Saudi Arabia is investing $12.3 billion in domestic agriculture projects as well as to acquire land abroad to ensure food security, said the organisers of an upcoming international agro-industry event in Riyadh.

The projects include the King Abdullah’s Initiative for Agricultural Investment Abroad and the $800 million Saudi Company for Agricultural Investment and Animal Production.

Saudi Arabia’s food sector is also expanding at an annual rate of 18.5 per cent while food and agricultural imports account for 15 per cent of overall imports, at $17.3 billion, said Mohammad Al Hussaini, deputy general manager, Riyadh Exhibitions Company organisers of Saudi Agriculture 2011 running from September 19 to 22, at the Riyadh International Convention and Exhibition Centre.

“This year marks the 30th anniversary of Saudi Agriculture, a show that has grown exponentially over the years and has provided the perfect platform for food industry players to capitalise on the lucrative Saudi Arabian market that has been backed by strong government support,” said Al Hussaini.

Several regional and international exhibitors have already signed up to attend the trade event, showcasing the latest in animal health and production, agricultural finance and banking, agricultural products and services, chemicals and fertilizers, cold storage and crop production, and dairy farming products and equipment, among others.

Saudi Agriculture 2011 will be held concurrently with Saudi Agro-Food 2011, the 16th international exhibition for food processing and packaging.

Saudi Agro-Food 2011 will feature the latest products, technologies and services in areas ranging from frozen and chilled foods, confectionery, chocolates, health and natural foods, to presentation, processing and packaging equipment.

Saudi Agriculture 2011 serves as a business-to-business platform for major agricultural producers, manufacturers, dealers, agents and distributors along with key policy makers and high-ranking officials from the Saudi Agriculture Ministry.

Other key areas of focus of the trade event include fisheries, fish farming, greenhouses, handling and transport systems, irrigation and landscaping equipment, machinery and spare parts, organic farming, packaging systems and pesticides, among others. – TradeArabia News Service