FAO Regional Office for Near East and North Africa

Seeds of ancient civilizations: feeding the present and the future

For thousands of years, the Near East and North Africa have nurtured crops that shaped diets, cultures, and identities. From dates, olives, and chickpeas to harissa, coffee, and carobs, these products reflect resilience, tradition, and innovation — supporting rural livelihoods and connecting small producers to global markets. At the FAO80 Global Exhibition, we celebrate this agricultural heritage and the communities that sustain it. By investing in these special crops and pairing traditional knowledge with innovation, we can secure better livelihoods, stronger economies, and a sustainable future — from the seeds of ancient civilizations to tables worldwide.

30/09/2025