Rome – The Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) is marking the start of its 80th anniversary celebrations with a global exhibition titled “From Seeds to Foods,” taking place from 10 to 13 October in the Park of Porta Capena, opposite FAO headquarters. The open-air exhibition transforms the area into a vibrant hub celebrating the diversity of global agrifood systems while highlighting technologies and practices shaping the future of food and agriculture.
Visitors of all ages can engage with interactive displays including a replica of the Svalbard Seed Vault, an aquaponic greenhouse, agricultural drones, satellite technologies, and even dogs trained to detect plant diseases. The exhibition aims to showcase innovation and creativity across agriculture while providing hands-on experiences for attendees. It will be open from 10:00 to 19:00 CEST from 10 to 12 October, and from 10:00 to 13:00 CEST on 13 October.
The exhibition’s inauguration on 10 October will feature a high-level ceremony with FAO Director-General QU Dongyu, King Letsie III of Lesotho, Italy’s Minister for Agriculture Francesco Lollobrigida, Indonesia’s Minister for National Development Planning Rachmat Pambudy, and Rome’s Councillor for Agriculture Sabrina Alfonsi. The event highlights the global importance of FAO’s work and the international collaboration underpinning food security and sustainable agriculture.
Beyond its exhibits, “From Seeds to Foods” will offer a rich cultural program with workshops, talks, cooking shows, and performances celebrating agricultural heritage and innovation worldwide. Italian chef and FAO Food Hero Max Mariola will lead a culinary showcase, while other performances and displays will reflect the diversity of global food cultures. A key feature, the Monumental Tree Pathway, a wooden walkway built from reclaimed pine to protect ancient trees, will remain as a symbolic legacy donated to the City of Rome.
Held alongside the fifth edition of the World Food Forum and leading up to World Food Day 2025 on 16 October, the exhibition marks a milestone in FAO’s 80-year journey to combat hunger and malnutrition. “From Seeds to Foods” embodies the Organization’s commitment to better production, nutrition, environment, and life for all, reinforcing FAO’s mission to leave no one behind.
