Seeds of change: FAO leadership shines a light on regional agrifood systems ahead of global exhibition

03/10/2025

From Africa to North America, the world’s farmers, innovators and communities are central to the heritage, diversity and technology that shape how we produce, market and consume food.

The First FAO Global Exhibition: From Seeds to Foods will showcase these innovations through six engaging regional perspectives. Each brings its own story of sustainable agrifood systems, climate resilience and community empowerment as captured in the videos described below.

Africa: From roots to resilience

Empowered farmers drive productivity, create jobs, and strengthen food security. Africa’s greatest strength lies in its people — youth, women, and smallholder farmers — who are leading innovations in sustainable agrifood systems. Showcasing climate-resilient seeds and smart technologies across crops, livestock, fisheries and forestry, communities are building resilience and shaping inclusive and sustainable futures.

Asia and the Pacific: From tradition to innovation

The region, home to 60 percent of the world’s population, is rich in agricultural diversity.
From rice and spices to livestock and forestry, here smallholder farmers blend traditional knowledge with modern technology to build resilient agrifood systems. Climate-smart practices and digital tools empower women and youth thereby boosting productivity. They also expand market access for products like fruits from Indonesia, Iran and Samoa and tea from China, Nepal and Sri Lanka thereby ensuring this vibrant region drives equitable growth and food security.

Latin America and the Caribbean: Agrobiodiversity for life

Home to native maize, cocoa, potatoes and amaranth, the region is a global hub of agrobiodiversity.
Seed banks, agroforestry and sustainable soil and water management not only conserve ecosystems but also create markets for native crops, generating opportunities, supporting livelihoods and promoting healthy diets.
Through initiatives such as Farmer Field Schools, communities share climate-smart practices that enhance resilience, inclusion and productivity. Indigenous and local knowledge continues to sustain diverse agrifood systems and preserve genetic resources vital for the future.

Europe and Central Asia: The power of diverse cereals and pulses

Historically known as a breadbasket, the region blends science and culture to strengthen cereal- and pulse-based systems. Pulses are not only food but also central to healthy diets, nutrition, and cultural traditions, carrying stories of resilience and continuity that link the past with a forward-looking spirit. At the same time, efforts to reduce food waste, preserve agrobiodiversity and support rural livelihoods across horticulture, livestock, and aquaculture are inspiring healthier diets and advancing sustainable agrifood systems.

Near East and North Africa: Harvesting resilience

Acknowledged as the cradle of cultivation, the Near East and North Africa are not only preserving the legacy of ancient agriculture but also actively shaping the future of global food security.

This region gave the world its first crops, its earliest farmers and foundational food cultures. Today, farmers, innovators and communities build on this heritage with resilience, sustainability and creativity, advancing agricultural practices while safeguarding traditions for generations to come.

North America: Innovation, heritage and sustainability in action

From the grains of the Great Plains to California’s fruits and nuts, and from the berries of Canada’s Maritime provinces to the prairies of Alberta and Saskatchewan, North America’s vast landscapes support a resilient agrifood system.
Producers across the United States and Canada utilize advanced mechanization, improved seeds and renewable energy to provide a safe, affordable and abundant food supply, even amid changing weather, water and land conditions.
Through science, trade and partnerships, North America demonstrates how innovation and tradition together build a resilient, sustainable future thereby making the region a global leader in sustainable agrifood systems.

Hear more from the Director, Liaison Office for North America, Jocelyn Brown Hall

The First FAO Global Exhibition: From Seeds to Foods promises a journey, illustrating how communities worldwide are innovating, preserving traditions and shaping sustainable agrifood systems to nourish both people and the planet.
Be part of the seeds of change by joining the conversation online with #Seeds2Foods and #FAO80.

Also, if in Rome, join the exhibition at Park of Porta Capena, located at Piazzale Numa Pompilio on Via delle Terme di Caracalla, next to FAO headquarters. The park can be reached by car, bus, tram or Metro line B (Circo Massimo stop).