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.
The experience connects visitors directly with the diversity of agrifood systems and helps the public see where their food comes from. A discovery, a connection and a greater appreciation of agriculture await every visitor.
Celebrating food, culture and innovation from around the world
At the centre of the exhibition is the Main Pavilion, organized around five interconnected areas – Crops, Livestock, Fisheries and Aquaculture, Forestry, and Land and Water – showcasing FAO’s work across agrifood systems.
Six Regional Pavilions highlight the diversity and uniqueness of agrifood systems around the world through products, stories, innovations and traditions, while chefs from around the world lead cooking shows celebrating ingredients, flavours and culinary traditions.
The programme also includes talks, discussions and cultural performances, as well as workshops, educational activities and interactive experiences for children and families.
During the “From Seeds to Foods” exhibition, the FAO Food and Agriculture Museum and Network (MuNe) is also extending its presence beyond FAO headquarters to Circo Massimo.
The FAO Global Exhibition “From Seeds to Foods” runs from 8 to 12 October 2026, from 10:00 to 19:00, at Circo Massimo and is open to the public free of charge. Explore the programme here.
The exhibition opens a major week of events at FAO headquarters, with the World Food Forum 2026 taking place from 12 to 16 October, followed by the World Food Day 2026 Global Ceremony on 16 October. Under the shared theme “Innovate today. Nourish tomorrow.”, the events will bring together world leaders, experts, youth, innovators and partners to accelerate action for more efficient, inclusive, resilient and sustainable agrifood systems.
