Strategic Food Reserve Management and Food Security in Saudi Arabia

Strategic food reserveStrategic food reserve is a strategy that is implemented by many countries in the world, including Saudi Arabia (KSA), to sustain food security and encounter international food market shocks. In this context, the Ministry of EnvironmentEnvironment, Water and AgricultureAgriculture (MEWA), KSA, has assigned the role of the supervision and execution of food security, including strategic food reserveStrategic food reserve, to the Saudi GrainGrain Authority (SAGO) (Currently known as General Food Security Authority)General Food Security Authority. This chapter describes the strategic reserve and its management as a tool for sustaining food security in KSA. It also sheds light on the role of SAGOSaudi Grains Organization (SAGO) in managing strategic food reserves and achieving food security. Moreover, it describes the locations and capacities of storageStorage facilities; grainGrain buying modalities; grain selling and distribution practicesPractices; and flour millMill companies in KSA. It is clear that private business has fully engaged in achieving KSA VisionVision 2030 of flour mill sector privatizationPrivatization. It is also evidence that grainGrain storage capacity is increasing over time and is distributed all over the country. Furthermore, KSA has a well-established body called the commodity abundance committeeCommodity abundance committee (CAC), constituted of representatives from different institutions, including SAGO, responsible for monitoringMonitoring food strategic reserves in the Kingdom. In doing so, the CAC used active early warning systemsEarly warning system to identify food stock levels in the country and determine the required actions accordingly. Actions range from the provision of finance, support, and/or direct purchase of critical food items. It is also evidence that SAGOSaudi Grains Organization (SAGO) has succeeded in sustaining a stable food reserve during critical times.