Latin America and the Caribbean brings its agrifood diversity to the heart of Rome

From 8 to 12 October, Rome’s Circus Maximus will host FAO’s “From Seeds to Foods” Global Exhibition, where Latin America and the Caribbean will participate with the regional pavilion “Agroforestry systems: from watershed to sea”.

The pavilion will take visitors on a journey from the mountains to the ocean, showcasing how agroforestry systems, which integrate trees with crops and livestock, connect territories, communities and ecosystems, while contributing to more productive, biodiverse, resilient and sustainable landscapes.

Argentina, Barbados, Bolivia, Brazil, Colombia, Ecuador, Peru and Venezuela will showcase Amazonian products derived from coffee and cocoa, as well as forest products and handicrafts. The exhibition will also feature a selection of emblematic foods from the region, including maize, potatoes, quinoa, cocoa and cassava, along with works by Chilean artists Belén Chávez, Yessi Caroca and Nicolás Muñoz Gárate.

The region’s participation in the exhibition comes ahead of FAO’s World Food Forum, which begins the following week in Rome.

One Country One Priority Product

The One Country One Priority Product (OCOP) initiative is a programme launched by FAO in 2021 to promote agricultural products with distinctive qualities and potential for sustainable development. The initiative seeks to enhance the value of these unique products at global, regional and local levels, helping countries leverage their agricultural heritage while promoting environmentally sustainable practices.

In Latin America and the Caribbean, fourteen countries participate in the OCOP initiative. Each country has selected a specific agricultural product that reflects its unique cultural and environmental context. The aim is to support the sustainable development of these products, ensuring that they meet global sustainability standards and contribute to the socioeconomic development of their respective regions.

Currently, six countries have implemented actions under the initiative: Chile with honey; Mexico with amaranth; Trinidad and Tobago with cocoa; Belize with coconut; and Jamaica with ginger.