Saudi coffee sector in Jazan sees strong growth with investment and funding support
Jazan’s coffee industry is experiencing sustainable growth, driven by a rich agricultural heritage and new investment and financing programs for farmers.
The coffee sector in Saudi Arabia's Jazan region is flourishing due to a combination of rich agricultural heritage, investment, and support programs for farmers. With over one million productive coffee trees, the region produces more than 650 tons of coffee annually, a legacy that spans more than three centuries. This growth has been bolstered by funding and programs aimed at boosting production and economic value, as well as enhancing marketing opportunities for local farmers.
Celebrated on October 1 as International Coffee Day, coffee remains a cornerstone of Jazan's identity and cultural heritage. For generations, farming communities have passed down cultivation techniques and traditional terraced farms, ensuring the preservation of this agricultural practice. The Coffee Festival in Al-Dayer governorate, launched in 2013, played a pivotal role in raising awareness and marketing efforts for the region's coffee.
In 2016, the Saudi government expanded support for farmers, including the distribution of seedlings, terrace rehabilitation, and improvements in irrigation and production methods. These initiatives increased the cultivated area and improved crop quality. In 2022, Saudi coffee cultivation methods were recognized by UNESCO as Intangible Cultural Heritage, highlighting the region's deep-rooted agricultural knowledge.
The establishment of the Jazan Coffee Cooperative in 2022, the Kingdom's first cooperative dedicated to coffee cultivation, further supports farmers by enhancing production quality, marketing, and expanding partnerships. Over 2,300 farmers have benefited from its services, with 850 shareholders and over 150 women participating in its programs.
The Jazan branch of the Agricultural Development Fund reported over 60 million riyals in financing for Saudi coffee in 2023, part of rural agricultural product funding. Beyond economic benefits, coffee cultivation in Jazan is intertwined with the region's memory and the expertise of generations, as the harvest season showcases the connection between people and their land.
By transforming its agricultural heritage into a renewable development resource, Jazan aims to blend ancestral knowledge with modern development tools, elevating the quality and value of Saudi coffee in both local and international markets.
Written by urgent.news from Ajel English's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
