Latest news with #SustainableAgriculturalRuralDevelopmentProgram
CairoScene
24-04-2025
- Business
- CairoScene
Saudi Reef Aims to Cultivate Two Billion Roses Annually by 2026
Saudi Reef is spearheading a national initiative to transform Saudi Arabia into a leading global rose producer, targeting an annual yield of two billion roses by 2026. The Sustainable Agricultural Rural Development Program, also known as Saudi Reef, is launching an initiative to produce two billion roses annually by 2026. This would represent a substantial increase from the current output of approximately 960 million roses per year—a 34% rise over the past four years. Saudi Reef supports over 400 farmers, particularly in regions renowned for rose cultivation such as Taif, Jazan, and Asir. The initiative aligns with the Kingdom's Vision 2030 objectives, focusing on food security, rural development, and agricultural efficiency. By promoting sustainable agricultural practices and empowering local farmers, the program seeks to reduce dependence on imports and boost exports to European and Asian markets. To achieve these goals, Saudi Reef is implementing advanced agricultural technologies, including hydroponics, artificial intelligence, and smart greenhouse systems. These innovations aim to enhance production quality and water-use efficiency, addressing the challenges posed by the country's arid climate. Additionally, the program has introduced renewable-energy-powered desalination and climate-controlled technologies to overcome regional agricultural constraints. The initiative also emphasizes capacity building and knowledge transfer. During the Rose and Aromatic Plants Global Forum in Taif, Saudi Reef distributed 15,000 tissue-cultured seedlings to promote sustainability and boost production. The forum featured sessions on the challenges of Taif rose cultivation, the future of medical tourism in the Kingdom, and the role of artificial intelligence in enhancing product quality.
Asharq Al-Awsat
21-04-2025
- Business
- Asharq Al-Awsat
Saudi Reef Highlights 750 Million Taif Roses Produced in 2024
The Sustainable Agricultural Rural Development Program (Saudi Reef) has launched a week-long media campaign highlighting Taif roses as one of the Kingdom's most important agricultural and heritage products with significant economic value. Saudi Reef Assistant Secretary-General for Media and Communication Majed Al-Buraikan noted that the Taif rose is one of the world's most prominent aromatic roses and is classified among the top three types in terms of quality and fragrance, SPA reported. He emphasized that Taif rose production exceeded 750 million roses in 2024, with the program aiming to increase production to 2 billion by 2026. He said that Saudi Reef has allocated SAR135 million in direct investments over three years to implement 14 development projects. These projects cover various stages of production and support, including nurseries, laboratories, and agri-clinics, to support value chains and achieve sustainable rural development in line with the objectives of Saudi Vision 2030.
Arab News
15-04-2025
- Business
- Arab News
Saudi program supports farmers for rose sector growth
RIYADH: The Sustainable Agricultural Rural Development Program, known as Saudi Reef, is showcasing its achievements in developing the rose and aromatic plant sector during the Rose and Aromatic Plants Global Forum in Taif. The program highlights its efforts to grow this vital sector in line with the Kingdom's Vision 2030, focusing on food security, rural development, and improved agricultural efficiency, the Saudi Press Agency reported on Tuesday. Majed Al-Buraikan, Saudi Reef assistant secretary-general for media and communication, emphasized that the program's participation supports national efforts to empower rose and aromatic plant farmers and promote its initiatives in the field. He noted that Saudi Reef is a strategic partner in driving sustainable agricultural transformation, particularly in regions like Taif, Jazan, and Asir, known for their rose and aromatic plant production. Al-Buraikan added that the program supports more than 400 farmers and has achieved a 34 percent rise in rose production over the past four years, reaching 960 million roses annually. The goal is to reach 2 billion roses annually by 2026, strengthening Saudi Arabia's position as a leading global rose producer, the SPA reported. Meanwhile, the National Research and Development Center for Sustainable Agriculture launched an initiative at the forum, distributing 15,000 tissue-cultured seedlings to promote sustainability and boost production. The forum featured sessions on 'Challenges of Taif rose cultivation' and 'The future and challenges of medical tourism in the Kingdom.' Scientific lectures covered topics such as sustainable development in rose use, carbon neutrality in the aromatic journey of the Taif rose, livelihood development for farmers, and the role of AI in enhancing product quality. Arruddaf Park in Taif opens daily at 4 p.m. for visitors to explore the exhibition and enjoy the rose displays. The forum runs until April 26.
Asharq Al-Awsat
15-04-2025
- Business
- Asharq Al-Awsat
Saudi Reef Targets Producing Two Billion Roses Annually by 2026
The Sustainable Agricultural Rural Development Program (Saudi Reef) is showcasing its achievements in developing the rose and aromatic plant sector during its participation as a co-sponsor in the Rose and Aromatic Plants Global Forum, currently being held in Taif Governorate. The program highlights its efforts to develop this vital sector in line with the objectives of the Saudi Vision 2030, particularly in enhancing food security, improving rural areas, and enhancing agricultural production efficiency, SPA reported. Saudi Reef Assistant Secretary-General for Media and Communication Majed Al-Buraikan stressed that the program's participation in the forum aligns with national efforts to empower rose and aromatic plant farmers and aims to promote the program's initiatives in this field. He noted that the Saudi Reef is a strategic partner in achieving sustainable agricultural transformation, especially in regions known for producing Taif roses and aromatic plants such as Jazan and Aseer. Al-Buraikan pointed out that the program supports more than 400 farmers and has recorded a 34% increase in rose production over the past four years, reaching 960 million roses annually. It aims to achieve an annual production of two billion roses by 2026, boosting the Kingdom's position in regional and global markets as a leading producer of roses.
Saudi Gazette
28-03-2025
- Business
- Saudi Gazette
Reef Saudi bazaar celebrates rural heritage with traditional crafts and strong public turnout
The Sustainable Agricultural Rural Development Program, 'Reef Saudi,' has concluded the 'Bazaar Reef Saudi,' which took place from March 13 to 21 (Ramadan 13–21) at Roshn Front in Riyadh. The event witnessed remarkable attendance and engagement from visitors of various backgrounds, with a diverse showcase of traditional crafts and rural products. The bazaar was organized with the goal of supporting and empowering artisans from different regions across the Kingdom, enhancing their marketing opportunities, and showcasing inherited rural products and handicrafts. This aligns with the objectives of the 'Reef Saudi' program to improve the income of small-scale producers and foster rural community development. The event featured a rich variety of traditional crafts, including Sadu weaving, pottery, palm frond weaving, macrame, and wood engraving. Additionally, several home-based businesses and family-run enterprises participated, adding a cultural and heritage-filled atmosphere that reflected the authenticity and diversity of Saudi Arabia's rural event was organized in line with the announcement of 2025 as the Year of Handicrafts in Saudi Arabia, emphasizing the growing interest in this vital sector and its role in strengthening national identity and boosting the local economy through rural craftsmanship and the 'Reef Saudi' program launched several key initiatives this year, highlighting rural success stories and showcasing rural tourism destinations in Saudi Arabia. Among these initiatives was 'Our Winter is Rural,' which toured five major regions — starting in Riyadh, passing through Taif, Buraydah, and Madinah, and concluding in Jazan.
