RIYADH — Saudi Arabia is experiencing a significant boost in the availability of feed products, with the Saudi Food and Drug Authority (SFDA) reporting a 60 percent increase in the first half of 2025 compared to the same period in 2024. This surge in availability aims to support the Kingdom’s agricultural sector and aligns with broader national economic diversification goals. The increase reflects ongoing efforts to streamline regulations and improve service delivery within the food and agricultural supply chain.
The SFDA announced that approximately 5,022 feed products were available between January and June 2025, a substantial rise from the 3,141 products recorded during the first half of 2024. This growth is occurring as Saudi Arabia continues to invest in its domestic food security and livestock industries. The initiative is also linked to the country’s Vision 2030 plan, which prioritizes economic diversification and reduced reliance on oil revenues.
Boosting Feed Product Availability in Saudi Arabia
The SFDA attributes the increased availability of feed products to a series of strategic initiatives designed to enhance efficiency and reduce bureaucratic hurdles. These measures are part of the SFDA’s fourth strategic plan and directly support the Health Sector Transformation Program, a cornerstone of Vision 2030. The goal is to create a more responsive and accessible regulatory environment for businesses operating within the feed industry.
Key Regulatory Changes
A central component of this improvement has been the implementation of the “GHAD” platform. This digital platform serves as a unified access point for all stakeholders, simplifying access to electronic services and reducing processing times. According to the SFDA, GHAD has significantly streamlined interactions between the authority and companies involved in the import, manufacture, and distribution of animal feed.
Additionally, the SFDA undertook a comprehensive review and re-engineering of its internal procedures. This involved simplifying the product registration process and reducing the number of required documents and conditions. However, the authority emphasized that these changes were implemented without compromising established safety standards for animal nutrition and public health. The focus was on removing unnecessary administrative burdens while maintaining rigorous quality control.
The changes also address concerns raised by industry stakeholders regarding the complexity of navigating the regulatory landscape. Previously, companies reported challenges with lengthy approval processes and ambiguous requirements. The SFDA’s reforms aim to create a more predictable and transparent system, encouraging investment and innovation in the livestock feed sector.
Meanwhile, the increased availability of feed is expected to have a positive impact on the Kingdom’s agricultural output. A reliable supply of quality feed is crucial for supporting the growth of the livestock industry, which plays a vital role in meeting domestic demand for meat, dairy, and poultry products. This, in turn, contributes to food security and reduces the need for imports.
In contrast to previous years, the SFDA’s proactive approach has resulted in a more dynamic and responsive regulatory environment. This shift is particularly important given the growing demand for animal protein in Saudi Arabia, driven by population growth and changing dietary preferences. The availability of diverse animal nutrition options is therefore essential for meeting these evolving needs.
The report indicates that the SFDA is also focusing on strengthening its monitoring and surveillance capabilities to ensure the safety and quality of feed products. This includes increased inspections of manufacturing facilities and regular testing of products to detect contaminants or adulteration. These measures are designed to protect animal health and prevent the spread of diseases.
Furthermore, the SFDA is collaborating with international organizations and regulatory bodies to stay abreast of the latest advancements in feed safety and quality control. This collaboration helps to ensure that Saudi Arabia’s regulatory standards are aligned with global best practices. The authority is also actively involved in developing new standards and guidelines for emerging feed ingredients and technologies.
Looking ahead, the SFDA plans to continue refining its processes and expanding the functionality of the GHAD platform. The next phase of development will focus on integrating additional services and enhancing data analytics capabilities. The authority anticipates further improvements in product availability and service quality in the coming months. The long-term impact of these changes on the Saudi Arabian agricultural sector remains to be seen, but initial indicators suggest a positive trajectory. The SFDA is expected to release a comprehensive report detailing the full-year results by early 2026.
