'From Seeds to Foods' opens in Rome as FAO marks 80 years of global action

The Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) today inaugurated “From Seeds to Foods”, the first global exhibition tracing the evolution of agrifood systems – from the origins of agriculture to today’s innovations. Led by FAO Director-General QU Dongyu, the high-level opening ceremony took place within the Park of Porta Capena, directly opposite FAO headquarters, and officially marked the beginning of the Organization’s 80th Anniversary celebrations.

“Every food journey begins with something small: a seed, a seedling, a fingerling, breeding stock, or genetic material,” the FAO Director-General said in his opening remarks." From these humble beginnings grow the amazing diversity of foods that nourish and connect us all," he added.

Qu also emphasized that food is not only about science or biology – it is about people.  “Farmers, fishers, herders, scientists, youth, and women – the millions of hands and minds that make food possible every single day," he said.

The ceremony was attended by King Letsie III of Lesotho, Indonesia’s Minister for National Development Planning Rachmat Pambudy, Rome’s Councillor for Agriculture, Environment and Waste Management, Sabrina Alfonsi and Italy’s Permanent Representative to the UN Organizations in Rome, Ambassador Bruno Archi, who spoke on behalf of Italy’s Minister for Agriculture, Food Sovereignty and Forests, Francesco Lollobrigida.  

Describing the exhibition as both timely and deeply relevant, King Letsie III said: “It offers a unique platform for nations to showcase their agricultural heritage, achievements and aspirations. It reminds us that the journey of food, from the tiniest seed planted by a farmer's hand to the diverse and nutritious meals served on family tables around the world, is the story of human survival, resilience and innovation.”

Noting that the exhibition is “very close to our hearts”, Minister Pambudy said: “Behind every grain of rice or piece of fruit are the hands of farmers, both men and women, young and old, and they deserve not only praise but also respect, justice, and recognition for their hard work in growing our food.”

Rome is hosting with “great pride” the exhibition, which is part of the long-standing collaboration between the city and FAO, Councillor Alfonsi said, adding: "If we want to fight the inequalities of the world, we can only do so by starting from the seeds — and the seeds of all."

Ambassador Archi said: “Seeds are the beginning of everything — both literally and metaphorically. This exhibition is a true library of biodiversity that we must safeguard and protect,” he said.

A vibrant celebration of culture and innovation

A ceremonial ribbon cutting marked the official opening of the exhibition, followed by a guided tour through the regional and innovation pavilions.

The cultural segment featured a live performance by Guatemalan artist Sara Curruchich, main singer of the 2025 World Food Forum, and a culinary showcase by Italian Chef and FAO Food Hero Max Mariola.

Transforming the Park of Porta Capena into a living open-air gallery, the exhibition takes visitors on a journey that begins at the “Introductory Pavilion—Where the Journey Begins,” continues through six regional pavilions curated by FAO’s Regional Offices, passes through a “Main Stage” for dialogue, exchange, and performances, and culminates with a culinary area including “Foods of the World.”

Exhibits highlight both traditional practices and cutting-edge technologies, from a replica of the Svalbard Seed Vault to hydroponics greenhouses, agricultural drones, satellite systems, and even dogs trained to detect plant diseases.

The exhibition’s “Monumental Tree Pathway”, a wooden walkway built with reclaimed pinewood to protect the roots of centuries-old trees — will remain as a symbolic legacy, donated to the City of Rome.

Throughout the four-day event, the “Main Stage” will host workshops, talks, and performances celebrating agricultural heritage, innovation, and culture, including the Angklung Orchestra of Indonesia and a tribute to Ceres by the Cerealia Festival.