From Wageningen to Rome: My Experience at the FAO
By Devi Muralee Krishna
As an international student at Wageningen University and Research, I always hoped my studies would connect me to global conversations about food systems. Recently, that hope became a reality when I travelled to Rome to attend the FAO “From Seeds to Foods” exhibition, an event that brings together global experts, chefs, and policymakers to explore how every food system begins with a seed.
The event was part of FAO’s 80-year milestone and brought together experts, chefs, policymakers, and visitors from around the world to explore one important idea: every food system begins with a seed.
Walking into the exhibition, I immediately felt how global the conversation around food really is. Displays showed how seeds connect agriculture, biodiversity, nutrition, and sustainability. As someone studying food quality and safety, it was inspiring to see how scientific research, policy discussions, and cultural experiences all came together in one place.
Inside the FAO Headquarters: Where Global Food Decisions Happen
Before attending the exhibition, we had the opportunity to visit the headquarters of the Food and Agriculture Organisation of the United Nations in Rome. Walking into the building felt surreal. It is a place I had often read about in lectures, research papers, and global food policy discussions.
Inside the headquarters, the atmosphere immediately felt international. Flags from countries around the world were displayed across the halls, symbolising how global cooperation is essential for addressing food security, agriculture, and sustainability.
During our visit, we also saw ambassadors and delegates from many countries interacting and attending discussions. It was fascinating to witness how diplomacy and science intersect in the same space. At one point, we even saw the FAO Director General, Qu Dongyu, speaking with delegates and moving between meetings. Seeing him in person made the experience even more memorable.
What struck me most was the scale of collaboration happening in the building. Representatives from different countries, cultures, and disciplines were all working toward a shared goal of improving global food systems and ensuring food security for the future.
For me, as a student studying food quality and food systems, this visit connected theory with reality. The policies, initiatives, and collaborations that begin in places like FAO eventually influence agriculture, food production, and nutrition across the world.
Standing there surrounded by international delegates and global discussions, I realised how interconnected our food systems truly are and how important global cooperation is in shaping them.
Experiencing Food Systems Up Close
One of my favourite parts of the exhibition was the interactive food displays. Visitors could see and taste ingredients that form the foundation of food systems around the world.
At one point, I was standing in front of a colourful display of fruits and crops such as corn, bananas, avocados, and mangoes while sampling a small tasting portion. It was a simple moment, but it reminded me how diverse and rich our global food systems are.
For me, it highlighted something important. Food diversity begins with seed diversity, and protecting that biodiversity is essential for resilient agriculture and sustainable diets.
Watching Food Come to Life
Chef demonstration during the FAO Seeds to Foods exhibition in Rome
Another highlight was the live cooking demonstrations during the exhibition. Watching chefs prepare dishes on stage made the event’s theme feel very real and showed how the journey from seeds ultimately becomes the food we share at the table.
The culinary program included Italian chef Max Mariola, who showcased dishes inspired by Italian culinary traditions and seasonal ingredients. Seeing chefs transform agricultural products into beautiful meals reminded me that food systems are not only about production. They are also about culture, creativity, and community.
Discovering Rome Through Food
Outside the event, Rome itself became part of the experience.
One evening, my friends and I went out to explore local restaurants, and of course, we could not leave without trying authentic Italian food. We shared a pizza topped with cherry tomatoes, mozzarella, and fresh basil. The ingredients were simple but incredibly flavorful.
We also tried pasta paired with a glass of red wine and finished the meal with tiramisu, one of Italy’s most famous desserts.
What made the evening memorable was not only the food. It was sitting together, sharing stories, and reflecting on the day. Food truly has a way of bringing people together.
Exploring Rome with Friends
Between sessions at the exhibition, we also took time to explore the city. Visiting the Colosseum was one of the most memorable moments of the trip.
Standing in front of such a historic monument surrounded by friends, horse carriages passing by, and the warm Roman sunlight felt surreal. The Colosseum has stood for nearly two thousand years, and being there reminded me how deeply history, culture, and society shape the way we live today.
It was the perfect balance to the academic side of the trip.
Reflections as an International Student
This experience meant a lot to me not only as a student but also as an international student studying food systems.
Traveling from Wageningen to Rome to attend an FAO event made me realize how connected our global food systems are. The conversations happening in places like FAO influence policies, research, and practices that ultimately affect farmers, companies, and consumers worldwide.
At the same time, the trip reminded me that learning does not only happen in classrooms. Sometimes it happens while tasting a new dish, watching a chef cook, or walking through a historic city with friends.
For me, the FAO exhibition was a powerful reminder that the journey from seeds to food is also a journey of people, culture, and collaboration. And as students, we are lucky to be part of that journey.
See you soon with more stories!
Devi
