Food Committee Reviews Gulf Plant Genetic Resources Law with Ministry Specialists
04 May 2026
The Food and Water Security Committee of the Shura Council held a meeting on Monday morning with specialists from the Ministry of Agricultural, Fisheries and Water Resources as part of its review of the Draft unified law on the management of plant genetic resources for food and agriculture in GCC countries, referred by the government.
The meeting aimed to gather technical insights from the ministry, which is responsible for preparing and the Draft Law. Discussions focused on the objectives and justifications of its provisions, as well as its regulatory, procedural, and legislative aspects, in order to enrich the committee’s deliberations and support the development of informed recommendations.
The Committee head Abdullah Ahmed Al Malak Al Shuhi underscored the importance of such engagements in strengthening coordination between the Shura Council and executive bodies. He highlighted the law’s relevance to a vital sector affecting a broad segment of Omani society, particularly its links to food security, biodiversity protection, and the sustainability of natural resources. He noted that the discussions would help generate constructive recommendations serving the public interest.
Ministry specialists delivered a presentation outlining the key pillars of the draft law, including its objectives to protect plant genetic resources, preserve agricultural biodiversity, and regulate access to and use of these resources in a way that ensures sustainability and balances agricultural development with natural resource conservation.
The presentation also emphasized the critical role of plant genetic resources in achieving food security, improving crop varieties and productivity, addressing climate change and agricultural pests, and supporting scientific research and innovation. It further reviewed relevant GCC and international agreements, examining the draft law’s alignment with them to strengthen legislative integration across member states.
Participants stressed the importance of enhancing cooperation among government entities, research institutions, and the agricultural sector to build an integrated system for managing plant genetic resources and maximizing their contribution to sustainable agricultural development and food security goals. The draft law was described as a key step toward establishing a unified legislative framework across the GCC.
The meeting featured extensive discussions on implementation mechanisms and the law’s potential impact on the agricultural sector and food security. Members highlighted the need for a comprehensive legislative framework that keeps pace with evolving challenges, alongside stronger support for research programs, modern technologies in genetic conservation, and the development of national databases. They also stressed the importance of raising public awareness about the value of preserving genetic resources.
The discussions addressed coordination among relevant entities, regulatory and oversight mechanisms, and potential implementation challenges. Participants emphasized the need for clear executive tools to ensure effective application of the law and optimal use of plant genetic resources while safeguarding them for future generations.
The meeting reflects the committee’s commitment to strengthening legislation related to food security and agricultural sustainability, in line with GCC efforts to protect and sustainably manage plant genetic resources.
The meeting was chaired by Abdullah Ahmed Al Malak Al Shuhi, in the presence of committee members.
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