The Regional Government of Castile and León hosted the opening ceremony in observance of World Pulses Day on 10 February 2026 with FAO, champions of pulses, experts and partners from around the world gathering at the event in Valladolid, Spain. 

Chickpeas have been at the heart of Lebanese cuisine for generations. From hummus to falafel, they are woven into the country’s cultural identity. Local production, however, has long struggled to meet domestic demand. FAO’s One Country, One Priority Product initiative is helping farmers reclaim this legacy crop through improved access to quality seeds and better agronomic practices.

On the occasion of the World Pulses Day 2026, the FAO Museum and Network opens a new exhibition spotlighting a powerful – yet often marginalized – set of crops for healthy diets and sustainable agrifood systems. The exhibition, titled “Pulses of the World: From Modesty to Excellence” after the 2026 World Pulses Day theme, will be on display from 10 February to 10 March 2026 in a dedicated space within the museum, welcoming both FAO staff and external visitors. 

Pulses possess exceptional nutritional attributes and their cultivation provide immense environmental benefits. Nevertheless, their per capita consumption has declined in many countries – developed and developing. The theme “Pulses of the world: from modesty to excellence” was selected to highlight the required transformation – from humble origins to global recognition for their flavours, nutritional attributes and culinary diversity.

FAO and the Kingdom of Spain are collaborating in the organization of this year’s observance, which is scheduled for 10 February 2026 at the Miguel Delibes Cultural Centre in Valladolid, Spain. The Ministry of Agriculture, Livestock and Rural Development of the Regional Government of Castile and León is facilitating the event, which will be only the second time that this United Nations-designated observance will be held outside FAO Headquarters – an eloquent testimony to Spain’s strong commitment to sustainable agrifood systems.

Pulses are more than just ingredients in your kitchen. They are an ally in achieving sustainable agrifood systems and food security and nutrition for all. 

Ahead of this year’s Sustainable Gastronomy Week, renowned Peruvian chef Adolfo Perret, who participated in this year’s World Pulses Day celebration, explains why pulses have become a staple in his kitchen. He also shares practical tips to help people overcome common barriers to incorporating pulses into their everyday meals.

On and around 10 February 2025, governments, civil society organizations, schools, pulse industry organizations, producers, and researchers worldwide celebrated World Pulses Day 2025, recognizing the crucial role of pulses in sustainable agriculture, food security, and nutrition.

Each of us can contribute to a sustainable food future by incorporating more pulses into our diets and supporting local pulse producers. Farmers can explore intercropping pulses with other crops to enhance soil health and productivity, while policymakers can strengthen support for pulse production and processing.   

Hosted by the Government of Peru, the World Pulses Day commemoration aims to promote the cultivation of these edible seeds, which accounted for 96 million tons worldwide in 2022.

Each of us can contribute to a sustainable food future by incorporating more pulses into our diets and supporting local pulse producers. Farmers can explore intercropping pulses with other crops to enhance soil health and productivity, while policymakers can strengthen support for pulse production and processing.   

The global celebration will take place on 10 February 2025, with the theme: “Pulses: Bringing diversity to agrifood systems”. It will be opened by His Excellency Ángel Manuel Manero Campos, Minister for Agricultural Development and Irrigation; Yurdi Yasmi, Director of the FAO Plant Production and Protection Division; and other dignitaries.

What do lentil stew, hummus and bean chilli have in common? They’re all made with pulses! Every 10 February, we celebrate World Pulses Day, through which the important roles of these seeds in nourishing people and transforming agrifood systems are recognized. But what exactly are pulses? And how do they differ from legumes?

The theme for this year's World Pulses Day (10 February 2025) is: “Pulses: Bringing diversity to agrifood systems”. Learn more about pulses and how you can take part in this global initiative. 

The Food and Agriculture of the United Nations (FAO) observed World Pulses Day 2024 with the theme, ‘Pulses: nourishing soils and people’.

Find some fun and creative suggestions for getting your kids excited about eating their pulses.

From sub-Saharan Africa to Europe and Latin America, the production and consumption of pulses increase the resilience of farming systems and improve lives.