RIYADH: Food production systems in Saudi Arabia are expected to witness a push towards sustainability as NEOM announced the launch of its company Topian.
According to a statement issued by the Giga Project, NEOM’s newest subsidiary aims to redefine food production, distribution and consumption methods within the Kingdom by developing sustainable and innovative solutions.
These solutions will rest on five pillars focusing on climate resilient agriculture, regenerative aquaculture, new foods, personalized nutrition, sustainable food supply, and environmental, social and institutional governance.
Tobian was launched with the support of the Ministry of Environment, Water and Agriculture, in line with the goals of the Kingdom’s Vision 2030 of ensuring food security, reducing the effects of climate change, and achieving climate neutrality by 2060.
The initiative seeks to foster a community of scientists, industry experts and innovators, who represent a unique and innovative standard in sustainable food production.
The statement also noted that the company aims to operate within the framework of “more with less,” and embrace a “new era of food” to achieve food security.
Its launch concept, “From the Future to the Table,” will introduce and implement solutions and initiatives aimed at revolutionizing the current global food system and addressing issues arising from rapid population growth, changing consumption patterns, climate change, and natural resource depletion.
Nazmi Al-Nasr, CEO of NEOM, said: “Tobian reflects our commitment to creating a long-term, positive transformation of life in Saudi Arabia and the rest of the world. Tobian’s innovative approach will be a key driver in shaping the future landscape of the sustainable and safe food industry.
He added: “We look forward to working closely with investors, partners and food industry experts to transform ambitious ideas into tangible reality, and support economic diversification in the Kingdom in line with Saudi Vision 2030.”
Tobian has signed numerous local and international strategic partnership agreements with organizations that can help reshape the future of food.
Partners include King Abdullah University of Science and Technology and the University of Tabuk, in addition to Tabuk Fish Company, Blue Nalo, Van der Hoeven Horticultural Projects, and Cargill.
Alliances have been created to collaborate on research and development initiatives and harness partners’ expertise to develop innovative and sustainable methods of food production.
The company stated that it will develop educational initiatives to promote local and sustainable gastronomy and nurture Saudi talent through training opportunities and chef camps.
He said: “As a wholly-owned subsidiary of NEOM, Tobian is fully aligned with NEOM’s commitment to providing high-quality food products to the market and promoting food security and sustainability while contributing to achieving the Kingdom’s self-sufficiency and long-term economic goals.” Dr. Juan Carlos Motamayor, CEO of Tobian.
He added: “Tobian is leading the food security conversation to create resilient food supplies in line with the Saudi Green Initiative and the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals. We are committed to not only shaping a transformative global food system, but also setting a global standard by pioneering new technologies and innovative solutions to overcome food-related challenges and create a safer, more sustainable and more prosperous future for all.