FAO’s From Seeds to Foods exhibition opens at Rome’s historic Circo Massimo, showcasing global agrifood innovation

More than 300 exhibitors from over 140 countries showcase five days of agrifood innovation, from farm technology to new food solutions

FAO Director-General QU Dongyu speaks at the opening ceremony

Rome – From an ancient chariot-racing ground to a showcase for the future of food, Rome’s historic Circo Massimo welcomed the opening of FAO’s second global exhibition, “From Seeds to Foods”, today.

Speaking at the opening ceremony, FAO Director-General QU Dongyu said that the journey from seeds to foods is about more than production. It connects livelihoods, natural resources, science, culture and the people whose knowledge and work sustain agrifood systems around the world.

“Innovation must deliver practical and affordable solutions for food security and nutrition,” Qu said, noting that innovation spans the entire value chain – from resources and knowledge to production, processing, transport and markets.

The Director-General also highlighted the significance of holding the exhibition at Circo Massimo, calling it an opportunity to bring FAO’s mission closer to the people of Rome and visitors from around the world.

The opening ceremony featured Francesco Lollobrigida, Italy’s Minister for Agriculture, Food Sovereignty and Forests; Ellen Johnson Sirleaf, former President of Liberia and Nobel Peace Prize Laureate; Saeb Khraisat, Minister of Agriculture of Jordan; and Roberto Gualtieri, Mayor of Rome.

The ceremony was co-moderated by FAO Deputy Director-Generals Beth Bechdol and Maurizio Martina and opened with a performance by the Banda Musicale dell’Arma dei Carabinieri and the Pujllay Bolivian Folkloric Group.

Held under the theme “Fostering Innovation for Food Security and Nutrition”, the five-day exhibition showcases 400 agricultural products, technologies and innovations, from pioneering farming solutions to breakthroughs in nutrition and sustainability.