Iraq Showcases Agricultural Excellence and Investment Opportunities at the FAO Global Exhibition “From Seeds to Foods”

Iraq took part in the first-ever global exhibition “From Seeds to Foods”, held from 10 to 13 October 2025 in Rome’s Park of Porta Capena. The event brought together countries, producers, and innovators from around the world to showcase the journey of food from its origins to the table, celebrating agricultural diversity, local know-how, and sustainable agrifood systems that leave no one behind.

Within the Near East and North Africa (NENA) Regional Pavilion, Iraq presented a selection of authentic national products, including dates showcased under FAO’s “One Country One Priority Product” (OCOP) initiative, reflecting the joint efforts of FAO and the Government of Iraq to strengthen agrifood value chains and promote sustainable livelihoods under the Hand-in-Hand Initiative.

The showcased items included the unique honey from the mountains of the Kurdistan Region of Iraq, repeatedly awarded in international competitions for its purity and aroma; the renowned Anbar rice, prized for its fragrance and quality; and a variety of date-derived products such as syrup, sugar, coffee, and traditional sweets that represent Iraq’s iconic date palm heritage. 

The display also highlighted eco-friendly handicrafts—fans, baskets, and decorative pieces woven from date-palm fronds—demonstrating how Iraq’s artisans transform every part of the palm into value-added products, linking local traditions to the global concept of zero-waste production. Visitors also discovered Men Assama, a unique sweet from the Kurdistan Region made with natural ingredients, emblematic of Iraq’s culinary creativity and cultural diversity. To complement the exhibition, FAO Iraq organized two dedicated tasting sessions in another pavilion (Section C), where visitors were invited to experience Iraq’s authentic flavours and learn about FAO-supported work with farmers, cooperatives, and small enterprises. 

The Iraqi products attracted an impressive audience, including FAO Director-General Dr. QU Dongyu, His Majesty King Letsie III of Lesotho, FAO Assistant Director-General and Regional Representative for the Near East and North Africa, Dr. AbdulHakim Elwaer, former FAO Director-General Mr. José Graziano da Silva, ambassadors, senior FAO managers, and country representatives. These encounters offered an opportunity to promote Iraq’s agrifood identity and highlight progress in revitalizing its value chains—from production to processing and marketing—toward better production, better nutrition, a better environment, and a better life for all.

“The tasting sessions at the Iraq stall were an immersive invitation to discover the country’s unique agrifood culture and quality,” said Dr. Salah El Hajj Hassan, FAO Representative in Iraq, who personally welcomed visitors and guided them through the tasting experience. “Each product tells a story of heritage, resilience, and innovation. We invite our partners and investors to continue this journey with us—from supporting farmers in the field to connecting Iraq’s products to regional and global markets.”

A high-level delegation from the Government of Iraq, led by Minister Technical Deputy of Agriculture, Dr Mithaq Al Khafaji, Ministry of Water Resources, and Iraqi Embassy in Rome participated in the Hand-in-Hand Investment Forum, Held in FAO headquarters from 14 to 17 October 2025 under the World Food Forum umbrella. 
 

The delegation presented Iraq’s investment vision in agriculture, water management, and agrifood industries, emphasizing the country’s commitment to sustainable development and private-sector engagement. In total, five investment cases were presented, covering the agri-food value chains of livestock, dairy and dates.

“Leading the Ministry delegation at the HiH Investment Forum was a milestone for Iraq’s agrifood sector,” said Dr. Mithaq Al-Khafaji, Deputy Minister of Agriculture. “We showcased our readiness for partnerships that can unlock new opportunities in value-chain development and contribute to a more resilient agricultural economy.”

FAO Iraq’s participation across these global platforms underscores its important role in supporting national partners to enhance agrifood value chains, improve productivity, promote sustainable resource management, and strengthen market linkages for Iraqi products with export potential.  Through its programmes on OCOP, climate-smart agriculture, and equitable value-chain development, FAO Iraq continues to work hand in hand with government counterparts, producers, and the private sector to drive inclusive rural transformation — ensuring that progress in Iraq’s agrifood systems truly leaves no one behind.