Official highlights global acclamation of Saudi Coffee at Jazan event

Vice Minister of Environment, Water, and Agriculture Eng. Mansour Al-Mushaiti underscored the notable advancement in the quality of Saudi coffee over the past decade. Speaking at the International Saudi Coffee Exhibition 2024 held in Jazan, he highlighted the transformation of Saudi coffee from a local specialty to a globally recognized product, earning accolades as one of the finest coffees worldwide.

Eng. Al-Mushaiti elaborated on the significance of the exhibition, which encompassed farmer training sessions, workshops, and culturally enriched gatherings. He emphasized its pivotal role in supporting coffee farmers and enthusiasts in the southwestern regions of Saudi Arabia, aiding them in achieving their aspirations within the industry.

Providing insights into the current state of the coffee farming sector, the Vice Minister disclosed that there are 2,185 coffee farms in the southwest, with approximately 391,160 seedlings already planted. Furthermore, in the Jazan region alone, around 1,109 beneficiaries have witnessed the planting of about 219,160 seedlings on their farms, indicating a burgeoning interest and investment in coffee cultivation.

Eng. Al-Mushaiti also shed light on the substantial support directed towards the coffee sector through the Sustainable Rural Agricultural Development Program ‘Rural Saudi Arabia.’ By the end of December 2023, more than SR155 million in aid had been disbursed, benefiting 3,052 individuals. Moreover, he highlighted collaboration with the private sector, noting that the Agricultural Development Fund had allocated approximately SR1.9 billion in financing within the Jazan region by the close of 2022.

The Vice Minister emphasized the existence of 79 investment opportunities in various sectors, including livestock, plants, fisheries, and notably, coffee cultivation projects. This underscores a promising trajectory for agricultural diversification and development within the region, indicating a bright future for Saudi Arabia’s agricultural landscape.