Saudi currently has 34,997 hectares of organically-planted land with sales of organic products set  to achieve 10 per cent annual growth, fueled by the increasing awareness among local community on the advantages and diversity offered by organic farming, said a recent study.

The study pointed out that organic farms are in big demand and will constitute 5 per cent of total planted area in Saudi Arabia by 2017.

Saudi Government has allocated SR60 billion ($16 billion) to boost the domestic agricultural sector this year and is actively looking at regional and global agricultural products and services and focusing on organic alternative farming to meet the growing nutritional needs of its citizens, said the study.

Furthermore, Poultry consumption is expected to grow by 17.2 per cent to reach 1.6 million tonne in 2016, while milk production could increase by more than 17 per cent to 2.1 million tonne between 2015 and 2016, the study added.

"The demand for agricultural products is swelling in Saudi Arabia, driven by a population boom, rising incomes, affluent lifestyles and a strong economy – the largest in the Gulf region," said an expert ahead of a key agricultural event in Riyadh.

“Saudi holds huge potential for investors and businesses who want to work in the region’s largest growing agricultural marketplace. The 2012 national budget shows how the government has taken a serious stance towards addressing the food needs of its people and so now is the perfect time to forge and strengthen ties among local agricultural and food players," said Khalid Daou, the project manager of Saudi Agriculture 2012 at Riyadh Exhibitions Company.

Saudi Agriculture 2012 – the 31st International Agriculture, Water and Agro-Industry Show will run from September 24 to 27 at the Riyadh International Convention & Exhibition Centre.

The trade fair will cover animal health & production, agricultural finance & banking, agricultural products & services, chemicals & fertilizers, cold storage & crop production, and dairy farming products & equipment, among many others.

Daou said the Saudi Agriculture 2012 was an ideal platform for determining which solutions can drive the Saudi food agenda.

The expo will see leading companies unveil some of the latest solutions addressing the rising demand for agricultural products in the Kingdom and throughout the region.

Confirming their presence in the event are several key regional and international agriculture industry players and leaders who will share business, investment and policy views with high-ranking agriculture officials. The event is accredited by UFI, the Global Association of the Exhibition Industry.

Running concurrently with the expo is Saudi Agro-Food 2012 - the trade show for food products, and Saudi Food-Pack, the exhibition for food processing and packaging, whoch will feature the latest products, technologies and services in areas ranging from frozen and chilled foods, confectionery, chocolates, health and natural foods, to presentation, processing and packaging equipment.-TradeArabia News Service