“Grain,” whispered a merchant in the souk. He was speaking of the lifeblood of Riyadh. Today, we explore the story of the organization vital to that lifeblood. It is the \u0627\u0644\u0645\u0624\u0633\u0633\u0629 \u0627\u0644\u0639\u0627\u0645\u0629 \u0644\u0644\u062d\u0628\u0648\u0628. This translates to the General Organization for Grains.
Once known as the Grain Silos and Flour Mills Organization. The \u0627\u0644\u0645\u0624\u0633\u0633\u0629 \u0627\u0644\u0639\u0627\u0645\u0629 \u0644\u0644\u062d\u0628\u0648\u0628 has a rich history. It reflects Saudi Arabia’s commitment to food security. The organization’s journey began on May 9, 1972. A royal decree established it. The aim was to manage the Kingdom’s grain reserves.
Over the years, the \u0627\u0644\u0645\u0624\u0633\u0633\u0629 \u0627\u0644\u0639\u0627\u0645\u0629 \u0644\u0644\u062d\u0628\u0648\u0628 evolved. It adapted to the changing needs of the nation. In 1985, another royal decree amended its role. This solidified its position as a key player in food security.
A major shift occurred on November 9, 2015. The Council of Ministers approved the establishment of four joint-stock companies for flour mills. This decision led to the re-regulation of the Grain Silos and Flour Mills Organization. It was then renamed the Grains Organization. The \u0627\u0644\u0645\u0624\u0633\u0633\u0629 \u0627\u0644\u0639\u0627\u0645\u0629 \u0644\u0644\u062d\u0628\u0648\u0628 continued to manage silos. It also worked to enhance their operations.
In 2016, the \u0627\u0644\u0645\u0624\u0633\u0633\u0629 \u0627\u0644\u0639\u0627\u0645\u0629 \u0644\u0644\u062d\u0628\u0648\u0628 was assigned the task of importing barley feed. This was managed through twenty-eight storage stations. These stations were distributed around Saudi ports. They ensured a strategic stockpile for emergencies. By 2020, the import and sale of barley shifted to the private sector.
A significant transformation occurred on January 17, 2023. The Grains Organization became the General Food Security Authority. Despite the name change, it continued its vital work. This included purchasing wheat and managing strategic storage. There was a study into transferring it to the Saudi Agricultural and Livestock Investment Company.
The \u0627\u0644\u0645\u0624\u0633\u0633\u0629 \u0627\u0644\u0639\u0627\u0645\u0629 \u0644\u0644\u062d\u0628\u0648\u0628 ensures the protection of the country’s vital interests. It enhances food security and monitors compliance with relevant laws.
Today, the \u0627\u0644\u0645\u0624\u0633\u0633\u0629 \u0627\u0644\u0639\u0627\u0645\u0629 \u0644\u0644\u062d\u0628\u0648\u0628 also focuses on social development. It promotes industrial and technical awareness among the youth. It supports training in areas like grain storage and flour milling. This ensures a skilled Saudi workforce.
The \u0627\u0644\u0645\u0624\u0633\u0633\u0629 \u0627\u0644\u0639\u0627\u0645\u0629 \u0644\u0644\u062d\u0628\u0648\u0628 collaborates with many entities. These include the Saudi Food and Drug Authority. It also works with international organizations. This collaboration fosters the exchange of information. It helps implement advanced technologies. It also supports training seminars. These efforts ensure food security for the Kingdom. They also guarantee a stable supply of essential commodities. The \u0627\u0644\u0645\u0624\u0633\u0633\u0629 \u0627\u0644\u0639\u0627\u0645\u0629 \u0644\u0644\u062d\u0628\u0648\u0628 truly is a cornerstone of Saudi Arabia’s future.