GCC chief: agriculture and food security a strategic priority

GCC Secretary-General Jasem Albudaiwi has underscored agriculture and food security as crucial strategic priorities for the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC), reflecting the member states' commitment to bolstering agricultural and food production resilience. At the 38th meeting of the GCC Committee for Agricultural and Food Security Cooperation, held in Manama, Albudaiwi highlighted the importance of these sectors in the collective efforts of the GCC.

The meeting, chaired by Bahrain's Minister of Municipalities Affairs and Agriculture, Wael Al-Mubarak, brought together ministers from across the GCC who are responsible for agriculture and food security.

Albudaiwi revealed that the 19th consultative meeting of the GCC Supreme Council, held in Jeddah in April, led to directives aimed at enhancing the bloc's preparedness for potential crises. These directives include the development of a study on establishing strategic storage zones within the GCC, which are seen as essential for mitigating risks associated with food insecurity.

Albudaiwi also highlighted national initiatives being undertaken by each GCC member state to address these challenges. The United Arab Emirates is leveraging agricultural technologies to cultivate specialized crops, Saudi Arabia is enhancing its strategic food reserves and early warning systems, and Qatar is implementing its National Food Security Strategy 2030, along with similar programs in Bahrain, Oman, and Kuwait.

These efforts are considered vital for achieving the overarching objectives of the GCC's food security strategy, ensuring enhanced resilience and stability in the face of future challenges.