GFSA Launches Second Survey to Reduce Food Loss and Waste in Saudi Arabia

The General Food Security Authority (GFSA) announced on January 7, 2025, the launch of its second field survey to measure food loss and waste rates across the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. This initiative is a core component of the National Program to Reduce Food Loss and Waste (Li Tadum), overseen by GFSA, and is designed to bolster food sustainability efforts in alignment with the objectives of Saudi Vision 2030.

Context and Background

The second survey builds directly on the findings of the initial 2019 study, which established a critical baseline for the Kingdom’s Food Loss and Waste Index. According to GFSA Governor Ahmed bin Abdulaziz Al-Faris, the new effort follows extensive awareness campaigns conducted in collaboration with key stakeholders, which successfully mobilized public participation and set the stage for more detailed data collection.

Key Details

The survey aims to comprehensively analyze food loss and waste at every stage of the food supply chain, including production, importation, transportation, storage, distribution, and consumption. GFSA intends to use the resulting data to develop targeted solutions that enhance food security, reduce environmental and economic impacts, and align the Kingdom’s practices with global sustainability standards. The initiative is expected to yield more precise and updated data, enabling the formulation of effective strategies to curb food loss and waste.

Implications and Impact

Reducing food loss and waste is a significant global challenge that directly affects food security, economic efficiency, and environmental sustainability. By conducting this second survey, Saudi Arabia is positioning itself as a regional leader in data-driven sustainability efforts. The findings will not only inform domestic policy but also provide a model for other nations in the Middle East and beyond. The initiative supports the Kingdom’s commitment to the United Nations Sustainable Development Goal 12.3, which aims to halve per capita global food waste at the retail and consumer levels by 2030.

Vision 2030 Alignment

This initiative directly supports the goals of Saudi Vision 2030, particularly its focus on environmental stewardship, economic diversification, and social responsibility. By improving efficiency across the food supply chain, the Kingdom is reducing waste, conserving natural resources, and strengthening long-term food security. The second field survey represents a practical step toward building a more resilient and sustainable food system, contributing to the broader national ambition of creating a vibrant society and a thriving economy for future generations.

20 Questions

Q1. What is the General Food Security Authority (GFSA)?

A1. The General Food Security Authority (GFSA) is a Saudi government agency responsible for ensuring the Kingdom’s food security through strategic planning, policy development, and oversight of food supply chains.

Q2. What is the purpose of the second field survey launched by GFSA?

A2. The purpose is to measure food loss and waste rates across all stages of the food supply chain in Saudi Arabia, enabling the development of targeted solutions to reduce waste and enhance sustainability.

Q3. When did GFSA announce the launch of this survey?

A3. The announcement was made on January 7, 2025, as reported by the Saudi Press Agency (SPA).

Q4. What is the National Program to Reduce Food Loss and Waste (Li Tadum)?

A4. Li Tadum is a national program overseen by GFSA that aims to systematically reduce food loss and waste across the Kingdom through data collection, awareness campaigns, and policy recommendations.

Q5. How does this survey relate to the initial 2019 study?

A5. The second survey builds on the 2019 study, which established a baseline for the Food Loss and Waste Index, and will provide updated, more precise data to track progress and refine strategies.

Q6. Who is the Governor of GFSA?

A6. The Governor of GFSA is Ahmed bin Abdulaziz Al-Faris, who oversees the authority’s initiatives, including the food loss and waste survey.

Q7. How did awareness campaigns support this initiative?

A7. Awareness campaigns conducted with key stakeholders successfully engaged public participation, raising awareness about food waste and encouraging cooperation with data collection efforts.

Q8. What stages of the food supply chain are analyzed in the survey?

A8. The survey analyzes all stages, including production, importation, transportation, storage, distribution, and consumption of food.

Q9. What are the expected outcomes of the survey?

A9. The survey is expected to yield more precise and updated data on food loss and waste, enabling the formulation of targeted strategies to curb waste effectively.

Q10. How does this initiative support Saudi Vision 2030?

A10. It supports Vision 2030 by promoting environmental stewardship, economic efficiency, and social responsibility, contributing to a sustainable and resilient food system.

Q11. What global sustainability standards does the initiative align with?

A11. The initiative aligns with global sustainability standards, including the United Nations Sustainable Development Goal 12.3, which aims to halve food waste by 2030.

Q12. How does reducing food waste help the environment?

A12. Reducing food waste conserves natural resources like water and land, reduces greenhouse gas emissions from decomposing waste, and lessens the environmental footprint of food production.

Q13. What economic benefits are expected from this survey?

A13. By reducing waste, the Kingdom can save costs across the supply chain, improve food availability, and enhance economic efficiency, ultimately benefiting consumers and producers.

Q14. How will the survey findings be used?

A14. GFSA will use the findings to develop targeted solutions, policies, and strategies to reduce food loss and waste, improving food security and sustainability.

Q15. Is this survey voluntary or mandatory for businesses?

A15. The survey is part of a national initiative and is conducted in collaboration with stakeholders across the supply chain to ensure comprehensive and accurate data collection.

Q16. What role do stakeholders play in this survey?

A16. Stakeholders, including food producers, importers, retailers, and consumers, provide data and participate in awareness campaigns, ensuring the survey’s success and relevance.

Q17. How does this initiative improve food security?

A17. By reducing loss and waste, more food is available for consumption, lowering pressure on imports and enhancing the Kingdom’s self-sufficiency and resilience.

Q18. Is Saudi Arabia a leader in food waste reduction in the region?

A18. Yes, through initiatives like this survey and the Li Tadum program, Saudi Arabia is positioning itself as a regional leader in data-driven food sustainability efforts.

Q19. How can the public contribute to reducing food waste?

A19. The public can contribute by following awareness campaign guidelines, reducing household waste, supporting sustainable food practices, and participating in survey-related activities.

Q20. What are the next steps after the survey is completed?

A20. After analysis, GFSA will publish findings and implement targeted strategies and policies to reduce food loss and waste, supporting long-term food security and Vision 2030 goals.

---