FAO: COLDIRETTI/CAMPAGNA AMICA, BOOM IN FARMERS MARKETS (+40%), WORLD ASSEMBLY IN ROME
Farmers from 80 countries gather for the opening of the major biodiversity exhibition showcasing specialties from around the globe
The global network of farmers markets continues to grow, with a nearly 40% increase recorded over the past year, bringing the total number of markets of the World Farmers Markets Coalition to 28,000. Starting tomorrow, Friday 10 October, the coalition will hold its world assembly in Rome. Farmers and farmers market managers from 80 countries across all continents are expected in the Italian capital for three days of meetings and initiatives.
For the occasion, a major Food Biodiversity Exhibition of Farmers Markets will be set up as part of the Global Exhibition celebrating the 80th anniversary of Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO). The showcase will feature unique products from every corner of the world, highlighting the richness and quality that distinguish farmers markets.
Born out of a project within the FAO Food Coalition, on the initiative of Coldiretti and Fondazione Campagna Amica, the WorldFMC today represents over 100 associations, 330,000 farming families, and more than 400 million consumers.
At the heart of the Assembly, held as part of the celebrations for FAO’s 80th anniversary, are key issues related to food, food sovereignty, and the development of local supply chains as an “antidote” to hunger, wars, and trade conflicts such as tariffs.
The opening session will take place tomorrow, Friday 10 October, at FAO headquarters on Viale delle Terme di Caracalla. Among those present will be Coldiretti Secretary General Vincenzo Gesmundo and President Ettore Prandini, together with Sabrina Alfonsi, Councillor for Agriculture, Environment and Waste Management, Municipality of Rome; Maurizio Martina, Deputy Director-General, FAO; Dominga Cotarella, President of Fondazione Campagna Amica; Stefano Gatti, Director General for Development Cooperation at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation; Richard McCarthy, President of the World Farmers Markets Coalition; Carmelo Troccoli, WFMC Director General; Eric Opoku, Minister of Food and Agriculture of Ghana; M. Mabouba Diagne, Minister of Agriculture of Senegal; Paul Valentin Ngobo, Minister of Agriculture of the Republic of the Congo (Congo-Brazzaville); and Federica Diamanti, Associate Vice President for External Relations at International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD).
Together with FAO and international partners, the Coalition supports local food systems, biodiversity, and small farmers in Africa and the Global South. Through the Mediterranean and African Markets Initiative (MAMi), financed by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and implemented by CIHEAM Bari with WorldFMC and Fondazione Campagna Amica, the project promotes the development of farmers markets and the resilience of local systems in Egypt, Kenya, Lebanon, and Tunisia, strengthening the connection between producers and urban consumers.
From Tiger Nuts to Pipilongo: A Global Biodiversity Showcase
Tiger nuts from Ghana, actually small tubers halfway between beans and potatoes; Dashi, a traditional Japanese broth made with dried tuna and seaweed; red honey from English cherry trees; Pipilongo, a rare Colombian pepper variety with citrus notes; Cempasúchil extract, a Mexican marigold used both as a natural dye and anti-inflammatory in herbal teas; Vietnamese banana powder; and Cubio, another tuber similar to a carrot.
These are just some of the unique products on display at the major biodiversity exhibition organized by the WorldFMC with Coldiretti and Campagna Amica at FAO headquarters. More than 200 products will be showcased, treasures from local markets around the world, carefully preserved against the homogenization and standardization of food. Having direct sales channels allows farmers to keep cultivating these varieties, ensuring their survival and protecting them from extinction.
The Youth Manifesto of Farmers
The “Youth Manifesto / Alliance for Local Food” will be presented on Saturday 11 October (15.45 pm, FAO Exhibition) by five young farmers representing their continents: Darwin Hinojosa (Agroferias Campesinas, Peru), Sihyeon Lee (Marche@, South Korea), Shelby Saucier (National Young Farmers Coalition, USA), Enrico Parisi (Coldiretti Giovani Impresa, Italy), and Peju Sokunle (Rural Hack, Nigeria).
The Manifesto highlights the critical issues in current food systems and outlines a vision to rebuild the bond between food, people, and the planet, focusing on core commitments such as valuing local food, promoting quality, and strengthening territorial food networks. In this framework, young leaders assert their role in creating sustainable and resilient systems and call on the international community to collaborate in developing fair, inclusive, and future-oriented farmers’ markets.
The WorldFMC Awards
on SUnday 12 October, the WorldFMC Assembly will conclude with the Awards Ceremony. Three categories are in competition:
- Best Producer: Joseph Assaf (Lebanon), Varvara Ryabokon (Ukraine), Mily Saravia (Peru)
- Best Farmers’ Market Manager: Dennis Andaye Mlefu (Kenya), Eman Seif (Egypt), Carlos Lazo (Peru)
- Best City for Local Food Policies: Rome (Italy), Dhaka (Bangladesh), Macedon Ranges Shire Council (Australia)
The awards ceremony will take place at 11.30 a.m. at the Mercato di Campagna Amica al Circo Massimo, Via San Teodoro 74, in the presence of the Mayor of Rome Roberto Gualtieri and FAO Deputy Director-General Maurizio Martina, among others.
