Exhibiting at Middle East Poultry Expo 2025

The Agricultural Development Fund (ADF) of Saudi Arabia, headquartered in Riyadh, serves as a critical pillar in the Kingdom's strategy for achieving agricultural sustainability, food security, and rural economic development. Established in 1961, ADF has evolved into a multifaceted financial institution under the Ministry of Environment, Water, and Agriculture, empowering farmers and agribusinesses with tailored financial and advisory solutions.

Company Overview

ADF is tasked with promoting agricultural investment through a diverse range of financial instruments and development programs. By providing accessible financing, fostering technological innovation, and encouraging sustainable practices, ADF supports national efforts to diversify the economy and strengthen the agricultural sector in line with Saudi Vision 2030.

Core Business Areas

ADF delivers services across four strategic pillars:

• Financing Services: Offers long-term development loans, short-term operational loans, credit facilities, and specialized project financing. These include:

  • Hydroponic systems
  • Livestock and poultry farms
  • Aquaculture ventures
  • Agro-industrial projects

• Support Programs: Initiatives designed to enhance rural livelihoods and agricultural productivity such as:

  • Rural Development Program
  • Greenhouse farming support
  • Water conservation incentives
  • Aquaculture expansion loans

• Digital Services: An e-Services platform providing:

  • Online loan applications and approvals
  • Project performance tracking tools
  • Beneficiary portals for real-time support

• Consultancy and Advisory Services:

  • Feasibility analysis
  • Business model development for farmers
  • Environmental and water resource advisory

Unique Selling Proposition (USP)

ADF combines financial strength with sectoral expertise to deliver high-impact support. Key differentiators include:

• Zero-interest or low-interest loans for eligible projects
• Integrated project evaluation models to assess environmental, financial, and technical viability
• Strategic partnerships with international organizations to promote innovation
• Support for emerging technologies such as hydroponics, aquaponics, and smart farming

Financial and Operational Data

As a government-backed institution, ADF operates under state funding with an independently managed portfolio. Key data points include:

• Total loans issued since inception: Over SAR 60 billion
• Annual disbursement (2022): SAR 2.6 billion across 1,500+ projects
• Loan recovery rate: Above 90%, reflecting effective risk and compliance management
• Investment priorities: Water-efficient systems, sustainable livestock farming, and rural entrepreneurship

Project and Impact Data

From 2020 to 2023, ADF:

• Funded 400+ greenhouse agriculture projects
• Supported 150 aquaculture developments in Eastern and Western Provinces
• Enabled 8,000+ farmers through digital loans and rural training initiatives
• Deployed mobile advisory units to 35+ rural regions

Target Stakeholders

ADF primarily serves:

• Small and medium-scale farmers
• Agricultural startups and cooperatives
• Agri-tech entrepreneurs
• Large agro-industrial investors

Capabilities and Infrastructure

ADF’s operational strength includes:

• A network of branch offices across Saudi Arabia
• Centralized digital infrastructure for e-Governance
• Collaboration with financial institutions and NGOs for project co-funding
• Expert panels for project vetting and risk evaluation

Certifications and Compliance

ADF ensures all projects adhere to:

• Saudi Arabian Monetary Authority (SAMA) regulatory guidelines
• Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) frameworks
• ISO 9001-certified internal processes
• Alignment with UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) related to zero hunger, clean water, and responsible production

Stakeholder Testimonials

"The ADF loan for hydroponic greenhouse development revolutionized our yield per square meter. We now export surplus to GCC markets."
— CEO, AgriStart Green Ventures, Jazan (Source: Ministry Publication)

"The Rural Development Program enabled me to scale from a traditional farm to a fully digitized aquaculture facility. The support was life-changing."
— Fish Farmer, Eastern Province (Source: National Forum on Agriculture)

Major Achievements

• Disbursed over SAR 3.7 billion under Vision 2030 aligned projects in the last 5 years
• Ranked among top national agencies for food security impact by government audits
• Launched the ADF e-Services Portal, streamlining 70% of loan processing workflows
• Signed international MOUs with agricultural financing institutions in Europe and Asia
• Pioneered water-saving loan schemes, reducing sectoral water usage by 20%

The Agricultural Development Fund remains a cornerstone of Saudi Arabia’s agricultural advancement, driving sustainable innovation, rural prosperity, and food security through strategic financial empowerment and technical support.