Rome recently hosted a high-level international event titled "Georgian Wheat: Tradition for the Future" at the headquarters of the Food and Agriculture Organisation of the UN (FAO), held as part of the World Food Forum 2026.

Organized by the Ministry of Environmental Protection and Agriculture of Georgia, the event aimed to introduce the global community to the rich history of Georgian wheat, its unique genetic diversity, and the cultural traditions associated with its cultivation and use. It also sought to underscore the importance of preserving traditional knowledge and integrating it with modern scientific approaches.

The event featured distinguished speakers including David Songulashvili, Minister of Environmental Protection and Agriculture of Georgia; Nino Tsilosani, Deputy Chairperson of the Parliament of Georgia; Maurizio Martina, Deputy Director-General of FAO; Aruna Francesca Maria Gujral, Director-General of the International Centre for the Study of the Preservation and Restoration of Cultural Property; Natia Shamatava, Deputy Minister of Culture of Georgia; Tamuna Liluashvili, Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of Georgia to the Italy and Georgia’s Permanent Representative to FAO.

"Bringing together such esteemed guests offered a remarkable opportunity to showcase the 8,000-year legacy of Georgian wheat and the ancient tradition of bread-making, as recognized by UNESCO as an Intangible Cultural Heritage", - said David Songulashvili.

The program featured presentations on Georgian wheat culture, traditional practices and rituals, the country`s unique genetic resources, plant breeding efforts, and sustainable agricultural methods.

Discussions also focused on adapting wheat production to climate change, including the application of modern agricultural technologies. Participants had the opportunity to taste bread made from Georgian wheat varieties and discover wines produced from rare indigenous Georgian grape varieties.

Georgia stands as one of the world’s oldest centers of wheat origin and genetic diversity, home to fourteen wheat species across its terrain, including five endemic species. In 2025, the traditions and rituals related to Georgian wheat culture were officially inscribed on UNESCO`s Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity.