تعزيزاً للاحتياطيات الاستراتيجية وتلبيةً لكافة المتطلبات، ‘الأمن الغذائي’ تتعاقد على الدفعة الثالثة من القمح المستورد لعام 2025
Saudi Arabia Enhances Wheat Procurement to Secure Food Supply
Today, the Governor of the General Food Security Authority, Engineer Ahmed bin Abdulaziz Al-Fares, announced the successful completion of the procurement process for the third batch of imported wheat for 2025. This latest acquisition involves a significant volume of 621,000 tons sourced from various regions, including the European Union, North America, South America, Australia, and the Black Sea region.
This procurement initiative is part of a broader strategy to bolster the strategic grain reserves of the Kingdom, ensuring that supplies remain at safe levels while simultaneously meeting the demands of local milling companies. With global food security becoming increasingly critical, maintaining adequate stockpiles of staple grains, such as wheat, is essential for the country’s food sovereignty.
Engineer Al-Fares elaborated on the logistics involved in this procurement, noting that the National Grain Supply Company, known as "SABL," will oversee the receipt of the contracted quantities. Deliveries for the third batch are scheduled between August and October 2025. The shipment will consist of ten vessels, with specific allocations to various ports across the Kingdom: three vessels designated for the Islamic Port of Jeddah carrying 180,000 tons; five vessels arriving at the Yanbu Commercial Port with a total of 325,000 tons; and two vessels for King Abdulaziz Port in Dammam, accounting for 116,000 tons.
The tender process attracted substantial interest, with 18 qualified global companies specializing in grain trading competing for the contract. Ultimately, the authority awarded the contract to five companies whose bids not only met the required specifications but also offered the most competitive pricing.
This strategic move underscores the Kingdom’s commitment to sustaining its food supply chains and enhancing the resilience of its agricultural sector in the face of global challenges. The diversification of procurement sources is a critical component in mitigating risks associated with food supply disruptions that can arise from geopolitical tensions, climate change, or other unforeseen events.
By engaging multiple international suppliers, the General Food Security Authority aims to ensure that the Kingdom is well-prepared to face any potential shortages or fluctuations in wheat availability. Such foresight is particularly vital as the world grapples with an increasingly unpredictable agricultural landscape.
In addition to safeguarding the nation’s food security, this initiative supports the local milling industry by ensuring that it has access to essential raw materials. The authority recognizes the pivotal role that domestic mills play in the broader value chain of food production and distribution, making it crucial to maintain continuous and reliable supplies of wheat.
As part of their ongoing efforts to strengthen food security, the General Food Security Authority will continue to monitor global market trends and adjust procurement strategies accordingly. This proactive approach not only enhances the resilience of the food supply system in Saudi Arabia but also aligns with the Kingdom’s Vision 2030 objectives to promote sustainable agricultural practices and improve food availability for its citizens.
In summary, the successful completion of this wheat tender reflects the Kingdom’s strategic planning and commitment to ensuring a steady food supply. By sourcing from diverse international markets and collaborating with specialized trading companies, Saudi Arabia is positioning itself to navigate the complexities of global food security while supporting its local agricultural industry. As food challenges mount around the world, such measures are crucial for maintaining stability and fostering community well-being.
