small-scale producers while building capacities among technical personnel in relevant institutions.
Strategic Initiatives
Reef Saudi is actively pursuing strategic projects, including setting up coffee processing and manufacturing facilities in key regions like Al-Baha, Asir, and Jazan. Model farms and nurseries are being equipped in strategic locations within the Jazan region, aiming to enhance sustainability and productivity.
A Broader Vision
Operating within a broader framework of empowering small agricultural producers, Reef Saudi seeks to improve access to resources, markets, and essential agricultural services. Ultimately, the program aims to contribute significantly to food security, rural social stability, environmental sustainability, and responsible natural resource management across the Kingdom.
