By Gerelyn Terzo, Global AgInvesting Media
Syngenta Crop Protection, the Swiss-based agricultural powerhouse known for its crop protection and seed innovations, is partnering with the Saudi Agricultural and Livestock Investment Company (SALIC) to explore joint ventures built to strengthen food security in the Kingdom and beyond.
The agreement signals deepening ties between global agri-business and Gulf sovereign wealth initiatives. The partners will collaborate in areas such as technology and sustainable practices to address rising global demand for resilient food systems. SALIC, a unit of Saudi Arabia’s Public Investment Fund, brings investment muscle to the table, with a portfolio spanning grains, livestock and agtech since its founding in 2012. Industry leader Syngenta contributes its expertise in crop solutions and digital farming tools.
Under the terms of the deal, the partners will form working groups to pursue projects in areas including sustainable farming, soil regeneration, water conservation and digital farm management platforms. Additionally, they plan to roll out technical training programs and centers of excellence for knowledge sharing on seed varieties and crop protection, steps that could equip farmers in arid regions with the tools to boost yields while easing environmental strains on soil and water resources.
SALIC CEO Suliman Al-Rumeih stated, “This collaboration with Syngenta reflects SALIC’s commitment to innovation, sustainability, and global partnerships. Together, we aim to help transform agriculture by integrating technology, knowledge, and responsible practices – empowering farmers, conserving resources, and building resilient food systems that strengthen Saudi Arabia’s food security and support future generations worldwide.”
Syngenta Regional Director for AMEA Alexander Berkovskiy commented, “Syngenta is proud to partner with SALIC to improve global food security and build resilient food systems in Saudi Arabia and around the world. Through this collaboration, we will help agriculture transform – exploring innovative and sustainable solutions, infrastructure, education and training to equip farmers for success to ensure enough safe, nutritious, affordable food for all.”
The partners will set up working groups to identify and rank projects that advance Saudi Arabia’s food-security goals, while also backing more sustainable food systems for future generations. The initiative aligns with Saudi Vision 2030, the kingdom’s blueprint for economic diversification, which emphasizes food self-sufficiency amid water scarcity and climate pressures. For investors in global agriculture, the partnership highlights the growing appeal of Middle East-backed deals in sustainable agtech, potentially unlocking funding for scalable innovations that could yield returns while mitigating risks in volatile commodity markets.
SALIC has invested across the agri-food value chain to support the kingdom’s goals, while Syngenta continues to advance technologies that boost yields and soil health, guided by its sustainability priorities. As geopolitical shifts draw more capital to food infrastructure, this partnership offers a model for cross-border collaborations blending investment capital with agronomic expertise.
Earlier this month, Saudi Arabia’s Minister of Environment, Water and Agriculture, Abdulrahman bin Abdulmohsen Al-Fadley, inaugurated the 42nd Saudi Agriculture Exhibition at the Riyadh International Convention and Exhibition Center, overseeing the signing of over two-dozen agreements and MoUs valued at more than $960 million. The gathering drew hundreds of companies and organizations from over 30 countries to spotlight emerging technologies in plant production, livestock, organic foods, animal health, food processing and ag innovation. Officials framed the event as a cornerstone of the Kingdom’s Vision 2030 push toward food security and self-sufficiency, fostering collaborations that blend global expertise with local needs.
Separately, a Bloomberg report revealed that SALIC is in talks to acquire the remaining stake of Singapore-based Olam Agri Holdings that it doesn’t already own. Earlier this year, SALIC purchased a 44.58 percent position in Olam Group’s ag business, catapulting its total ownership at the time to a reported 80 percent.
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