Kuwait has made it obligatory for food cooperatives across the country to buy local farm produce, in a new step aimed to promote national products.
Minister of Social Affairs Amthal Al Huwailah, issued a related decree to support the promotion of local agricultural produce, support Kuwaiti farmers, and boost food security, Kuwaiti media reported.
The ministry said in a statement that the decree obligates cooperative societies to purchase no less than 75% of their needs of local agricultural produce, provided that the purchase is made directly through approved auctions to ensure transparency and enhance the efficiency of buying and selling operations.
The decree stipulates appointing a representative from each cooperative’s staff to attend the daily auctions, with priority in appointment given to Kuwaitis in support of national labour in this sector.
In addition, the decree requires cooperatives to allocate 30% of their total area of central markets to display local agricultural products to guarantee constant availability of the items to consumers.
Accordingly, these outlets are obligated to put up clear price lists for all local products to ascertain transparency between consumers and farmers.
The ministry sets a profit margin of no more than 20% on local farm products to ensure they are provided at fair prices to consumers.
Local products will also be exempted from all conditions and restrictions imposed on other products to facilitate their marketing.
In December, the Kuwaiti government ordered relief groups in the country to make sure that their humanitarian assistance is confined to products made at home.
Under royal directives, the Kuwaiti Council of Ministers issued a decree mandating the Red Crescent Society, civil society groups, and all government institutions concerned with providing in-kind aid to ensure that their assistance of all types must be national products manufactured inside Kuwait and bearing the state’s emblem, according to Al Jarida newspaper.
The measure “contributes to strengthening the role and position of the State of Kuwait in humanitarian work and leaving a positive impression on the beneficiaries of this aid,” a government circular was quoted as saying.
