The Saudi agriculture sector has continued to respond to the demand for food and water as a result
of a rising population. Beginning in 2008, the Saudi Government began to drastically scale back the
production of wheat and other water-intensive crops, and has emerged as a major purchaser of wheat
from the United States and the global market. In an effort to adapt to the dry climate of the region,
Saudi Arabia is seeking to lease farmland abroad in order to grow foodstuff in a more sustainable
environment. Meanwhile, Saudi Arabia is engaging in international technology agreements in the field
of agricultural biotechnology and increasing domestic investment in greenhouses, dairy, poultry, and
aquaculture.