Saudi officials ink deals to develop plant-based food alternatives

JEDDAH: Officials from the Saudi Ministry of Environment, Water, and Agriculture recently signed two agreements to transform agricultural plant products into plant-based foods with animal protein flavor.

A ministry research center focused on advancing agricultural product development will also be established, the Saudi Press Agency reported.

The signing ceremony was attended by ministry undersecretary, Ahmed bin Saleh Ayada, and representatives from several authorities.

Deals were inked with the Cooperative Societies Council, Saudi Greenhouses Management and Agricultural Marketing Co., and Ayla Food Options Co., a national firm specializing in healthy food products.

With the agreements, the ministry aims to promote a culture of healthy food within communities, while looking to provide locally made, high-quality vegetarian alternatives, and utilize advanced technologies for producing meat and dairy substitutes.

In addition, the accords will help support the advancement of the agricultural production and marketing system, promote food security, enhance environmental sustainability, and contribute to the overall development of the Kingdom’s agricultural sector.

As well as encouraging healthier eating habits the approach has been designed to ease the burden on traditional livestock production systems, in the process contributing to food security and waste reduction.

During the signing ceremony, an accompanying exhibition was organized to showcase a range of healthy food products and vegetarian alternatives to meat and dairy. Visitors had the opportunity to sample the offerings.

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