Article 8 of the Saudi Agriculture Law
المادة 8 من نظام الزراعة
The Minister, in coordination with the relevant authorities, takes the necessary measures in any crisis, emergency, disaster or imminent danger threatening the agricultural sector, people or public health.
Official text (Arabic)
This article has not been amended since the law was issued.
يتولى الوزير -عند وقوع أي أزمة أو حالة طارئة أو كارثة أو خطر وشيك متعلق بالقطاع الزراعي قد يؤدي إلى الإضرار بالقطاع أو بالإنسان أو الصحة العامة- اتخاذ ما يلزم من إجراءات وتدابير لمنع تفاقم أي من ذلك؛ وذلك بالتنسيق مع الجهات ذات العلاقة.
This is the official Arabic wording, the only legally binding version. We do not translate the law itself; the explanation below is ours. Official source: Bureau of Experts at the Council of Ministers
Article 8 explained in plain English
This article gives the Minister, who under Article 1 is the Minister of Environment, Water and Agriculture, an exceptional power to deal with emergencies.
When does it apply? When any of the following occurs:
- A crisis.
- An emergency.
- A disaster.
- An imminent danger.
provided that it relates to the agricultural sector and is such as to cause harm to the sector, to people or to public health.
What is the power? Taking the necessary measures and steps to prevent its aggravation.
The restriction: It must be in coordination with the relevant authorities.
The wording is deliberately broad; the text does not specify the measures, because crises vary in nature and cannot be listed in advance. The power is nevertheless limited by its purpose, which is preventing harm from worsening, and by coordination with the relevant authorities.
This article complements Article 7, which regulates disposal of infected resources and compensation of the owner, since epidemic crises may require such disposal. This article does not address compensation for measures taken under it, so no ruling on that can be inferred from it.
If you have a specific situation, it is best to consult a lawyer specializing in agricultural and environmental laws.
Translated from our Arabic explanation with machine assistance. For guidance only; it does not replace advice from a lawyer on your situation.
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Frequently asked questions about Article 8 of the Saudi Agriculture Law
What power does the Minister have when an agricultural epidemic occurs?
The Minister takes the necessary measures and steps to prevent the harm from worsening, in coordination with the relevant authorities.
Does the Minister's power cover dangers that have not yet occurred?
Yes. The article covers an imminent danger relating to the agricultural sector that may cause harm to the sector, to people or to public health.
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The texts are reproduced from the official website of the Bureau of Experts at the Council of Ministers for reference; where they differ, the officially published Arabic text prevails. This content is not legal advice.