Alfadley: Saudi Arabia’s Minister of Environment, Water, and Agriculture, Eng. Abdulrahman Alfadley, has praised the efforts of the International Date Council in fostering cooperation among date-producing nations and promoting the sustainability of the palm and date sector. This announcement was made during the fourth session of the Council of Members Meeting, chaired and hosted by Saudi Arabia, which gathered high-ranking officials and representatives from various countries and organizations to discuss the progress of previous decisions and executive programs.

According to Saudi Press Agency, Alfadley highlighted the economic, social, and environmental importance of the palm and dates sector, noting its vital role in achieving food security and sustainable rural development. Over the past five years, the sector has experienced an 11% increase in total production. The International Date Council plays a key role in enhancing partnerships among date-producing countries, improving agricultural processes, and in
tegrating them with manufacturing, marketing, and trade sectors. The council also supports research studies in the field of palm and dates.

Alfadley also acknowledged Saudi Arabia’s ongoing support for the Council’s initiatives, emphasizing the Council’s goal of establishing a global platform to provide precise data on the palm and dates sector. The Council is committed to conducting studies to develop innovative by-products that increase the sector’s value. The International Date Council comprises members from countries including Saudi Arabia, the UAE, Tunisia, and others, aiming to boost international cooperation, enhance production and marketing, support scientific research, and improve incomes in the dates industry, thereby contributing to rural development and sustainable food security.