Saudi Arabia working on innovative solutions to ensure global food security

Saudi Arabia is set to become a pioneer in food security as it develops systems and solutions that can be rolled out “across the planet,” according to a senior executive.

Speaking in an interview with Arab News, Juan Carlos Motamayor, CEO of food company Topian – the giga-project of NEOM’s newest subsidiary – highlighted that this includes introducing new technologies urgently needed to feed humanity today and in the coming decades.
His comments came in the light of a World Bank Report published in January 2024, which highlighted a “tenuous access to food for nearly one out of every three people.”
Reflecting on Topian’s role in combating this issue, Motamayor said: “We aim to pioneer new systems and innovative solutions that will benefit the people of Saudi Arabia and, when scaled up, benefit people across the planet facing similar challenges.”
He added: “This includes introducing new technologies urgently needed to feed humanity today and in the coming decades, such as controlled-environment production systems that can significantly reduce the water required for crop growth.”
Motamayor also underscored that Topian is dedicated to creating a sustainable future, particularly in the areas of agriculture, aquaculture, and food innovation.
Its launch concept Future to Table, which is an initiative to revolutionize food production through sustainable practices, emphasizes the development of new methods to nourish the world while minimizing environmental impact. “It embodies the concept of bringing high-quality, tastier food to the table with minimal environmental impact. This initiative represents a shift towards a ‘New Era of Food,’ focusing on innovative methods to feed the world’s population responsibly,” Motamayor said.
As the world grapples with the multifaceted challenges of rapid population growth, changing consumption patterns, climate change, and the depletion of natural resources, Saudi Arabia stands at a pivotal point in its pursuit of sustainable solutions.
“The Kingdom’s National Strategy for Agriculture 2030 aims to create a sustainable sector that achieves food and water security while advancing economic, social, and environmental developments,” Motamayor said.
He added: “We aim to pioneer new systems and innovative solutions that will benefit the people of Saudi Arabia and, when scaled up, benefit people across the planet facing similar challenges.”
Central to this endeavor is the introduction of urgently required technologies, such as controlled-environment production systems, which have the potential to substantially diminish water usage in crop cultivation.
“Moreover, by 2050, with an expected global population of almost 10 billion, traditional food production methods pose significant challenges,” the CEO said. Motamayor added: “The food industry is a major contributor to greenhouse gas emissions and excessive water usage, leading to an anticipated 40 percent water supply-demand gap.”
Additionally, food-related diseases like diabetes and heart disease are costing the world economy trillions of dollars.
Topian’s strategic initiatives exemplify a proactive approach to addressing global challenges while advancing Saudi Arabia’s quest for sustainable development.
By fostering innovation, embracing sustainability, and aligning with national priorities, Topian is poised to shape the future of food production in the Kingdom and beyond.
The company, launched with the support of the Ministry of Environment, Water and Agriculture in December, fully aligns with the goal of achieving Saudi Vision 2030, leading the Kingdom’s efforts to ensure food security, mitigate climate change and achieve net-zero emissions by 2060.
“This partnership focuses on developing and utilizing innovative and sustainable technologies that align with the Kingdom’s agricultural and food security goals, as outlined in the National Agriculture Strategy and the Food Security Strategy,” Motamayor said.
He added: “Last year, Topian marked a successful participation at Saudi Future Foods workshop hosted by King Abdullah University of Science and Technology and MEWA, where we explored strategic priorities for Saudi Arabia’s food security.”
Motamayor explained that the collaboration with KAUST focuses on advancing research and development efforts in innovative food production, positioning Saudi Arabia as a center for pioneering sustainable agricultural innovation.
Topian is also partnering with Tabuk University to provide the necessary training for professionals who will oversee these operations, and is working with the agri-business Cargill to support the sustainable expansion of the Saudi aquaculture sector.
“This partnership is particularly focused on achieving self-sufficiency in aquaculture protein demand by 2030 in an environmentally friendly manner,” Motamayor stated.
Moreover, a memorandum of understanding with Tabuk Fish company was signed on Feb. 8, focusing on expanding local aquaculture production and applying new-generation aquaculture technologies, thereby enhancing production capabilities and food security.
Topian also signed three strategic agreements on the sidelines of the Saudi International Marine Exhibition and Conference aimed at strengthening Saudi Arabia’s position as a global leader in sustainable aquaculture.
The first agreement with the National Livestock and Fisheries Development focuses on research and technological growth, sustainable aquaculture practices in the Red Sea, and establishing a national seafood market.
The second deal was reached with Pure Salmon, an Abu Dhabi-based aquaculture facilities company, to establish a facility at NEOM that will cover the full value chain of salmon production.
The development, which will be the first of its kind in the region, will address the high demand for salmon in the Kingdom and neighboring countries by delivering local products marked by freshness, quality, and taste.
Topian also entered into a partnership with the National Aquaculture Group with the goal of advancing the local aquaculture industry and expanding the distribution of NAQUA’s seafood products within the Saudi market.
“These partnerships are integral to Topian’s strategy of employing innovative solutions and technologies for sustainable food production, contributing to Saudi Arabia’s aspirations for a more secure and sustainable food system,” he commented.
He added: “Our goal is to seize the opportunity and go beyond, setting a global model for a world characterized by new systems and innovative solutions that will benefit the people of Saudi Arabia and will be scaled up to benefit people across the world.”