Global exhibition “From Seeds to Foods” kicks off FAO’s 80th Anniversary celebrations | FAO News

Rome – A global exhibition titled “From Seeds to Foods” will take place from 10 to 13 October in the heart of Rome, marking the start of celebrations for the 80th anniversary of the Food & Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO), officially observed on 16 October.

Open to the public & set in the Park of Porta Capena, opposite FAO headquarters, the open-air exhibition will transform the area into a vibrant hub that celebrates the diversity of global agrifood systems & showcases technologies & practices shaping the future of food & agriculture.

Visitors of all ages will enjoy an engaging, hands-on experience. Highlights include a replica of the Svalbard Seed Vault, an aquaponic greenhouse, agricultural drones, satellite technologies, & even dogs trained to detect plant diseases – a testament to innovation & creativity across agriculture.

The exhibition will be open from Friday to Sunday (10 – 12 October) from 10:00-19:00 CEST, & on Monday (13 October) from 10:00-13:00 CEST.  

A high-level inauguration ceremony, open to guests & accredited media, will take place on Friday, 10 October, from 16:00 to 18:00 CEST, with the participation of:

• FAO Director-General QU Dongyu;
• King Letsie III of Lesotho;
• Italy’s Minister for Agriculture, Food Sovereignty & Forests Francesco Lollobrigida;
• Minister for National Development Planning of Indonesia, Rachmat Pambudy; &
• Councillor of Rome for Agriculture, Environment & Waste Management, Sabrina Alfonsi.

A celebration of innovation & culture

Beyond its exhibits, “From Seeds to Foods” will feature a vibrant cultural program with workshops, talks, cooking shows & performances celebrating agricultural heritage & innovation from around the world.

Renowned Italian chef & FAO Food Hero, Max Mariola, will lead a special culinary showcase, while additional performances & culinary displays will turn the Park into a living celebration of global food cultures.

A highlight of the exhibition will be the Monumental Tree Pathway — a wooden walkway built from reclaimed pine wood to protect the roots of Porta Capena’s centuries-old trees. The pathway will remain as a symbolic legacy, donated to the City of Rome.

A milestone moment

Held within the framework of the fifth edition of the World Food Forum & leading up to World Food Day 2025 on 16 October, “From Seeds to Foods” marks the beginning of FAO’s 80th anniversary celebrations.

For eight decades, FAO has led global efforts to defeat hunger & malnutrition. This exhibition stands as a milestone moment in the Organization’s journey to achieve better production, better nutrition, a better environment, & a better life – leaving no one behind.