During Saudi Agriculture 2025, the Netherlands Agricultural Network in the GCC (LAN-GCC), in collaboration with the Saudi Agrifood Tech Alliance (SAFTA), organized a high-level seminar titled “Feeding the Future: Sustainable Protein Solutions for Livestock and Aquaculture.”
The seminar brought together universities and private-sector stakeholders across the feed, livestock and aquaculture value chain with Dutch knowledge partners to explore how alternative proteins can be scaled responsibly in Saudi Arabia.
The programme was structured around two thematic blocks: insect-based feed ingredients for circular livestock feed systems, and algae and seaweed solutions for more sustainable aquafeeds.
Beeld: © LAN-RIY
Why alternative proteins for feed matter now
Alternative protein systems have the potential to advance food security, circularity and climate resilience in Saudi Arabia and the broader region. The topic aligns with the priorities of the Netherlands Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries, Food Security and Nature (LVVN), in the transition to more sustainable food systems, and reflects Saudi Arabia’s growing interest in local protein production and circular bio-resource concepts for increased self-reliance.
Insect-based ingredients: circular feed solutions
The insect-based block was moderated by Dr. Somaya Naser El Deen, Wageningen Livestock Research – Wageningen University & Research.
In her opening keynote, Dr. Naser El Deen highlighted how black soldier fly (BSF) systems and yellow mealworms can convert organic residues into high-value feed ingredients under arid conditions, while producing frass as a soil-improving fertiliser. She also referenced international research on safety, scalability and the practical requirements for integrating insect-derived ingredients into existing feed value chains.
This first block concluded that scaling insects is not only about production capacity: it also requires clear rules on permitted substrates and traceability, predictable feed approvals, and business models that make local production competitive.
Beeld: © LAN-RIY
During the panel discussion that followed, representatives from Tanmiah Food Company, Arabian Agricultural Services Company (ARASCO), King Abdullah University of Science and Technology (KAUST), Princess Nourah University, and PHYLA/Sequencive, addressed key challenges and opportunities for scaling insect-based feed ingredient production (e.g., insect meal and oil) in Saudi Arabiafrass in local agriculture, and how insect farming can integrate into circular-economy approaches within industrial food systems.
Key takeaways from the insect block included strong interest from Saudi companies to pilot BSF systems, clear opportunities for Dutch–Saudi R&D cooperation, and a shared call for more explicit regulatory frameworks covering feed approvals, waste/substrate streams and biosecurity.
Participants also noted the value of a regional knowledge exchange platform, linking Saudi stakeholders with GCC peers and Dutch experts, to share best practices and accelerate learning on standards, economics and safe scale-up models.
Algae and seaweed: sustainable aquafeeds
The algae and seaweed block was moderated by Dr. Matthew Booth, Wageningen Research – ACRRES.
This second block highlighted the role of microalgae and seaweed as sources of protein, lipids and functional compounds for aquaculture diets, as well as contributors to nutrient recycling in arid coastal regions
Beeld: © LAN-RIY
Dr. Booth outlined opportunities to valorising agricultural and industrial residual streams, integrate algae and seaweed into circular bio-based production systems, reduce the environmental footprint of aquafeeds, and scale research into commercially viable systems.
Beeld: © LAN-RIY
Panellists from KAUST, Princess Nourah University, King Saud University, Lgem Synalgae and Wageningen Marine Research (Wageningen University & Research), discussed the region’s potential of microalgae and macroalgae, including nutritional profiling, genetics and strain development, emerging applications in aquaculture health and sustainability, and the importance of pilot-scale testing under local environmental conditions.
Key takeaways from the algae & seaweed block included strong Saudi interest in localizing aquaculture inputs, the need for robust bioeconomic models for arid climate seaweed cultivation, potential for integrated systems such as seaweed–shrimp effluent cultivation, and readiness from Dutch knowledge institutes to collaborate on feasibility studies, pilots and R&D programmes.
Strengthening Dutch–Saudi collaboration: what’s next
By hosting the seminar in Riyadh, the Netherlands aimed to translate Dutch expertise in circular feed innovation into practical opportunities for Saudi Arabia. Dutch knowledge institutes and companies can support the development of safe and scalable insect- and algae-based feed ingredients - from process design and quality standards to feed trials, business models and pilot projects tested under local conditions, highlighting the value of the so-called Dutch Diamond Approach, connecting government, knowledge institutions, private sector and civil society, and reaffirming the relevance of Dutch expertise in supporting Saudi Arabia’s move towards circular, water-efficient and sustainable protein systems.
Beeld: © LAN-RIY
Through LAN-GCC, the Netherlands will continue to support cross-border research collaborations, knowledge exchange, the development of sustainable agrifood innovations and partnerships that contribute to resilient food systems across the region. The LAN-GCC team will continue to work with government partners, including SAFTA, universities, agrifood companies and innovation clusters to facilitate follow-up engagements and explore opportunities for joint research, pilot projects and investment.
More information
Overall, the seminar demonstrated strong interest from Saudi stakeholders to deepen cooperation with Dutch partners in insects, algae and alternative feed systems. It attracted participants from Saudi government entities, universities and companies, and prompted practical questions on standards, safe substrates, traceability, economics at scale and how pilots could be designed under Saudi conditions.
Wageningen University & Research (WUR) is a leading Dutch institute in agri-food and environmental research contributed scientific perspectives based on its livestock and marine research expertise, alongside its work on circular bio-based production systems.
Beeld: © LAN-RIY
For more information or to connect with partners involved in this seminar, please contact the LAN-GCC on RIY-LVVN@minbuza.nl