RIYADH, Saudi Arabia, May 25, 2026 (EZ Newswire) -- Saudi Arabia’s Sustainable Agricultural Rural Development Program, known as Saudi REEF, has provided support exceeding SAR 2.4 billion to more than 92,000 beneficiaries since its launch in 2019, as the Kingdom continues efforts to strengthen rural development, enhance food security and improve livelihoods across agricultural communities.

Launched by Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud in January 2019, the program was established to support small-scale farmers and productive rural households through the sustainable use of agricultural, natural, water and renewable resources across the Kingdom, in line with the objectives of Saudi Vision 2030.

The program operates under the supervision of Saudi Minister of Environment, Water and Agriculture Abdulrahman Al-Fadley, whose oversight has supported the expansion of strategic initiatives aimed at improving quality of life in rural areas, strengthening food security and increasing the economic contribution of the agricultural sector.

Saudi REEF focuses on eight main agricultural sectors: Saudi coffee production, processing and marketing; support for small livestock breeders; beekeeping and honey production; rain-fed crops; fisheries and aquaculture; value-added products from smallholdings; aromatic plants; and fruit production and processing.

Since its launch, the program has supported more than 92,000 beneficiaries, contributing to the diversification of Saudi Arabia’s agricultural production base, improving rural incomes and creating employment opportunities, while promoting environmental sustainability and the preservation of natural resources.

According to program figures, the combined market value of Saudi REEF’s core sectors exceeded SAR 5.6 billion by 2025, highlighting the program’s contribution to the national economy and the development of the Kingdom’s agricultural sector.

Average annual income among small-scale rural producers increased from SAR 9,500 in 2018 to SAR 13,763 by the end of 2024/2025, marking a 45% increase. Projections indicate annual incomes could exceed SAR 20,000 by 2030.

On the international level, Saudi REEF received the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) Technical Cooperation Award in the category of “Pioneering Projects in South-South and Triangular Cooperation,” recognizing the program’s role in promoting food security and sustainable agri-food systems through innovative development practices.

The program also entered Guinness World Records through one of its demonstration farms affiliated with the treated-water agriculture research unit in Wadi Bin Hashbal in Saudi Arabia’s Asir region. The farm was recognized as the world’s largest by area, covering more than 3.2 million square meters.

Women represent one of the program’s largest beneficiary groups, in line with Saudi Vision 2030 objectives to increase female participation in the labor market and expand the contribution of productive households to the national economy.

Saudi REEF said nearly 50,000 women have benefited from the initiative, accounting for approximately 75% of total beneficiaries. The program provides direct support and development packages aimed at enabling rural women, increasing their participation in economic activities and equipping them with skills that support long-term financial sustainability and independence.