In a significant move towards bolstering global food security, the Saudi Agricultural and Livestock Investment Company (SALIC), a subsidiary of the Public Investment Fund (PIF), has joined forces with Swiss agri-tech leader Syngenta Crop Protection AG. The two entities signed a Letter of Intent (LOI) in Basel, Switzerland, outlining their commitment to combine expertise and resources to drive innovation and sustainability in the agri-food sector.
The collaboration aims to explore joint projects in sustainable farming, digital agriculture, soil health, and crop protection solutions. Among the initiatives on the horizon are climate-smart farming practices, sustainable soil management, crop and seed solutions, capacity building, and technical training. The partners also plan to establish centers of excellence to facilitate knowledge transfer and best practice-sharing. Additionally, they will focus on water conservation, soil regeneration methods, and digital farm management platforms.
SALIC, established in 2012, invests across the agri-food value chain to enhance Saudi Arabia’s food security in line with the Kingdom’s Vision 2030. With a diversified global portfolio in grains, livestock, processing, and agri-tech, SALIC has forged strategic partnerships worldwide. Suliman Al-Rumeih, Group CEO of SALIC, emphasized the significance of this collaboration, stating, “This partnership with Syngenta reflects SALIC’s commitment to innovation, sustainability, and global partnerships. Together, we aim to transform agriculture by integrating technology, knowledge, and responsible practices, empowering farmers, conserving resources, and building resilient food systems.”
Syngenta, with a presence in over 90 countries, is renowned for its bold scientific discoveries and commitment to developing technologies that support farmers in growing healthier plants with higher yields. Alexander Berkovskiy, Regional Director AMEA at Syngenta, expressed pride in the partnership, noting, “Through this collaboration, we will help agriculture transform. We will explore innovative and sustainable solutions, infrastructure, education, and training to equip farmers for success, ensuring enough safe, nutritious, and affordable food for all.”
This strategic alliance between SALIC and Syngenta holds promising implications for the global agri-food sector. By leveraging their respective strengths, the partners aim to drive technological advancements, promote sustainable practices, and enhance food security. The collaboration aligns with Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030, which emphasizes diversification and sustainability, and Syngenta’s mission to empower farmers worldwide. As the two entities work together, they are poised to make significant strides in creating a more resilient and secure global food system.