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 […]